Mitchell, Indiana boasts two of Indiana's best parks. Sandstone canyons, bluffs, and deep ravines along the Sugar Creek make Turkey Run and Shades State park a winning combination this weekend. We'll camp two nights at nearby Racoon SRA, just 30 minutes from each park.
- Type: Tent camping (primitive)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Rugged
- Distance: up to 8 miles Saturday, 5 miles Sunday
What to Bring
- Tent (with rainfly and stakes)
- Sleeping bag (appropriate for season)
- Sleeping pad
- Camp chair
- Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Water (at least 2L per day)
- Lunches and Snacks for on trail
- Breakfast and dinners at camp
- Mess kit (bowl, cup, utensils)
- Weather-appropriate clothing (dress in layers)
- Sturdy shoes or boots
- Toiletries and personal items
- Firewood (if allowed/provided)
A full packing list is here to help you pack.
Schedule
ALL TIMES LISTED IN CENTRAL TIME (CST/CDT)
Friday
- 2:00 PM: Depart from Evansville
- 4:30 PM: Arrive at campground, set up camp
- 6:30 PM: Group dinner
Saturday:
- 9:30 AM: Depart for Turkey Run
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Turkey Run
- 12:00 PM: Lunch on Trail
- 4:00 PM: Wrap up Hike
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at Camp
Sunday:
- 7:00 AM: Begin teardown of camp
- 10:00 AM: Camp packed, head to Shades
- 12:00 PM: Lunch on Trail
- 3:00 PM: Wrap up Hike
- 6:00 PM: Arrive in Evansville
Ground Rules
- Leave no trace, pack out all your trash.
- Observe quiet hours 10 PM – 6 AM.
- No children unless specified.
- Dogs permitted on 6ft non-retractable leash (See notes).
Cost
- Primitive sites are $16/night, for up to 6 persons and 2 tents per site.
- State Park entrances are $7/car.
- We'll split costs evenly amongst attendees.
Notes
- Dogs will be unable to hike the 'Ladders' trails.
- Primitive campground has water and pit toilets, but no showers. You might be able to use the showers at the Beach house, or the RV/Electric camp shower, if they are open.
- We'll reserve 1 or 2 sites, depending on the number of RSVPs. Expect to share a tent with one other person (or plan to make an additional site reservation.)
Maps / Information
