ABOUT CHARLESTOWN STATE PARK: “The birth of the Ohio River, the primary feature of the Park, began in the Ice Age, when glaciers and periodic natural damming began to form the River. Historically, the River was shallow enough to walk across in the hot summer months, but in the late 1800s construction started on a series of man-made dams that made the River what it is today. Currently 981 miles long, the Ohio offers many recreational opportunities from catfishing to water skiing.
Rugged and winding, the Fourteenmile Creek valley is one of the oldest unglaciated stream valleys in Indiana. As a tributary to the Ohio River, the creek today appears as a long winding “ribbon” lake rather than as a flowing stream. This unique look is due to locks and dams on the River. During the periods when the River level is increasing, Fourteen mile Creek actually appears to be flowing in reverse, as rising River waters back into the creek valley.
From 1940-1995, the Park land was part of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant, which totaled approximately 15,000 acres at one time. Before the establishment of the Plant, most of what was to become the Park was used for farmland or pasture land. Old aerial photographs show the Park as open area with few trees. Prudent resource management during the last 50-plus years by the Army allowed and encouraged reforestation of the rugged hills and deep ravines.
Recreational facility development began in 1995. The Park opened in 1996, with picnicking, fishing, and hiking available. The modern campground opened in 1999 and expanded in 2002.” (from brochure, Charlestown State Park, by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 12/2017)
Charlestown State Park is a wonderful place to camp. The grounds are immaculate and facilities are extremely well maintained. The Park offers 13.2 miles of hiking trails. There is a boat launch to the Ohio River. Boating and fishing are popular, there is lots of parking, and it is in a separate area from the campground. The Park is quite large with miles of paved roads that are perfect for bike riding. Other facilities include a picnic area, Park store, visitor parking, and two shelters. The campground is quiet and separate from other popular areas. It offers a dump station, playground, showers & restrooms, drinking water, handicapped accessibility, parking, and drinking fountains.
There are three campground loops. Black Cherry Loop has 60 campsites and is open all year. These sites offer electric hook-ups – 9 are 50 amp; 51 are 30 amp. Mulberry Loop has 63 campsites for in-season camping only. 31 sites are full hook-ups (water, electric, & sewer); 32 are electric hook-ups. Paw Paw Loop has 69 campsites for in-season camping only. 27 sites are full hook-ups; 42 are electric hook-ups. We have camped here four times, all of them off-season; we have never had a bad experience. Our favorite campsites in Black Cherry Loop are (in order of preference) 17, 43, 21, 50, and 27, but every campsite in this loop is just fine. Someday we will camp here in-season and be able to check out the other two loops.
Check-in time is after 2 p.m. Check-out time is before 2 p.m. Sunday’s and designated holidays, check-in/check-out times are 5 p.m. Off-season dates can vary but are usually November through March/April. We paid $134.32 for 7 nights (less than $20 per night). Charlestown State Park, 12500 State Road 62, Charlestown, IN 47111. The Park is on the Indiana side of the Ohio River across from Louisville, Kentucky. Mailing address is P.O. Box 38, Charlestown. For information call (812) 256-5600 or online go to www.stateparks.in.gov/2986.htm. For reservations call 1-866-622-6746 or online www.camp.IN.gov. The Park Office phone number is (812) 256-5600, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- 2017 – ?-04/23
- 2018 – ?-03/21
- 2019 – ?-03/30
- 2021 – 11/10-11/17
- 2022 – 10/29-11/02