Clifty Falls State Park Camping

Entering Clifty Falls State Park

Day passes and annual passes available.

Clifty Falls State Park Indiana residents: $7.0

Clifty Falls State Park Non-residents: $9.0

Clifty Falls State Park Annual Pass: $50.0

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Adventures Await At Clifty Falls State Park In Indiana

If you are a geology, nature or wildlife enthusiast you will find a wealth of opportunities to explore at Clifty Falls State Park in southern Indiana. You can see the parks 425-million-year-old shale and limestone rocks that contain numerous marine fossils and are among the oldest in Indiana. Go hiking on the spectacular stone bed of Clifty Creek, and capture photos of the parks four named waterfalls that helped shape the amazing scenery.

Traverse the abandoned railroad-turned-bat-habitat tunnel piercing the hillside beneath Oak Grove. Marvel at the beautiful stonework improvements completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s that are still in use today.

Beneath the rugged cliffs, spring wildflowers bloom in a tranquil woodland environment. You can also take beautiful photographs of songbirds, hawks and vultures as they flutter through the seasons, as well as the deer, wild turkeys, foxes, and weasels that inhabit the uplands.

Relax in comfort at the breathtaking Clifty Inn, appreciate the outdoor lifestyle in the camprounds, or find convenient lodging in area vacation rentals or nearby hotels.

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area

Distance: 68 miles southwest of Indianapolis.

Features: Situated in Hoosier National Forest, the 1,200-acre recreation area is located right by Lake Monroe, Indiana’s largest lake. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing and swimming, hiking trails and sandy beach.

Campground: There are 200 campsites and a handful of double sites. Single sites allow a maximum of eight people and two cars. Double sites allow a maximum of 16 people and four cars. Each one is pet-friendly. Make reservations online here.

Other campgrounds and lodging: Hoosier National Forest has a number of other campgrounds including Indian-Celina, which takes reservations, German Ridge, which does not take reservations, Saddle Lake that features a primitive campground, and Blackwell Horsecamp that’s exclusive for horseback riders. There are also dispersed camping areas throughout the park, and cabin rentals.

Campground amenities: Flush toilets, drinking water, showers, picnic tables, fire rings, grills and firewood for sale.

Other lodging: Cabins.

Camping fees: $20-$50 per night.

Entrance fees: $5 per vehicle.

Details: 6464 Hardin Ridge Road, Heltonville. 812-837-9453, fs.usda.gov/hoosier.

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Inside Clifty Falls State Park

Of course, youre going to want to plan some things to do once in the state park. Fortunately, there are plenty of great options. Try one of these on for size:

Walking and Hiking Walking and hiking are some of the very best outdoor activities. A good hike allows you to really connect with nature while getting in some exercise and breathing some fresh air. Lucky for you, Clifty Falls State Park offers plenty of awesome trails. Whether youre a hiking beginner or a pro, there is a trail for you in this beautiful park.

Swimming Need to cool off on a hot summer day? This state park boasts a lovely swimming pool that guests absolutely adore. Bring your suit and some sunscreen, then go ahead and hop in. Youll be happy to cool off, and the kids will have a blast.

Tennis Theres nothing quite like a rousing game of tennis to get your blood pumping and lift your spirits. Why not get your tennis game on during your visit to Clifty Falls? This park offers a full and well-kept tennis court, along with places to participate in a few other types of sports and games.

Nature Center Lastly, you will want to be sure to take the time to visit the in-park nature center. Here, you can learn about the flora and fauna found in the park, making your visit a fun and educational one.

Discover Beautiful Clifty Falls State Park In Indiana

Overlooking the Ohio River in southern Indiana, Clifty Falls State Park features the lovely Clifty Inn, great hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, and more! Its the perfect place for special events like weddings, or just a nice vacation. Come stay a while and explore all the area has to offer.

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Printable Maps Of Clifty Falls State Park

Here are some good maps to help you plan a trip to Clifty Falls State Park:

Clifty Falls State Park Brochure & Trails Map This is what they hand out to visitors at the entrance gates. It has a detailed map of the park and trails, information about the park, trail descriptions, park rules, and more.

Rv Resorts & Campsites In Clifty Falls State Park

Add to the fun in nature by camping during your visit to Clifty Falls State Park. This park and the surrounding areas are the ideal place to camp, offering plenty to see and do, in addition to being a lovely escape into nature.

Dont want the discomforts that go along with tent camping? We cant say we blame you. Why not try your hand at RV camping instead? RVshare has an enormous number of RVs available for rent, and with so many to choose from, youre sure to find the perfect one for your getaway.

The in-park campground has a total of 106 electric sites, 63 non-electric sites, and a dump station for your convenience. Showers and flush toilets are also available, making your experience even more wonderful.

Of course, it isnt always possible to stay in the state park itself. When this happens, you might want to turn to one of the following area campgrounds:

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Raccoon State Recreation Area

Distance: 50 miles west of Indianapolis.

Features: Known officially as Cecil M. Harden Lake, the more than 2,000-acre body of water is a result of damming of Big Raccoon Creek for flood control. Tourists have benefited because the recreation area is known for good fishing, boating and swimming.

Campground: The large campground features 240 electric sites, 39 non-electric sites and 35 primitive camping sites. Each site is pet-friendly and allows a maximum of six people and two vehicles. There’s also a youth camping area. Make reservations online here.

Campground amenities: Vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and a convenience store. Theres also access to ball courts, boat rentals and playground.

Camping fees: $16-$32 per night.

Entrance fees: $7 for in-state plates $9 for out-of-state plates.

Details: 1588 S. Raccoon Parkway, Rockville. 765-344-1412, in.gov/dnr/parklake/2959.htm.

Kellie Hwang is a reporter at IndyStar. Contact her at 317-444-6032 or kellie.hwang@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter: @KellieHwang.

Turkey Run State Park

Distance: 70 miles west of downtown Indianapolis.

Features: This popular state park is an outdoor lovers’ paradise offering fishing, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing and wildlife viewing. Soak in the beauty of the ancient sandstone gorges and ravines, walk across the 200-foot suspension bridge and visit the nature center. The miles of hiking trails feature wooden ladders and views of Sugar Creek.

Campground: The campground has 209 electric campsites. Each one is pet-friendly and allows for a maximum of six people and one vehicle, with an overflow parking lot for extra cars. Make reservations online here.

Campground amenities: Vault toilets, drinking water, showers, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and convenience store. Theres also access to ball courts, swimming pool, boat rentals, equestrian and nature centers.

Other lodging: Turkey Run Inn, cabins.

Camping fees: $23-$30 per night.

Entrance fees: $7 for in-state plates $9 for out-of-state plates.

Details: 8121 E. Park Road, Marshall. 765-597-2635, turkeyrunstatepark.com.

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Clifty Falls State Park

Clifty Falls State Park is an Indiana state park on 1,416 acres in Jefferson County, Indiana in the United States. It is 46 miles northeast of Louisville, Kentucky. The park attracts about 370,000 visitors annually.

On Oct. 27, 1920, citizens of Madison, Indiana gave the land for the park, 570 acres , to the state of Indiana at the suggestion of Richard Lieber. This was after a year’s work by the citizens. A system of naturalist programs for Indiana state parks started in 1927, with Clifty Falls being one of the first four with one.

The park features Clifty Creek, Little Clifty Creek, and a canyon in which the sun only shines during midday.

It has many beautiful nature trails, especially those that go near Clifty Falls. The Clifty Inn is available for overnight guests, and the park contains a campground with sites for RV and tent campers.

Mccormicks Creek State Park

Distance: 60 miles southwest of Indianapolis.

Features: Indiana’s oldest state park is known for its stunning waterfalls and limestone canyon. Thereare 10 trails to choose from, ranging from easy to rugged that take hikers through diverse fauna habitats and the flowing creek, and a trail that offers access to Wolf Cave. Visitors can also climb the fire tower and check out the Statehouse Quarry, which provided the limestone to build the Indianapolis capitol.

Campground: Find 181 electric sites and 32 primitive camping sites. Each one is pet-friendly and allows for a maximum of six people and one vehicle, with an overflow parking lot for extra cars. There’s also a youth camping area. Make reservations online here.

Campground amenities: Vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and a convenience store. The park also features horse rentals, ball courts, a restaurant, nature center and amphitheater.

Other lodging: Canyon Inn, cabins.

Camping fees: $14-$30 per night.

Entrance fees: $7 for in-state plates $9 for out-of-state plates.

Details: 250 McCormick’s Creek Park Road, Spencer. 812-829-2235, in.gov/dnr/parklake/2978.htm.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Clifty Falls State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Clifty Falls State Park?

Ready to visit the waterfalls of Clifty Falls State Park? You’ll have the best experience in late spring before high summer temperatures and humidity arrive. However, fall offers its own magic with its crisp air and brilliantly colored foliage.

What is the climate of Clifty Falls State Park?

Clifty Falls lies in the Ohio River Valley climate region. Summers are hot and humid, often getting into the 90s. Fall tends to be milder with temps in the 50s to 70s. Winter brings cloudy skies that persist through spring.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Clifty Falls State Park?

The campground in Clifty Falls State Park has 106 RV-friendly sites. Each site has electric hookups. The park also has a dump station, showers, and flush toilets.

Are pets allowed at Clifty Falls State Park?

Feel free to bring your furry friends to Clifty Falls State Park. Be sure to keep them on 6-foot leashes when not in your RV, and avoid bringing them to the park’s public buildings.

Is Clifty Falls State Park accessible for disabled visitors?

Several of the trails at Clifty Falls State Park are accessible for visitors with disabilities. This includes the path that leads to the park’s namesake waterfall and its most popular attraction.

RVshare

Clifty Falls State Park Cabins

Clifty Falls State Park doesnt have cabins on their property. Their are a lot of vacation rentals very near by though. You can book some very nice vacation rentals and cabins near Clifty Falls State Park and in historic downtown of Madison, Indiana.

Sleeps 4$129 avg/night

This newly renovated 1840s federal style house features a fireplace and two master bedrooms. Located in historic downtown Madison, this house is only a few block away from the Ohio River and from Main Street. It is only a few minutes drive to Clifty Falls State Park.

Sleeps 8$212 avg/night

Built in 1838, this spacious, updated home is one of 3 row houses in Madison listed in the National Historic Registry. It features high ceilings, thick walls, a screened-in porch, off-street parking, and 5 fireplaces! Located on Main Street in historic downtown Madison, it is a short walk from this house to the Ohio River. It is also only a few minutes drive to Clifty Falls State Park.

Sleeps 8$208 avg/night

This spacious, historic home is pet-friendly and fully updated. There is a nice back deck, back patio with fire pit, a fenced-in back yard for privacy, plus off-street parking. Located on Main Street in historic downtown Madison, it is a short walk from this house to shops, restaurants, the riverfront, and the bridge to Kentucky. It is also only a few minutes drive to Clifty Falls State Park.

Sleeps 6$194 avg/night

Sleeps 12$433 avg/night

Sleeps 8$310 avg/night

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Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

Distance: 79 miles south of Indianapolis.

Features: The 280-acre recreation area within the Jackson-Washington State Forest is named for the 145-acre Starve Hollow Lake that provides visitors with great fishing, boating and swimming, and features a sandy beach. Hikers and mountain bikers can find 11 miles of trails just east of the lake. The education center provides a lesson on conservation.

Campground: The campground has 87 electric sites, and 52 with full hookups. Each one is pet-friendly and allows for a maximum of six people and twp vehicles. Make reservations online here.

Campground amenities: Vault toilets, drinking water, showers, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and ice and firewood for sale. There are also boat rentals and a nature center.

Other lodging: Rent-a-camp cabins.

Camping fees: $16-$44 per night.

Entrance fees: $7 for in-state plates $9 for out-of-state plates.

Details: 4345 S. 275 West, Vallonia. 812-358-3464, in.gov/dnr/forestry/4819.htm.

Brown County State Park

Distance: 61 miles south of Indianapolis.

Features: Nicknamed the “Little Smokies” because of its resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Brown County State Park is best known as a hot spot to see the leaves change in the fall. But it’s beautiful to visit the 16,000-acre park year-round, with more than 10 hiking trails that range from easy to rugged and feature stone bridges, a fishing lake, vistas and the chance to see the rare yellowwood tree. Another highlight is the 90-foot Fire Tower, where visitors can climb more than 120 steps to catch an amazing view of the blanket of trees below.

Campground: There are hundreds of campsites at this massive park, divided into four sections that includes youth camping, primitive camping and a campsite for horseback riders. Each one is pet-friendly and allows for a maximum of six people and one vehicle, with an overflow parking lot for extra cars. Make reservations online here.

Campground amenities: Vault toilets, drinking water, showers, picnic tables, fire rings with grills and a convenience store.

Other lodging: Abe Martin Lodge, cabins.

Camping fees: $16-$30 per night.

Entrance fees: $7 for in-state plates $9 for out-of-state plates.

Details: 1810 State Road 46 East, Nashville. 812-988-6406, in.gov/dnr/parklake/2988.htm.

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City Falls State Park Campground

Clifty Falls State Park Campground offers a wide range of options for campers, from the primitive to the electric loops, as well as the Youth Tent Area. With so many choices, it can be hard to know where to set up camp. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:

If youre looking for an authentic camping experience, the primitive loop is the way to go. Youll be surrounded by nature, with no electricity or modern amenities. This is the closest youll get to roughing it while still being able to enjoy Clifty Falls State Park campground.If you prefer a little more comfort, the electric loop is a good choice. Youll have access to electricity.