Turkey Run State Park: A Magical Family Adventure

Less than three hours from Cincinnati is a hidden gem ready for you to explore!

Family adventures don't have to cost a fortune. Camping trips are a perfect way to take that family adventure without breaking the bank. Turkey Run State Park, located in Marshall Indiana, is one of our family's all-time favorite places. The trails and natural habitats are breathtaking and truly make you feel like you have stepped back in time!

Turkey Run was one of the cleanest and well-maintained parks that we have ever visited. They have electric hook ups, bath houses spread throughout, fire pits and picnic tables at each site, and dump stations available for RV's. We chose to stay near the entrance to Trail 7, and I am so happy that we did. Trail 7 is one of the easiest trails (still has a large hill to climb) and will lead you to some gorgeous rock formations before hitting the longer trails. Camping not your thing? They also have a lodge with pretty affordable rates.

A word of warning about the trails here; these are pretty heavy trails depending on the ones you pick. There is some pretty rough terrain and WAAAY more stairs than I care to admit. That being said, the trails are WELL worth the work. I have never seen more gorgeous views! Each trail provided amazing moments along the way, and we loved that each trail was so different. Another great aspect of the park is that the trails are well mapped out and maintained. It makes everything that much easier to explore.

My personal favorite area by far was Rocky Hollow. We actually stopped by a few times because we just couldn't get enough. After crossing the suspension bridge it's easy to find, and an amazing adventure. My son compared it to being in the Croods movie, and I had to agree. There is something almost magical about the entire area. You do have to walk through water over some slick areas to access all of Rocky Hollow. The Hollow will also lead to another amazing spot, The Punch Bowl. We took two dogs and got lucky that we were able to pass through. Somehow our large dog managed to do some rather impressive par core to cross some difficult spots and we carried the little one at a few spots. We didn't take them back with us on the additional trips. I don't recommend this trail for those with bigger mobility issues than I have and be aware of the difficulty when walking with dogs. Also, if the water is too high a few trails will close so make sure to check their Facebook page for updates before you roll out.

Remember, pack smart! Don't forget sunblock, water, and snacks. PLEASE respect natural habitats and follow signage for no hiking areas. Always practice LEAVE NO TRACE exploring!!

If you're looking for an amazing camping adventure, then look no further. You will not regret the drive to this amazing park. Check out their website for more information and trail maps.

DNR: State Parks: Turkey Run State Park (in.gov)