Fort Harrison State Park RV & Campground Guide
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If you are looking for this state park, you don't have to travel far from Indianapolis, Indiana. Fort Harrison State Park is just beyond the outskirts of the city. This park covers over 1,700 acres, including woodlands, open fields, and sparkling waterways. Fort Harrison State Park is a true nature retreat from the bustling city life. While you are there, you can partake in recreational activities, explore the historic buildings, or just marvel at the beauty of nature.
Spring 40-70 F
Summer 60-90 F
Fall 30-70 F
Winter 20-40 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fort Harrison State Park
There are no camping accommodations located in this park.
What to Do at
Fort Harrison State Park
Fort Harrison State Park is a popular destination for those wanting to take a break from city life. If you want to explore the park's beauty, there are several hiking and biking trails. Birding is a popular activity with the park's resident woodpeckers, bluebirds, and buntings fluttering around the trees. For those who want to reel in some fun, you can fish from the shores or boardwalk areas of the park. History buffs will want to set aside some time to explore the buildings that date back to World War I. You can even catch a round of golf on the park's 18-hole course.
Fishing
Whether you prefer to catch bass, bluegill, or catfish, you are sure to have a rewarding fishing experience at the park. With so many fish in the waters, you may want to bring your fishing gear and spend the whole day casting your line and reeling in your catch. During the winter, you will still have plenty of opportunities to catch fish when the park opens for ice fishing.
Nature Watching
While you are there, you may spot white-tailed deer or red foxes in the forested areas. Bird enthusiasts will want to keep their eyes open for bluebirds, indigo buntings, woodpeckers, and waterfowl. Along with that, you might see gray squirrels, opossums, and raccoons wandering around at dusk or night.
Flora and Fauna
Fort Harrison State Park has plenty of towering hardwood trees, such as oak, hickory, and maple. As you walk down the paths, you will see that the forest floor is covered with native ferns, grasses, and wildflowers. You can find cattails and water lilies around the lakes and wetland areas. Throughout the park, you will find plenty of animals that are native to the region, including foxes and deer.
Hiking
The Harrison Trace Trail, an easy 3.2-mile asphalt-surfaced trail, welcomes walkers, bicyclists, and joggers. The Fall Creek Trail starts at the northeast corner of the Delaware Lake picnic area, providing hikers with a moderate adventure. The Camp Creek Trail, also moderate with a 2-mile length, begins near the eastern banks of Delaware Lake, passes Duck Pond, and showcases beautiful views from the bluffs of the Camp Creek valley. Also, the Schoen Creek Trail is a single-track trail weaving through wetlands and prairie grasses. Additionally, the Tree ID Trail provides an easy 1-mile mowed trail marked by wooden posts with metal signs to help identify each type of tree along the route.
Biking
Since many of the hiking trails are paved, they are available for bikers to use in the park. However, all the rights-of-way will have to be yielded to the pedestrians. These paved walkways allow both hikers and bicyclists to explore the beauty of Fort Harrison State Park.
Boating
Fort Harrison State Park does have a small lake where you can kayak or canoe on the calm waters. You will have to bring your equipment to the park. There is a small launch to get your canoe or kayak into the water.
How to Get to
Fort Harrison State Park
Fort Harrison State Park is conveniently located near Indianapolis. To reach the park, take Exit 42 off I-465 and head north on North Post Road. You can follow the signs leading to the park entrance.
Entering Fort Harrison State Park
Fort Harrison State Park is open year-round for day use only, from dawn until dusk. The park provides plenty of parking lots, including handicap-accessible spots. Visitors can enter on foot or bike, along with passenger vehicles and small RVs. At the dog park and beach areas, there are limited parking spaces for cars and trucks. The shelters can be accessed from the parking lots, which have a few spaces for oversized vehicles.
Fort Harrison State Park Entry Fee (per vehicle, in-state plates) : $7.0
Fort Harrison State Park Entry Fee (per vehicle, out-of-state plates) : $9.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Harrison State Park
You can visit Fort Harrison State Park during any season. However, if you want to see the wildflowers and trees in bloom, make sure to schedule a trip in the spring or fall. During those seasons, the park is covered in various vibrant colors.
When you visit the park, you might see white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, and opossums. You can spot turtles, ducks, and frogs near the water areas. This park is known for its population of woodpeckers and bluebirds.
Unfortunately, there are no RV-designated sites at Fort Harrison State Park. You will have to find camping sites outside of the park. However, there are picnic shelters that can be used for the day.
There are no spots for camping in this park. You can book one of the day-use shelters from the state park's website. These areas have a comfort station, picnic tables, and grills.
Fort Harrison State Park is pet-friendly and has many amenities for dog owners, including a dog park. At this location, dogs of all sizes and breeds can play with one another at Platoon Run, Herrin Hill, or Brigade Landing. There is even a dog beach where your furry friend can enjoy splashing in the water.