When Anthony and I began planning our first camping trip of the year, we both made a “Top Three” list of where we wanted to go. Both of us named the same state park as our number one choice, so it was an obvious where we’d be going. Turkey Run State Park is located just over an hour from Indianapolis, so it could be a day trip or a weekend adventure. We decided to spend two days and two nights so we could have time to explore the trails, tube down Sugar Creek, and enjoy camping in the woods to reset ourselves a bit.
The state park itself does offer camping options, but we went with primitive camping through Turkey Run Canoe & Camping. For only $25 a night, plus being less than a five-minute drive to the park entrance, we couldn’t have found a better deal. It was just us until a friend of ours, Matt, arrived later on the first night. We were secluded enough to where we could sit around the campfire and talk later than if more people were tpothere, but there was a bathroom and a water station just a short walk away.
The state park itself does offer camping options, but we went with primitive camping through Turkey Run Canoe & Camping. For only $25 a night, plus being less than a five-minute drive to the park entrance, we couldn’t have found a better deal. It was just us until a friend of ours, Matt, arrived later on the first night. We were secluded enough to where we could sit around the campfire and talk later than if more people were tpothere, but there was a bathroom and a water station just a short walk away.
The first day, Anthony and I had some time to spare before our friend was scheduled to arrive. We decided to take a shorter, less intense hike that evening, so we opted for the combination of trails 1 and 2. On this hike, we were able to see the Narrows Covered Bridge, Goose Rock, Gypsy Gulch, the Lusk Earth Fill, and Box Canyon. Somehow, the fact that these trails were labeled as “moderately rugged” and “rugged” didn’t dawn on us, so our peaceful walk turned into quite the intense, sweaty adventure.
That night at the campsite, I kept hearing rustling noises that sounded oddly close to us. I told Anthony and Matt, and they told me it was probably no big deal. In order to comfort myself, I went to make myself a s’more…until I couldn’t find the marshmallows. We all turned our flashlights on, and immediately found the trail of breadcrumbs (well, marshmallows, but you get my reference) leading the way up to six pairs of glowing eyes. So I was hearing something oddly close to us, huh? We quickly learned not to have any food out at our campsite after the sun goes down. Raccoons are fearless and fast little creatures.
That night at the campsite, I kept hearing rustling noises that sounded oddly close to us. I told Anthony and Matt, and they told me it was probably no big deal. In order to comfort myself, I went to make myself a s’more…until I couldn’t find the marshmallows. We all turned our flashlights on, and immediately found the trail of breadcrumbs (well, marshmallows, but you get my reference) leading the way up to six pairs of glowing eyes. So I was hearing something oddly close to us, huh? We quickly learned not to have any food out at our campsite after the sun goes down. Raccoons are fearless and fast little creatures.
After a decent night’s sleep, we headed off to tube the next morning. $9 per person (plus an extra $9 for a tube to act as a cooler tube) got us 2+ hours of floating and a nice sunburn. The campsite also has the options for 3- and 15-mile canoe and kayak trips. Rates for the canoe trips are $21 for 3 miles or $31 for 15 miles. Rates for the kayak trips are $16 for 3 miles or $26 for 15 miles. The water was a little packed, but it was a beautiful day and well worth it. After getting back to the campsite, Matt made campfire stew with chicken and various veggies, which was delicious and so much better than the hot dogs Anthony and I brought for dinner.
The hiking plan for the second day encompassed one of my personal favorite trails I’ve ever been on. Trail 3 at Turkey Run has ladders as part of the hiking experience. The thrill of going up or down one of the ladders is amazing, and the views on this trail are phenomenal. Cliffs lead hikers along Sugar Creek, to the Ice Box, Punch Bowl, Rocky Hollow, and Wedge Rock before connecting back to the suspension bridge. The three of us adventured in this trail for almost three hours, so ice cream sounded refreshing. We stopped at Turkey Run Gas & Grill for a scoop and some firewood, and headed back to our tent home for the night.
Maybe I’m biased because I discovered Turkey Run not long ago and have been in love ever since, but there’s no way someone could come and experience the beauty and not walk away happy and re-energized. Being there with two of my best friends was a great time, and I can’t wait to go back. Turkey Run is the best place to go for a canoe trip down the creek, well-deserved time in nature, and a weekend adventure.
Maybe I’m biased because I discovered Turkey Run not long ago and have been in love ever since, but there’s no way someone could come and experience the beauty and not walk away happy and re-energized. Being there with two of my best friends was a great time, and I can’t wait to go back. Turkey Run is the best place to go for a canoe trip down the creek, well-deserved time in nature, and a weekend adventure.