Many times camping trips involve exploring new territory and discovering enticing attractions along the way. Passenger tour trains have that magnetic appeal for many RVers, providing a novel way to see hidden countryside not normally viewed from the road. Railroad passengers learn about local history, culture and the many colorful characters from the communities visited. Camping World wants to make sure you don’t miss the departing whistle, so we have created a series entitled RVing the Rails. You will find the most popular excursion trains to ride in each state, complete with any specialty trains they might offer.

Today we will explore the most popular trains in Pennsylvania:

Tioga Central Railroad

Running on tracks that date back to 1840, the Tioga Central Railroad has an intriguing history. The original railway connected Corning, New York to the coal mines in Atrium. It ran through today’s departure point at Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, carrying both passengers and freight. As parts of the line were abandoned, it was feared that railroading history would die, as well.

But by 1994 the rails between Wellsboro and Corning were targeted to run an excursion train, preserving a piece of Tioga County’s past. Today the railroad showcases the forest and wetlands of the region, traveling from the depot to Hammond Lake.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The Tioga Central uses a diesel engine pulling cars on standard gauge tracks. The rolling stock includes a dining car with full kitchen, club car, coach and open cars, as well as table car. The dining car is climate controlled.

Seating Options

All seating during the Lakeshore Express and Sunset Express train rides is open and unassigned. However, dinner tickets have assigned table seating. Passengers are welcome to walk through the cars, and restrooms are available onboard.

Riding Options

Passengers can purchase round trip only tickets online or in person. Travel is from Wellsboro to Lake Hammond and back, a two-hour ride. The evening trains on Friday and Saturday offer an option to sit in the dining car and enjoy a catered meal as part of the ticket price. Other travelers that choose to bypass the dining option have open seating in the other railcars.

Specialty Trains

The Tioga Central Railroad considers each of its “regular” trains a special event. Running weekends, the railway offers a Friday evening excursion with or without a catered meal. The Sunset Dinner Train and the Sunset Express are the same trips, on the same train but in different cars with different amenities.

Saturdays a Lake Express Train is added to the lineup, leaving the depot in Wellsboro at noon.  The Sunset Train is offered on Saturday evenings, as well.

Length of Season

Capturing the attention of summer vacationers and autumn leaf peepers has determined the train’s schedule. It provides Friday and Saturday evening trains and Saturday noon trips every weekend from June through October.

Strasburg Railroad

It could be difficult to live up to the expectations that come with being the oldest chartered train in the country, but the Strasburg Railroad has no problems doing so. Begun in 1832, the rail line was originally used to transport freight from the Pennsylvania Railroad hub, but after World War II, the railroads waned with the improvement of the highway system.

Abandonment of the lines in Lancaster County was not to be, however, as the idea of a tourist train was suggested. So in 1958, 24 people purchased the rail line and the Strasburg Railroad became one of the biggest tourist draws for the region.

Railway and Locomotive Types

The Strasburg Railroad has five authentic steam locomotives working on standard gauge rails to pull restored lounge cars, coach and passenger cars, as well as dining and open rail cars through the Amish country of Pennsylvania on a 45-minute tour.

Seating Options

The railroad has assigned seating tickets for dinner cars only. All other cars have open, unassigned seats. There are, however, two separate classes of service, so there is no movement of passengers between cars during the excursion:

• President’s Class – Passengers ride in the luxurious air-conditioned President’s Lounge car.
• First Class – Passengers enjoy the journey in the air-conditioned lounge or parlor cars.
• Coach Class – Passengers have their choice of a windowed coach car or an open gondola.

Riding Options

Tickets on the Strasburg Railroad are all round-trip. However, riders can choose to disembark at two different groves along the journey for picnics and children’s playtime. Since trains run on the hour from 11:00am to 4:00pm during high season, the riders can hop onboard a later train for the return to the depot.

Passengers have the opportunity to purchase some extra experiences before or after their rides:

• Shop Tour – See how these historic railcars are restored and repaired in a behind-the-scenes tour.
• Hostling Tour – A morning exploration of the feed and caring of Strasburg’s five steam locomotives.

Specialty Trains

• Easter Bunny Train – Hop on this seasonal train for a trip that’s sure to be egg-cellent.
• Day Out with Thomas – Tiny train lovers will enjoy a ride with Thomas The Tank Engine, with play available on cranky cars, in the Imagination Station and during storytime!

Length of Season

The Strasburg Railroad is only closed for the month of January. May through August the regular train runs seven days a week. During the slower seasons of winter and fall, weekend departures occur five times a day, with three daily departures on weekdays. Take a look at the schedule to plan your visit.

Colebrookdale Railroad

Running through the Schuylkill Valley in eastern Pennsylvania, one might never realize the Colebrookdale Railroad has a storied past. The tracks were laid by returning Civil War soldiers over 150 years ago, and the railway ran past a gristmill and the first iron works and blast furnace ever built in Pennsylvania.

Today the train runs from Boyertown to Pottstown, connecting passengers with the countryside known as the Secret Valley, a region admired for its natural beauty and history.

Railway and Locomotive Types

Running a diesel locomotive on standard gauge rails, the Colebrookdale Railroad runs dining cars, deluxe coaches, parlor cars and a garden café car as its rolling stock. Passengers will enjoy a two-hour excursion through the Secret Valley in these meticulously restored cars.

Seating Options

Passengers have their choice of cars and service when it comes to the train cars, as all seats are assigned by car:

• First Class Service – Riders enjoy the journey in a nicely-appointed parlor car, complete with a baby grand piano!
• Dining Service – Many of the trains offer meals in the dining car and the garden café car. There are a wide variety of menus offered, and some are also available on specialty trains.  Check the train schedule to see if your date of travel has this option.
• Deluxe Coach Service – Passengers will travel in coach cars or an open gondola car.

Riding Options

The Colebrookdale Railroad departs from Boyertown and travels almost nine miles through the Secret Valley, returning by the same track. They do offer special runs by the Brill Motorcar (also known as “Doodlebug” during the zoo trains) on one-hour departure schedules.

Passengers can also purchase a seat in the locomotive to watch the inner workings of the Iron Horse on most rides.

Specialty Trains

• Pumpkin Patch Excursion – Take the Brill Motorcar to Frog Hollow Farm for a day of pumpkin patch fun. The motorcar will shuttle passengers all day long, so stay and enjoy decorating your pumpkin, drinking cider and indulging in snacks.
• Autumn Splendor Fall Foliage Train – Enjoy the colors of Autumn on a tour of the Secret Valley. A scrumptious brunch is offered to dining car patrons.
• Zoo Train – Take the Doodlebug to Frog Hollow Farm for a children’s petting zoo. It’s sure to be a fun and furry experience!
• Zombie Hunter Train – Blast zombies with provided “blaster packs” to rid the railroad of the pesky monsters at a stop along the way. Those not wishing to participate can become spectators to the zombie annihilation from the train!

Length of Season

The Colebrookdale Railroad season runs from March through mid-November, with specialty trains departing on specific dates throughout the year. Please check the train schedule to make your plans.

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Join the thousands of RVers that have a love affair with trains and ride the rails on your next camping trip. Check out the other excursion trains available on a state-by-state basis in our series, RVing the Rails.

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There are 10,366 state parks in the U.S., compared to 59 national parks. While national parks are better known, and often contain more unbridled natural wilderness, state parks seriously deserve more of your attention.

They’re often less populated, closer to home, and offer just as many amenities (if not more!) as their national counterparts. 

Touting 32 state parks, it was hard to narrow down Indiana’s best state parks to just five, but I selected a diverse collection that has something for everyone in the family.

Have something to add to my list? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

5. Chain O’ Lakes State Park

Growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, this park was practically in my backyard. The popular local favorite, Chain O’ Lakes State Park, is just a short drive north to Albion, IN. With nine connecting lakes and over 200 surface acres of water, Chain O’ Lakes has a lot to offer water-lovers of all sorts.

Fishing is offered year-round, and the park offers rentals for canoe, paddleboat, kayak, and rowboats. A large beach area makes this park a great choice for families in the summer. In addition to water-activities, Chain O’ Lakes has 12 hiking trails (of over 23 miles) and a wonderful nature center.

Events geared towards nature-lovers and children are offered daily. Re-enactments tours are regularly held in the historic 1915 schoolhouse, where you can explore and enjoy activities like writing with homemade paper and quills, making a candle, or watching fiber spinning.

Other hands-on and informative events include identifying (and clearing) invasive species with park rangers, classes on traditional Myaami plant knowledge, and interactive theatrical performances designed to engage the audience and give them a better understanding of a true-to-life frontiersman of the Indiana Territory. Campers have access to the park’s 331 electric sites, 49 non-electric sites, 33 primitive sites, and 4 rally campsites.

4. Shakamak State Park

Southwest of Indianapolis in Jasonville, you’ll find the next hidden gem of Indiana: Shakamak State Park. This park consists of three massive man-made lakes with over 400 acres of water. There is no shortage of outdoor activities at Shakamak.

In addition to fishing and boating, Shakamak features a very popular family aquatic center with a pool and water slide. With reservable cabins, tennis courts, basketball courts, and over 13 miles of hiking trails, it’s clear that this park was designed with one thing in mind: campers. One unique feature of Shakamak is its Rent-A-Camps that sleep six people, complete with electricity, picnic tables, fire ring, parking spur, drinking water supply, and modern restrooms/showers.

For traditional camping, Shakamak has eight full hook-up sites, 114 electric sites, 42 non-electric sites, a youth tent area, dumping stations, and a camp store with basic supplies. One of the most appealing features of camping here is the environment: you feel fully immersed in nature here. Its quiet, wooded camping areas provide atmospheric shade in the summer, and a lovely immersion of colors in the fall. A wonderful festival is offered in the fall, featuring shuttle rides, pumpkin carving, and much more.

3. Indiana Dunes State Park

Off the southern coast of Lake Michigan in Chesterton, IN, you’ll find a childhood favorite of mine. Having family in Hammond, IN, we regularly enjoyed trips in the summer to the Indiana Dunes State Park, which contains the most unique eco-landscape in all of Indiana.

The park ranges over three miles of beach and 2,182 acres of beautiful Indiana landscape, but the real attraction at this park is its namesake: the massive sand dunes that formed over thousands of years. Rising as high as 200 feet, the Indiana Dunes are home to a remarkable array of animal and plant life, in addition to a robust fishery and an active bird-watching community.

The park features over sixteen miles of hiking trails, including some of the most difficult hikes you will find in the state. The massive peaks and valleys of the sand dunes add up to quite the workout. The park offers 140 electric sites (all 40-amp service) and a youth tent camp area.

Events are offered year-round, including campfires on the beach, meet-and-greets with local artists, boat tours, apple festivals, stargazing by telescopes, and much more. The Indiana Dunes is like nowhere else on earth and an absolute must-see.

2. Brown County State Park

While attending Indiana University—Bloomington, one of my favorite things about the experience was my proximity to Brown County State Park in Nashville, IN. Nicknamed “The Little Smokies,” the rolling forested hills of this park might make you forget that you’re in Indiana.

Featuring 16,000 acres of gorgeous, hilly vistas, Brown County is Indiana’s largest state park. With over eighteen miles of trails, this is the park to go to if you’re interested in getting lost in nature. Brown County is home to tons of outdoor activities, including horse and mountain bike trails, fishing/ice fishing, tennis courts, playgrounds, open fields, and a large swimming pool.

Daily family-friendly events include crafts, campfire cooking, creek exploration tours, bird-watching tours, and more. For camping, the park offers 401 electric sites, 28 non-electric sites, 60 rally sites, youth tent area, dumping station, and camp store. 

The park’s rustic Abe Martin Lodge offers motel rooms, cabins, dining, conference facilities, and a super fun indoor water park. This is a great park to visit year-round, but many visitors flock to the park in the fall to enjoy 20 miles of exquisite autumnal colors playing out on the trees.

1. Turkey Run State Park

Turkey Run State Park has long been a favorite of mine and Hoosiers-alike, voted to be the best state park in Indiana many times over. It hosts kid-friendly events almost daily, including animal-feeding, planetarium star shows, fungi identification hikes, holiday-themed camping, and candle-lit historic home tours, amongst others.

Located in the west-central town of Marshal, IN, Turkey Run is home to arguably the most famous hiking trail in the state, in which you can explore three canyons in the Falls Canyon-Rocky Hollow Nature Preserve. In addition to its famous trails, the park features an extensive nature center, cultural arts programs, fishing, playgrounds, horseback riding, tennis, and a swimming pool.

In terms of camping, Turkey Run State Park offers 213 electric sites, youth tent area, camp store, and dumping station. You should have no problem finding a place to camp, but it’s still highly recommended you call ahead of time. 

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What are your favorite parks in Indiana? Have you visited any of the parks listed? Please share your experiences in the comments below!

 

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Created in 1918 to protect the volcanic landscapes around the most recent eruptions in American history, Katmai National Park today is most notable for its preservation of salmon habitat and the brown bears that feast on the fish. This Alaskan national park is a truly amazing place. Images of Brooks Falls, on the western side of the park, are shown around the world, as the large mammals catch their meals when the fish swim upstream to spawn.

There are so many wild features of the park that visitors are often overwhelmed with sights of other-worldly landscapes and great concentrations of wildlife. There’s no need to miss any of Katmai’s wonders, however, because the park is accessible by air and boat.

History of Katmai National Park

The Katmai Peninsula has been inhabited for thousands of years by ancestors of the Alutiiq peoples. By 1912, when Mount Katmai and Novarupta volcanoes erupted, the four villages in the region were abandoned. Today’s community of King Salmon, however, has a population that reflects those same settlers.

With the eruption, the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes got its name, as volcanic vents, or fumaroles, let off steam in a 40-mile chain of volcanoes. The landscape looked like the surface of the moon, with thousands of vents strewn across the valley floor.

An expedition headed by Robert Griggs and funded by the National Geographic Society found the region so awe-inspiring that they lobbied Congress to protect it, and the area became known as Katmai National Monument in 1918.

But it wasn’t until the 1950s that the prime breeding grounds for brown bears and spawning runs for sockeye salmon came to the attention of government officials. Soon Katmai got a park headquarters and a seasonal ranger tasked with cutting down the amount of poaching that went on there. However, the monument did not reach full status of a national park and preserve until 1980.

Why Visit Katmai National Park?

There is no way to drive your RV to the park from the mainland, so campers must leave their motor coaches and trailers and fly into Katmai.

Many travelers enjoy camping in Homer or Soldotna on the Kenai Peninsula. They can catch a flightseeing tour over Katmai, or come to the park for an extended period to camp, fish and live “among the brown bears” at Hallo Bay or Brooks Falls.

There are several lodges within the park, and backcountry camping is allowed, although electric fences around your tents are strongly suggested!

The reason you should go see this amazing place is that it’s so remote, and so special. There’s no other National Park or area like it in the world. It’s an unforgettable place and one that is worth leaving your RV behind so that you can experience it.

Places to Go

There are plenty of places to go and things to see while you’re visiting the park. Just about anywhere in the park is worth seeing, but you should stop at the following places.

Brooks Camp

The most popular area of Katmai National Park is Brooks Camp, where visitors can camp among brown bears and watch them feed on migrating salmon in the Brooks River. There is a visitor center here, where guests must attend “bear training,” before heading out to view the bears. Several boardwalks and viewing platforms are provided to keep humans a safe distance away and allow the animals to hunt uninterrupted.

Fure’s Cabin

A one-room log cabin along Naknek Lake’s Bay of Islands, this home was built by a Lithuanian immigrant, Roy Fure, in 1926. Today it is a public use cabin, available for nightly rent.

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

An ash-filled valley of 40 square miles is lined with 18 volcanoes, seven of which are still active. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes was named after the 20^th century’s largest volcanic eruption here. Novarupta spewed a vast amount of pyroclastic material in 1912, creating a valley of ash up to 700 feet deep in places. A geologic survey in 1916 recorded thousands of smoking vents throughout the valley, giving it its name.

Things to Do

There’s plenty to do in the park, too. It’s as much about the activities as it is an amazing landscape. Here are some fun things to do while there.

Bear Viewing

By far the most intriguing aspect of Katmai National Park is its large concentration of brown bears (known as grizzlies in the interior). Today there are over 2,200 of these enormous mammals that are protected within the park. Visitors can view the bears at Brooks Camp, where the salmon runs entice bears every June and September.

Back Country Hiking

There are only five miles of trails within the 4,000,000 acres of the park, but Katmai offers unlimited opportunities for exploring the backcountry. In fact, there are a number of great locations in Katmai that require extensive hiking. Listed below are just a few of the destinations that attract visitors, with links to maps.

• American Creek
• Naknek Lake
• Savonoski Loop
• Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

Because of the large bear population in Katmai National Park, hikers are urged to know bear safety rules and follow regulations regarding food storage.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Boating is a popular way to discover Katmai, as the park includes many rivers, streams and large lakes.  Canoeing on Naknek Lake is an exceptional experience, with waypoints like Brooks Camp, Fure’s Cabin, Grandma Rock and Gull Island to explore. Whitewater rafting can also be found along American Creek.

Fishing

Exceptional fishing opportunities await within the park boundaries, where rainbow and lake trout, dolly varden, char, and five species of salmon await. Rangers carefully manage fish populations, and fishermen need to be familiar with state rules for sport fishing.

Because Katmai National Park has the largest density of brown bears in the world, anglers may find themselves competing for fish with these large animals. So extra care is required when casting a line here, especially during salmon runs.

Flightseeing

A unique and exciting way to experience Katmai is by plane, where the immense topography of volcanoes, lakes, and islands can be seen. Flight passengers catch sight of brown bears and moose wandering the landscape and schools of salmon swimming upstream.

Flight services originate in the surrounding communities of Homer, King Salmon, Soldotna, and even Anchorage.

When to Visit Katmai National Park

The park is accessible year-round by plane, and since there are no roads to speak of, your arrival is dependent upon which season you choose to visit.

The warm months are by far the most popular for travelers, as summer brings hikers, bear watchers, and anglers to the region. Most concessionaire services are available from May through September. If Brooks Falls and the Brooks Camp area are on your bucket list, the bears are usually active there in July and September, because of the spawning salmon’s migration schedule. So plan accordingly.

Where You Can Stay

RVers should plan to leave their rigs on the mainland in places like Homer, Soldotna or even Anchorage and take a plane or boat to the Pacific coast of the park or inland to King Salmon.

There are several lodges in town and a few in the Brooks Camp area. Otherwise, tent camping might be an option, as long as campers take extra precaution in protecting their campsites from bears.

If looking for an RV park to leave your motorhome or trailer for a day or two, try:

• Klondike RV Park and Cabins in Soldotna
• Beluga Lookout RV Park in Kenai
• Heritage RV Park in Homer
• Homer Spit Campground in Homer
• Ship Creek RV Park in Anchorage

Once in the park, visitors to Brooks Camp have lodging options, but the rest of Katmai National Park is wild and infrequently explored. Tent camping is allowed in many regions, but bear encounters require more diligent safety, like electric fencing around campsites. Check with rangers for more specific instruction, as well as a required bear safety course.

Getting to and Around Katmai National Park

Like most of the national parks in Alaska, Katmai is only accessible by air or by sea. There are many services available for flightseeing, or for day service to Brooks Camp, Naknek Lake and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The park headquarters in King Salmon is a great jumping-off spot, with direct air service from Anchorage.

Adventure with a Capital A

Katmai National Park is about as wild as it gets, between smoking volcanic vents, a concentration of more than 2,000 brown bears, and rugged, unapproachable terrain that challenges even its most prolific visitors.

It is a microcosm of Alaska’s vast backcountry, and a magnet to those who are looking for Adventure with a capital A, where Mother Nature is on full display.

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Have you ever been to Katmai National Park? What were your experiences there?

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Created in 1918 to protect the volcanic landscapes around the most recent eruptions in American history, Katmai National Park today is most notable for its preservation of salmon habitat and the brown bears that feast on the fish. This Alaskan national park is a truly amazing place. Images of Brooks Falls, on the western side of the park, are shown around the world, as the large mammals catch their meals when the fish swim upstream to spawn.

There are so many wild features of the park that visitors are often overwhelmed with sights of other-worldly landscapes and great concentrations of wildlife. There’s no need to miss any of Katmai’s wonders, however, because the park is accessible by air and boat.

History of Katmai National Park

The Katmai Peninsula has been inhabited for thousands of years by ancestors of the Alutiiq peoples. By 1912, when Mount Katmai and Novarupta volcanoes erupted, the four villages in the region were abandoned. Today’s community of King Salmon, however, has a population that reflects those same settlers.

With the eruption, the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes got its name, as volcanic vents, or fumaroles, let off steam in a 40-mile chain of volcanoes. The landscape looked like the surface of the moon, with thousands of vents strewn across the valley floor.

An expedition headed by Robert Griggs and funded by the National Geographic Society found the region so awe-inspiring that they lobbied Congress to protect it, and the area became known as Katmai National Monument in 1918.

But it wasn’t until the 1950s that the prime breeding grounds for brown bears and spawning runs for sockeye salmon came to the attention of government officials. Soon Katmai got a park headquarters and a seasonal ranger tasked with cutting down the amount of poaching that went on there. However, the monument did not reach full status of a national park and preserve until 1980.

Why Visit Katmai National Park?

There is no way to drive your RV to the park from the mainland, so campers must leave their motor coaches and trailers and fly into Katmai.

Many travelers enjoy camping in Homer or Soldotna on the Kenai Peninsula. They can catch a flightseeing tour over Katmai, or come to the park for an extended period to camp, fish and live “among the brown bears” at Hallo Bay or Brooks Falls.

There are several lodges within the park, and backcountry camping is allowed, although electric fences around your tents are strongly suggested!

The reason you should go see this amazing place is that it’s so remote, and so special. There’s no other National Park or area like it in the world. It’s an unforgettable place and one that is worth leaving your RV behind so that you can experience it.

Places to Go

There are plenty of places to go and things to see while you’re visiting the park. Just about anywhere in the park is worth seeing, but you should stop at the following places.

Brooks Camp

The most popular area of Katmai National Park is Brooks Camp, where visitors can camp among brown bears and watch them feed on migrating salmon in the Brooks River. There is a visitor center here, where guests must attend “bear training,” before heading out to view the bears. Several boardwalks and viewing platforms are provided to keep humans a safe distance away and allow the animals to hunt uninterrupted.

Fure’s Cabin

A one-room log cabin along Naknek Lake’s Bay of Islands, this home was built by a Lithuanian immigrant, Roy Fure, in 1926. Today it is a public use cabin, available for nightly rent.

Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

An ash-filled valley of 40 square miles is lined with 18 volcanoes, seven of which are still active. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes was named after the 20^th century’s largest volcanic eruption here. Novarupta spewed a vast amount of pyroclastic material in 1912, creating a valley of ash up to 700 feet deep in places. A geologic survey in 1916 recorded thousands of smoking vents throughout the valley, giving it its name.

Things to Do

There’s plenty to do in the park, too. It’s as much about the activities as it is an amazing landscape. Here are some fun things to do while there.

Bear Viewing

By far the most intriguing aspect of Katmai National Park is its large concentration of brown bears (known as grizzlies in the interior). Today there are over 2,200 of these enormous mammals that are protected within the park. Visitors can view the bears at Brooks Camp, where the salmon runs entice bears every June and September.

Back Country Hiking

There are only five miles of trails within the 4,000,000 acres of the park, but Katmai offers unlimited opportunities for exploring the backcountry. In fact, there are a number of great locations in Katmai that require extensive hiking. Listed below are just a few of the destinations that attract visitors, with links to maps.

• American Creek
• Naknek Lake
• Savonoski Loop
• Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes

Because of the large bear population in Katmai National Park, hikers are urged to know bear safety rules and follow regulations regarding food storage.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Boating is a popular way to discover Katmai, as the park includes many rivers, streams and large lakes.  Canoeing on Naknek Lake is an exceptional experience, with waypoints like Brooks Camp, Fure’s Cabin, Grandma Rock and Gull Island to explore. Whitewater rafting can also be found along American Creek.

Fishing

Exceptional fishing opportunities await within the park boundaries, where rainbow and lake trout, dolly varden, char, and five species of salmon await. Rangers carefully manage fish populations, and fishermen need to be familiar with state rules for sport fishing.

Because Katmai National Park has the largest density of brown bears in the world, anglers may find themselves competing for fish with these large animals. So extra care is required when casting a line here, especially during salmon runs.

Flightseeing

A unique and exciting way to experience Katmai is by plane, where the immense topography of volcanoes, lakes, and islands can be seen. Flight passengers catch sight of brown bears and moose wandering the landscape and schools of salmon swimming upstream.

Flight services originate in the surrounding communities of Homer, King Salmon, Soldotna, and even Anchorage.

When to Visit Katmai National Park

The park is accessible year-round by plane, and since there are no roads to speak of, your arrival is dependent upon which season you choose to visit.

The warm months are by far the most popular for travelers, as summer brings hikers, bear watchers, and anglers to the region. Most concessionaire services are available from May through September. If Brooks Falls and the Brooks Camp area are on your bucket list, the bears are usually active there in July and September, because of the spawning salmon’s migration schedule. So plan accordingly.

Where You Can Stay

RVers should plan to leave their rigs on the mainland in places like Homer, Soldotna or even Anchorage and take a plane or boat to the Pacific coast of the park or inland to King Salmon.

There are several lodges in town and a few in the Brooks Camp area. Otherwise, tent camping might be an option, as long as campers take extra precaution in protecting their campsites from bears.

If looking for an RV park to leave your motorhome or trailer for a day or two, try:

• Klondike RV Park and Cabins in Soldotna
• Beluga Lookout RV Park in Kenai
• Heritage RV Park in Homer
• Homer Spit Campground in Homer
• Ship Creek RV Park in Anchorage

Once in the park, visitors to Brooks Camp have lodging options, but the rest of Katmai National Park is wild and infrequently explored. Tent camping is allowed in many regions, but bear encounters require more diligent safety, like electric fencing around campsites. Check with rangers for more specific instruction, as well as a required bear safety course.

Getting to and Around Katmai National Park

Like most of the national parks in Alaska, Katmai is only accessible by air or by sea. There are many services available for flightseeing, or for day service to Brooks Camp, Naknek Lake and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The park headquarters in King Salmon is a great jumping-off spot, with direct air service from Anchorage.

Adventure with a Capital A

Katmai National Park is about as wild as it gets, between smoking volcanic vents, a concentration of more than 2,000 brown bears, and rugged, unapproachable terrain that challenges even its most prolific visitors.

It is a microcosm of Alaska’s vast backcountry, and a magnet to those who are looking for Adventure with a capital A, where Mother Nature is on full display.

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Have you ever been to Katmai National Park? What were your experiences there?

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There are 10,366 state parks in the U.S., compared to 59 national parks. While national parks are better known, and often contain more unbridled natural wilderness, state parks seriously deserve more of your attention.

They’re often less populated, closer to home, and offer just as many amenities (if not more!) as their national counterparts. 

Touting 32 state parks, it was hard to narrow down Indiana’s best state parks to just five, but I selected a diverse collection that has something for everyone in the family.

Have something to add to my list? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

5. Chain O’ Lakes State Park

Growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, this park was practically in my backyard. The popular local favorite, Chain O’ Lakes State Park, is just a short drive north to Albion, IN. With nine connecting lakes and over 200 surface acres of water, Chain O’ Lakes has a lot to offer water-lovers of all sorts.

Fishing is offered year-round, and the park offers rentals for canoe, paddleboat, kayak, and rowboats. A large beach area makes this park a great choice for families in the summer. In addition to water-activities, Chain O’ Lakes has 12 hiking trails (of over 23 miles) and a wonderful nature center.

Events geared towards nature-lovers and children are offered daily. Re-enactments tours are regularly held in the historic 1915 schoolhouse, where you can explore and enjoy activities like writing with homemade paper and quills, making a candle, or watching fiber spinning.

Other hands-on and informative events include identifying (and clearing) invasive species with park rangers, classes on traditional Myaami plant knowledge, and interactive theatrical performances designed to engage the audience and give them a better understanding of a true-to-life frontiersman of the Indiana Territory. Campers have access to the park’s 331 electric sites, 49 non-electric sites, 33 primitive sites, and 4 rally campsites.

4. Shakamak State Park

Southwest of Indianapolis in Jasonville, you’ll find the next hidden gem of Indiana: Shakamak State Park. This park consists of three massive man-made lakes with over 400 acres of water. There is no shortage of outdoor activities at Shakamak.

In addition to fishing and boating, Shakamak features a very popular family aquatic center with a pool and water slide. With reservable cabins, tennis courts, basketball courts, and over 13 miles of hiking trails, it’s clear that this park was designed with one thing in mind: campers. One unique feature of Shakamak is its Rent-A-Camps that sleep six people, complete with electricity, picnic tables, fire ring, parking spur, drinking water supply, and modern restrooms/showers.

For traditional camping, Shakamak has eight full hook-up sites, 114 electric sites, 42 non-electric sites, a youth tent area, dumping stations, and a camp store with basic supplies. One of the most appealing features of camping here is the environment: you feel fully immersed in nature here. Its quiet, wooded camping areas provide atmospheric shade in the summer, and a lovely immersion of colors in the fall. A wonderful festival is offered in the fall, featuring shuttle rides, pumpkin carving, and much more.

3. Indiana Dunes State Park

Off the southern coast of Lake Michigan in Chesterton, IN, you’ll find a childhood favorite of mine. Having family in Hammond, IN, we regularly enjoyed trips in the summer to the Indiana Dunes State Park, which contains the most unique eco-landscape in all of Indiana.

The park ranges over three miles of beach and 2,182 acres of beautiful Indiana landscape, but the real attraction at this park is its namesake: the massive sand dunes that formed over thousands of years. Rising as high as 200 feet, the Indiana Dunes are home to a remarkable array of animal and plant life, in addition to a robust fishery and an active bird-watching community.

The park features over sixteen miles of hiking trails, including some of the most difficult hikes you will find in the state. The massive peaks and valleys of the sand dunes add up to quite the workout. The park offers 140 electric sites (all 40-amp service) and a youth tent camp area.

Events are offered year-round, including campfires on the beach, meet-and-greets with local artists, boat tours, apple festivals, stargazing by telescopes, and much more. The Indiana Dunes is like nowhere else on earth and an absolute must-see.

2. Brown County State Park

While attending Indiana University—Bloomington, one of my favorite things about the experience was my proximity to Brown County State Park in Nashville, IN. Nicknamed “The Little Smokies,” the rolling forested hills of this park might make you forget that you’re in Indiana.

Featuring 16,000 acres of gorgeous, hilly vistas, Brown County is Indiana’s largest state park. With over eighteen miles of trails, this is the park to go to if you’re interested in getting lost in nature. Brown County is home to tons of outdoor activities, including horse and mountain bike trails, fishing/ice fishing, tennis courts, playgrounds, open fields, and a large swimming pool.

Daily family-friendly events include crafts, campfire cooking, creek exploration tours, bird-watching tours, and more. For camping, the park offers 401 electric sites, 28 non-electric sites, 60 rally sites, youth tent area, dumping station, and camp store. 

The park’s rustic Abe Martin Lodge offers motel rooms, cabins, dining, conference facilities, and a super fun indoor water park. This is a great park to visit year-round, but many visitors flock to the park in the fall to enjoy 20 miles of exquisite autumnal colors playing out on the trees.

1. Turkey Run State Park

Turkey Run State Park has long been a favorite of mine and Hoosiers-alike, voted to be the best state park in Indiana many times over. It hosts kid-friendly events almost daily, including animal-feeding, planetarium star shows, fungi identification hikes, holiday-themed camping, and candle-lit historic home tours, amongst others.

Located in the west-central town of Marshal, IN, Turkey Run is home to arguably the most famous hiking trail in the state, in which you can explore three canyons in the Falls Canyon-Rocky Hollow Nature Preserve. In addition to its famous trails, the park features an extensive nature center, cultural arts programs, fishing, playgrounds, horseback riding, tennis, and a swimming pool.

In terms of camping, Turkey Run State Park offers 213 electric sites, youth tent area, camp store, and dumping station. You should have no problem finding a place to camp, but it’s still highly recommended you call ahead of time. 

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What are your favorite parks in Indiana? Have you visited any of the parks listed? Please share your experiences in the comments below!

 

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There are 10,366 state parks in the U.S., compared to 59 national parks. While national parks are better known, and often contain more unbridled natural wilderness, state parks seriously deserve more of your attention.

They’re often less populated, closer to home, and offer just as many amenities (if not more!) as their national counterparts. 

Touting 32 state parks, it was hard to narrow down Indiana’s best state parks to just five, but I selected a diverse collection that has something for everyone in the family.

Have something to add to my list? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

5. Chain O’ Lakes State Park

Growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, this park was practically in my backyard. The popular local favorite, Chain O’ Lakes State Park, is just a short drive north to Albion, IN. With nine connecting lakes and over 200 surface acres of water, Chain O’ Lakes has a lot to offer water-lovers of all sorts.

Fishing is offered year-round, and the park offers rentals for canoe, paddleboat, kayak, and rowboats. A large beach area makes this park a great choice for families in the summer. In addition to water-activities, Chain O’ Lakes has 12 hiking trails (of over 23 miles) and a wonderful nature center.

Events geared towards nature-lovers and children are offered daily. Re-enactments tours are regularly held in the historic 1915 schoolhouse, where you can explore and enjoy activities like writing with homemade paper and quills, making a candle, or watching fiber spinning.

Other hands-on and informative events include identifying (and clearing) invasive species with park rangers, classes on traditional Myaami plant knowledge, and interactive theatrical performances designed to engage the audience and give them a better understanding of a true-to-life frontiersman of the Indiana Territory. Campers have access to the park’s 331 electric sites, 49 non-electric sites, 33 primitive sites, and 4 rally campsites.

4. Shakamak State Park

Southwest of Indianapolis in Jasonville, you’ll find the next hidden gem of Indiana: Shakamak State Park. This park consists of three massive man-made lakes with over 400 acres of water. There is no shortage of outdoor activities at Shakamak.

In addition to fishing and boating, Shakamak features a very popular family aquatic center with a pool and water slide. With reservable cabins, tennis courts, basketball courts, and over 13 miles of hiking trails, it’s clear that this park was designed with one thing in mind: campers. One unique feature of Shakamak is its Rent-A-Camps that sleep six people, complete with electricity, picnic tables, fire ring, parking spur, drinking water supply, and modern restrooms/showers.

For traditional camping, Shakamak has eight full hook-up sites, 114 electric sites, 42 non-electric sites, a youth tent area, dumping stations, and a camp store with basic supplies. One of the most appealing features of camping here is the environment: you feel fully immersed in nature here. Its quiet, wooded camping areas provide atmospheric shade in the summer, and a lovely immersion of colors in the fall. A wonderful festival is offered in the fall, featuring shuttle rides, pumpkin carving, and much more.

3. Indiana Dunes State Park

Off the southern coast of Lake Michigan in Chesterton, IN, you’ll find a childhood favorite of mine. Having family in Hammond, IN, we regularly enjoyed trips in the summer to the Indiana Dunes State Park, which contains the most unique eco-landscape in all of Indiana.

The park ranges over three miles of beach and 2,182 acres of beautiful Indiana landscape, but the real attraction at this park is its namesake: the massive sand dunes that formed over thousands of years. Rising as high as 200 feet, the Indiana Dunes are home to a remarkable array of animal and plant life, in addition to a robust fishery and an active bird-watching community.

The park features over sixteen miles of hiking trails, including some of the most difficult hikes you will find in the state. The massive peaks and valleys of the sand dunes add up to quite the workout. The park offers 140 electric sites (all 40-amp service) and a youth tent camp area.

Events are offered year-round, including campfires on the beach, meet-and-greets with local artists, boat tours, apple festivals, stargazing by telescopes, and much more. The Indiana Dunes is like nowhere else on earth and an absolute must-see.

2. Brown County State Park

While attending Indiana University—Bloomington, one of my favorite things about the experience was my proximity to Brown County State Park in Nashville, IN. Nicknamed “The Little Smokies,” the rolling forested hills of this park might make you forget that you’re in Indiana.

Featuring 16,000 acres of gorgeous, hilly vistas, Brown County is Indiana’s largest state park. With over eighteen miles of trails, this is the park to go to if you’re interested in getting lost in nature. Brown County is home to tons of outdoor activities, including horse and mountain bike trails, fishing/ice fishing, tennis courts, playgrounds, open fields, and a large swimming pool.

Daily family-friendly events include crafts, campfire cooking, creek exploration tours, bird-watching tours, and more. For camping, the park offers 401 electric sites, 28 non-electric sites, 60 rally sites, youth tent area, dumping station, and camp store. 

The park’s rustic Abe Martin Lodge offers motel rooms, cabins, dining, conference facilities, and a super fun indoor water park. This is a great park to visit year-round, but many visitors flock to the park in the fall to enjoy 20 miles of exquisite autumnal colors playing out on the trees.

1. Turkey Run State Park

Turkey Run State Park has long been a favorite of mine and Hoosiers-alike, voted to be the best state park in Indiana many times over. It hosts kid-friendly events almost daily, including animal-feeding, planetarium star shows, fungi identification hikes, holiday-themed camping, and candle-lit historic home tours, amongst others.

Located in the west-central town of Marshal, IN, Turkey Run is home to arguably the most famous hiking trail in the state, in which you can explore three canyons in the Falls Canyon-Rocky Hollow Nature Preserve. In addition to its famous trails, the park features an extensive nature center, cultural arts programs, fishing, playgrounds, horseback riding, tennis, and a swimming pool.

In terms of camping, Turkey Run State Park offers 213 electric sites, youth tent area, camp store, and dumping station. You should have no problem finding a place to camp, but it’s still highly recommended you call ahead of time. 

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What are your favorite parks in Indiana? Have you visited any of the parks listed? Please share your experiences in the comments below!

 

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