Ready to explore Indiana's Biggest State Park?
Brown County State Park stands as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nestled in the heart of Indiana's captivating landscape. Known for its natural beauty and diverse range of activities, this park has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Spanning over 15,000 acres, Brown County State Park is Indiana's largest state park, offering a vast playground for exploration and relaxation. Its popularity among outdoor enthusiasts stems from its scenic vistas, lush forests, rolling hills, and meandering streams that create a picturesque backdrop for unforgettable experiences.
What sets Brown County State Park apart is its diverse range of activities catering to all kinds of adventurers. Whether you're seeking a serene camping retreat, thrilling hiking trails, adrenaline-pumping mountain biking routes, or peaceful fishing spots, this park has something for everyone. It's a haven where you can immerse yourself in nature's beauty, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and reconnect with the great outdoors.
Getting to Brown County State Park
According to google maps the travel time to the park is 4 hours.
(Previous lessons can be found on our Lake Wappapello Adventure)
Lesson #7: Traveling with a 27ft travel trailer which weighs about 5300 lbs without any cargo adds about 15 minutes to every hour of travel because you cannot go any faster that 65 MPH safely. So plot your course accordingly and take into consideration vertical clearings
We estimated that this would adds about 1-1.5 hours. A couple of days before traveling we plotted out our stops that would give us enough room to gas up our truck without unhitching the travel trailer. We also want to be able to eat lunch. We looked for stops that can accommodate a semi-truck because then we know it can accommodate us. We used ALL STAY app for that. We paid $9 for the app but I think it is worth it since it tells you the stops in a map which we plugged into Apple Maps as stops.
We also recommend taking frequent breaks to avoid driving fatigue. You can utilize the semi-truck parking for this purpose which we did quiet often. Here we are trying to squeeze in between 2 semis... hi guys, we are just gonna scooch in between you 2 if you do not mind, I gotta pee... thanks
Lodging in Brown County State Park
Abe Martin Lodge
If you're someone who enjoys the comforts of home while traveling, then a stay at Abe Martin Lodge, also known as the Brown County State Park Inn, is perfect for you. The lodge offers 84 bedrooms and operates 24 sleeping cabins with 56 bedrooms in total, along with 20 family housekeeping cabins. Besides lodging, Abe Martin Lodge features meeting rooms, a public dining area, and an indoor aquatic center that's open to the public. If the park's accommodations are fully booked, you can also explore nearby lodging options in charming Nashville, Indiana.
Camping in Brown County State Park
Camping at Brown County State Park offers a variety of options to suit every camper's preferences. If you're bringing an RV, the West Gate is your entrance point, where you'll find 401 sites with electric hookups and 28 non-electric sites. For those looking for a rally experience, there are 60 dedicated sites to accommodate groups.
Horse enthusiasts will appreciate the Horsemen's area, accessible from 135 South, featuring 118 electric sites and 86 non-electric sites, all nestled amidst scenic surroundings perfect for a peaceful retreat. Families with young adventurers can make use of the Youth Tent Areas, specially designated for a fun camping experience.
Additionally, the camp store provides essential supplies and souvenirs, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And when it's time to empty your tanks, the dumping station is conveniently available for RV campers to maintain cleanliness and convenience throughout their trip.
Setting up Camp in Brown County State Park
The first thing we've been doing so far is to check in with the camp host and get maps of the campground and the park in case we do not have any cellphone signal and have to use old-school map to find our way. We ask where we can get fresh water because our camp site only have electric hook up. When we get to the "drinking station" which what they call where you fill up the fresh water tank we learned our next lesson:
Lesson #8: The water heating element in the travel trailer is called an anode rod and if it is not plugged into the water heating system water would leak all over the place and you would not be able to fill up your water tank.
This seems pretty obvious but we just had our trailer services by Bill Thomas because our electric water heater does not seem to be working and I guess they took it out and did not put it back
Setting up a travel trailer takes us about 1.5 to 2 hours so you should consider camp set up when getting to the campsite. You would not want to have to set up in the dark... trust me. We had to do that when we camped in Hot Springs National Park and it was not fun... doable but not fun
Then we are finally settled for our home away from home for the next 4 days.
First day in camp is when we usually learned new things about our trailer which is a fun adventure most of the time... and sometimes it is a WTF kind of thing... which is the next lesson
Lesson #9: If water is coming out of every faucet but the shower it is probably the "Frankenstein knobby things" that is preventing water from coming out... amateur hour... I know
Dining Options in Brown County State Park
I know we are camping but sometimes you just don't feel like cooking, enter Little Gem Restaurant. Whether you're starting your day with a hearty breakfast, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or winding down with a satisfying dinner, the Little Gem Restaurant caters to your dining needs. Their outdoor patio seating provides a scenic backdrop, offering picturesque views of the woods and park throughout the seasons.
Their dining hours are Breakfast: 8 -11 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: 5-8 p.m.
Recreation Activities in Brown County State Park
Hiking in Brown County State Park
One of the favorite feature of Brown County State Park that is my favorite are designated use trails for hiking, equestrian and mountain biking which is a plus because it avoids over-crowding on trails and you know what to expect when you get to the trail. Brown County State Park has 18 miles of easy to rugged trails
Here are the trails we've tried:
Trail #10: fire tower trail (2.2 miles)
Trail #5: Hollow Nature Preserve trail (0.80 miles)
We definitely recommend climbing up the fire tower as the views are fantastic!
Trail #6: Strahl Lake Trail (0.75)
Trail #2: CCC Trail (2.50 Miles)
Trail #7: Ogle Lake Trail (1.5 miles)
Trail#8: HHC Trail (3.5 Miles)
Trail #1: Lodge loop trail (0.9 miles)
Trail 3: Saddle Barn Loop Trail (1.25)
Explore the Seven Vistas of Brown County State Park
Embark on an exciting adventure with Brown County State Park's 7 Vista Challenge, a quest designed to uncover the park's most breathtaking views across seven different vistas. Completing this challenge not only rewards you with a free 7 Vista Challenge sticker but also offers the opportunity to purchase a commemorative T-shirt, available at select locations including Abe Martin Lodge, the Nature Center within the park, and the Brown County Visitors Center in Nashville.
Starting from the West Lookout Tower and concluding at Hohen Point, the 7 Vista Challenge guides you through a scenic journey that can be experienced by driving or riding along the park's roads. For detailed information about each vista stop and a handy map of the challenge route, visit 7vistachallenge.com and set off on a memorable exploration of Brown County State Park's natural wonders.
Horseback Riding in Brown County State Park
If you think that the park offers ends there, it does not! The park also offers trail rides at the Saddle Barn which operates daily from 9 am to 5 pm, subject to weather conditions, throughout the mid-March to mid-November period, providing ample opportunities to experience the park's natural beauty from a unique perspective. Please note that the Saddle Barn is closed during the winter months.
To ensure compliance with park regulations, a Horse Tag is required for each horse accessing DNR properties where horse use is permitted. The cost for a Horse Tag is $5 per day or $20 for an annual tag, granting access for one horse (vehicle admission is separate). Daily tags can be obtained in person at the park, while annual tags are available for purchase online or through mail/phone at the DNR Customer Service Center.
For horse enthusiasts eager to explore independently, Brown County State Park welcomes you to bring your own horse to traverse the approximately 70 miles of bridle trails winding through the park's steep, forested hills.
Mountain Biking in Brown County State Park
As I said before there are designated trails for each activity in Brown County State Park and this includes mountain biking. Check out this map for the trails. With nearly 30 miles of mountain biking bliss at Brown County State Park, catering to riders of all skill levels from beginners to experts. With 400 feet of elevation change and a variety of terrain, including hills, ravines, and stream crossings, our trails offer an exhilarating experience amidst nature's beauty.
Please note that an Off-Road Cycle permit is required to ride trails rated above Beginner level. Annual permits are available for $20, while daily permits can be purchased for $5. You can acquire these permits at the gatehouse, park office, or conveniently online at www.innsgifts.com, making it easy to gear up for your mountain biking adventure at Brown County State Park.
Other Notable Activities in Brown County State Park
Fishing at Brown County State Park. You can cast your line into the waters of Ogle Lake (17 acres) and Strahl Lake (7 acres) for bass, bluegill, and other species. To fish in these lakes, a state fishing license is mandatory. You can obtain your fishing license conveniently at the park office, or opt for online purchase or mail-in services for added convenience.
Boating at Brown County State Park. Ogle Lake at Brown County State Park welcomes non-motorized boats like canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, as well as boats equipped with electric trolling motors. However, please note that there is no boat ramp on-site, and boat rentals are not offered. Visitors must bring their own boats, and a DNR lake permit is necessary for boating activities.
Boating at Brown County State Park. An Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool that operates daily from 12 noon to 7 pm, although hours may vary (check with the park office for updates). The pool season typically runs from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, with weekends-only availability at the beginning and end of the season. Please note that pool hours may fluctuate due to weather conditions and staff availability.
Playgrounds and Tennis Courts at Brown County State Park. The park has a couple of playgrounds and two tennis courts that are open to the public
Brown County State Park in Indiana offers a wealth of outdoor adventures and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for camping enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With this Complete Camping Guide to Brown County State Park, you're equipped with all the information you need to plan an unforgettable camping experience, from choosing the right campsite to exploring the park's diverse activities and attractions. Whether you're RV camping, hiking the Seven Vistas Trail, or enjoying a relaxing day by the swimming pool, Brown County State Park promises moments of serenity and adventure in the heart of nature. Happy camping!
TTYL!
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