Picnic Areas & Shelter Houses
Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park is all about the outdoors, so it’s an ideal place for a picnic. You’ll find lovely picnic areas and covered reservable shelter houses scattered throughout the park.
PICNIC AREAS
Turkey Run State Park picnic areas are available on a first-come, first served basis. There are picnic tables with charcoal grills by the Saddle Barn, near the ball courts, and by the shelter houses.
In addition, there is a large, shaded picnic area with many picnic tables off the parking lot by the Nature Center:
There is also the (non-reservable) Fireplace Shelter picnic area off the trail leading from the Nature Center to Trail 1:
SHELTER HOUSES
Perhaps you’d like to reserve a picnic area that has shelter in case of adverse conditions? Then one of the shelterhouses at Turkey Run might be right for you.
Turkey Run State Park has five reservable shelter houses that are open from 9 am to 11 pm. These shelters are covered, non-enclosed buildings containing electricity, picnic tables, grills, drinking water and a parking spur. Some shelters include a fire ring, playground, and/or restrooms. Shelters not reserved one day in advance will be open on a free, first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations:
Most shelters may be reserved up to one year (to the day) in advance.
Reservations may be made by calling toll free 1-866-6-CAMP-IN.
You can also make online shelter house reservations:
Circled in red are the Turkey Run Reservable Shelters
Middle Shelter - A
Located off Trail 1, west of the Nature Center, where there is a huge parking lot just up the staircase by the shelter. This smaller shelter has a stone fireplace with integrated cooking grill, electricity, several picnic tables under the shelter, and a couple more picnic tables outside. Nearby are a drinking fountain, modern restrooms, and several more picnic tables with charcoal grills. Pets are allowed at this shelter. Cost is about $40 per day, but may vary across dates.
For reservations call 1-866-6-CAMP-IN or reserve online.
Fireplace Shelter - B
This shelter is on the Turkey Run Park map, but it is a non-reservable picnic area.
Tennis Court Shelter - C
Located off Trail 1, at the west end of the parking lot at the Nature Center. This very large, wheelchair accessible shelter has a large stone fireplace with two stone cooking areas, electricity, lots of picnic tables under the shelter, and many more just outside. Nearby are a drinking fountain, wheelchair accessible modern restrooms, a playground, ball courts, and a couple more picnic tables with charcoal grills. Cost is about $50 per day, but may vary across dates.
For reservations call 1-866-6-CAMP-IN or reserve online.
Big Log Shelter - D
Located in the woods off the road to the Nature Center, this shelter has its own large parking lot. This large, wheelchair accessible shelter houses wheelchair accessible modern restrooms at one end. The shelter has two stone fireplaces, one of which is double-sided, and each fireplace has an integrated grill. The shelter also features privacy, electricity, lots of picnic tables under the shelter, and many more outside. Nearby are a drinking fountain, playground, and one other picnic area with charcoal grill. Pets are allowed at this shelter. Cost is about $50 per day, but may vary across dates.
For reservations call 1-866-6-CAMP-IN or reserve online.
Newby Gulch Shelter - E
Located at the end of the road that passes the Saddle Barn. This small, shaded shelter house is divided in half. One side is more enclosed and has a fireplace and two picnic tables inside, plus a charcoal grill and two more picnic tables outside. The other side is more open and features electricity and a double stone grill under the roof, and two picnic tables outside. Right nearby is a drinking fountain and parking for four vehicles. Also nearby are a few other picnic/grilling areas, a single pit toilet, access to Trails 1 and 2, and additional parking. Cost is about $40 per day, but may vary across dates.
For reservations call 1-866-6-CAMP-IN or reserve online.
Canyon Shelter - F
Located in the woods, off Trail 2, and off the road that passes the Saddle Barn. There is a large parking lot. The shelter has about twelve picnic tables under the roof, plus a charcoal grill and several more picnic tables outside. Nearby are two drinking fountains, modern restrooms, a small playground, and several more picnic/grilling areas. Pets are allowed at this shelter. Cost is about $40 per day, but may vary across dates.
For reservations call 1-866-6-CAMP-IN or reserve online.
Interested in other places to picnic in Indiana?
Click here for a great Indiana State Parks Guide.