Lincoln State Park RV & Campground Guide
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In 1932, Indiana honored Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, by reserving 1,747 acres in her memory. The federal government contributed to its creation by sending the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to work on several aspects of the park, preserving what was available from Lincoln’s boyhood experience and adding boardwalks, two lakes, and several hiking paths. Today, visitors to the park will find structures from Lincoln’s boyhood years still standing, including the cemetery where his sister is buried, the home of Colonel Jones, a merchant and Civil War officer who employed Lincoln during his youth, and the Little Pigeon Creek Baptist Church that Lincoln attended during his formative years. Visited yearly by over 235,000 people, this state park in southern Indiana is easily found by traveling east from Evansville, IN.
Nearby Cities:
Gentryville, IN
Santa Claus, IN
Huntingburg, IN
Evansville, IN
Spring 36-77 F
Summer 64-88 F
Fall 37-82 F
Winter 25-45 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lincoln State Park
Campground Accommodations
Lincoln State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 feet
Other amenities: Fire rings, restrooms, hot showers, playground, picnic tables, dump station
Lincoln State Park Campground
Lincoln State Park Campground offers 150 spacious RV campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. The park provides a dump station to allow visitors to clean their waste tanks. Restrooms with flush toilets and bathhouses with hot showers make life more comfortable for the park’s guests. Two lakes with swimming beaches are available for a quick dip during the warmer months. Several historical sites with interpreters presenting history programs are available daily.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 15/20/30/50 amps
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Fee: $15 to $40 per night
Lake Rudolf Campground and RV Resort
Lake Rudolf Campground and RV Resort is another sensational RV park with a vastly different theme. Each of the 233 campsites includes a picnic table and fire ring. All roads and camping pads are paved with asphalt. Five air-conditioned bathhouses provide hot showers, and the restrooms are equipped with flush toilets. Both the grounds and facilities are kept immaculate by the staff. A huge welcome center holds the park office, a game and rec room, a restaurant, and a boat rental service. There is plenty of opportunity to venture onto the water to fish with the campground sitting next to Lake Rudolf. Holiday World is a short drive away, and the resort provides a free shuttle service to get there and back. A huge swimming pool has an interesting assortment of water slides that kids love. Fishing, boating, bicycling, hiking, and swimming are among the favorite activities visitors enjoy at Lake Rudolf Campground and RV Resort.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Fee: $59 to $75 per night
Ferdinand State Forest Campground
Ferdinand State Forest Campground sits 15 miles northeast of Lincoln State Park. The park features 57 primitive RV sites. All campsites inside the park are shaded. Hot showers and restrooms with flush toilets are among the few amenities at this bare-bones campground. The 900-acre area features one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in Indiana. Established in 1933 on bare acreage, the CCC started working to build the few structures that are currently used as restrooms and showers. The CCC went further and developed the lake that is now surrounded by forest. Lake fishing and excellent deer and squirrel hunting are the main attractions of this campground.
Water Hookup: No
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Fee: $12 per night
What to Do at
Lincoln State Park
Most people visit Lincoln State Park to explore its historic significance. However, there are several activities available for guests that provide a diverse experience. Many visitors remark on the beauty of the trees at this park and the views that a young Lincoln enjoyed during his formative years.
In 1932, the CCC arrived to find an excellent section of land ideal for farming. The talents of the craftsmen employed by the CCC are evident at every turn inside this park, with added hiking trails and fishing lakes to enjoy.
Inside Lincoln State Park
Old-growth white pine trees stand among the campsites at Lincoln State Park, lakes glisten in the distance, and rich farmland covers the rolling landscape, making for an idyllic setting. Swimming and fishing are two of the favorite activities visitors enjoy as the lakes are well-stocked. The main activity inside the park is hiking. There are six trails inside the park that are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Fishing
Seasonal angling is allowed in 55-acre Lake Lincoln. Anglers find substantial catches of planted bluegill, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, white crappie, and channel catfish.
Geocaching
Geocaching is allowed at Lincoln State Park. In fact, park officials have created geocaching events that feature historical demonstrations before a group search begins.
Nature Watching
Though Lincoln State Park is maintained as an example of nineteenth-century farmland, there is plenty of nature to observe. Indeed, seeing the farmland as it was during Lincoln’s youth provides some introspection into the great man’s principles. The interrelationship of farming, nature, and the lives of the men and women who lived during those years leaves visitors with a sense of awe.
Stargazing
The night sky at Lincoln State Park is panoramic. Due to the lack of light pollution that inhibits stargazing in cities, visitors to the park can lie on the ground on a clear night and have a clear vision of the magnificent layout above them. Stargazing at the park takes guests back hundreds of years to an era before artificial light.
Flora and Fauna
Lincoln State Park preserves a nineteenth-century landscape. A mix of black oak, white oak, hickory, and dogwood cover the steep hills. Wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, opossums, raccoons, and squirrels, are often seen by hikers throughout the area.
Hiking
Lincoln State Park has over 10 miles of hiking trails within its borders. The two trails most often used are the 2.2-mile Lake Lincoln Trail 1 and the 7.2-mile Lincoln Park Loop Trail. While the Lake Lincoln Trail 1 takes hikers around the entirety of scenic Lake Lincoln, the Lincoln Park Loop Trail travels through the valleys and extensive hills of the park.
Biking
Bicyclists can use the hiking trails inside Lincoln State Park. The 0.9-mile Lincoln Neighborhood Trail offers a quick bike run that loops through the various nineteenth-century structures in the park. The 4.4-mile Lincoln State Park East Loop is a great trail for bikers of all levels and has impressive scenic views.
Boating
A convenient boat ramp gives easy access to Lake Lincoln. Boats, canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats can be rented at the general store. Boats are limited to those powered by hand and electric motors.
Swimming
Lake Lincoln has an easily accessed swimming area. It is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. An adult must accompany all children.
How to Get to
Lincoln State Park
To get to Lincoln State Park from Evansville, IN, get onto Indiana Highway 62 East, and drive for about 5 miles. Turn left onto North Burkhardt Road and go for 13 miles. Then turn right onto East Morgan Avenue and go for about 12 miles. Continue straight onto East Main Street for another 13.6 miles. Turn left onto North United States Highway 23 and go for 3.8 miles. Take the right turn to get onto Indiana State Highway. The signage for the road will change to indicate you are on West State Road 162. Turn left onto 300 East and continue until you get to Lewis Street. It will immediately change into North Country Road and you will see the entrance to the park shortly.
Entering Lincoln State Park
There are no fees for the use of the swimming beach or the parking area at Lincoln State Park.
You’ll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Lincoln State Park. If you don’t have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lincoln State Park
The park is open year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the late spring, summer, and early fall when all facilities are open to the public. Events are often held during this time of year, so checking the calendar is a good idea.
Wildlife is allowed to run free throughout the park. The species found here are the same as those during Lincoln’s boyhood. Hikers often see white-tailed deer, opossums, raccoons, and squirrels.
There are 234 designated RV campsites in Lincoln State Park. Of those, 150 sites provide electricity and water, but no sewer hookups currently exist.
The nightly cost of renting an RV campsite in Lincoln State Park varies from $15 to $35 per night. The sites that provide electric hookups vary seasonally from $23 to $35, while non-electric areas remain at $15 throughout the year.
Lincoln State Park is pet-friendly. All dogs must be leashed for the entirety of the visit.
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