Charlestown State Park image

Charlestown State Park

Tourist attraction State park

Scenic spot with rugged terrain for hiking & bird-watching, plus fishing & full hookup camping site. People often mention park, Rose, trails, Island, hike, trail, hiking, beautiful, Park, time,


Address

3000 State Park Drive, Charlestown, IN 47111

Website

on.in.gov

Contact

(812) 256-5600

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (1.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 7 AM to 11 PM
  • Sunday: 7 AM to 11 PM
  • Monday: 7 AM to 11 PM
  • Tuesday: 7 AM to 11 PM
  • Wednesday: 7 AM to 11 PM
  • Thursday: 7 AM to 11 PM
  • Friday: 7 AM to 11 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (24) Rose (22) trails (21) Island (21) hike (15) trail (12) hiking (11) beautiful (9) Park (8) time (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Brad R. 11 months ago on Google • 518 reviews
    Cleanest State Park we have visited. Nice maintained trails. Signage was clear, and easy to follow. Rose Island Amusement Park remnants are marked. Flood of 1937 that ended the Amusement Parks existence is marked at various points showing the depth of water. There is a boat launch area.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A (. 11 months ago on Google • 184 reviews
    I had an amazing time hiking here today. We hiked trail 3 to trail 7 (Rose Island loop), and I loved every moment. The history behind Rose Island is so interesting to me. Trail 3 going through the trees is grassy and dirt, stone, natural, up and down, steep and narrow. It is suggested to wear bug repellent, possibly use a walking stick, and be aware of Indiana's natural snake habitat here as we saw at least one black snake on our hike today. Restrooms are pit toilets. Lots of parking. Rose Island is very cool and worth the hike through or along the paved path. The park is leashed dog friendly. There are several picnic tables along the trails.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Judy V. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this state park! It is well maintained. The two times we’ve stayed there were in full hookup sites. Easy to back into, level. There are 6 different hiking trails marked from easy to rugged. The most popular is the Rose Island Amusement Park Trail. Be prepared! The hike down to the amusement park is lovely. The hike back up is stroke inducing! It is super steep. Close to Louisville, Ky and Madison, In
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David R. 2 years ago on Google
    While it may not offer the spectacular scenery like Turkey Run or Brown County, it makes up for it in unique history of a former amusement park (Rose Island). The trail to Rose Island is very steep, so make sure you are in good physical condition since it starts downhill and requires the long climb on the way back. But it's well worth the hike and the trails are very well done with information signs that really help you envision what life was like at the park a hundred years ago.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen D. 6 months ago on Google
    One of the best kept secrets in Southern Indiana. This beautiful park with its campgrounds, boat launch, picnic areas, and folklore should entice outdoor lovers to come and take a hike on the beautiful trails. I lucked upon my favorite spot to watch boaters, skiers, and people enjoying activities on the Ohio River. Beautiful setting with benches provided offered a scenic view of the Ohio River. The Staff were friendly and informative. There is a small fee to get into the park, but most if not all Indiana State Parks have a fee. Note: Fall (Autumn) when the leaves peak will make this location a must see.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 b t. 9 months ago on Google
    I highly recommend the guided tour of Rose Island. Wear good walking shoes. Also check the Nature Center and gift shop.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin S. 1 year ago on Google
    Cool trails! I took trail number 2. It was a little over a mile and had a cool little Creek with a small waterfall as well. Also has a kids park with bathrooms.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kara-Jay K. 1 year ago on Google
    We have really loved staying here in our trailer! The rangers, camp hosts and other guests are lovely 😊 We accidentally booked our stay in electricity only but it’s been fine! Water pumps near by and hot showers so dry camping has been easy. The hikes are lovely and we have really enjoyed seeing all the wildlife. Rabbits, deer, turtles and even some raccoons! Great base for exploring Louisville and I’d highly recommend staying here!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle F. 1 year ago on Google • 40 reviews
    Had a lovely time hiking and walking Trail 6 today! 2 moms + 1 preteen and 5 teens. Slightly rugged climb and ending with a leisurely walk. The fall colors were beautiful and the trickling waterfall (due to the dry weather) was still really cool. A little over 2 miles. Highly recommend Trail 6! Restrooms near parking.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lauryn C. 9 months ago on Google
    Fun for a nice hike. Feels like you are far from the city, but it isn't a long drive from it. They are absolutely not lying when they say the walk back from Rose Island is paved, but a steep upward hill. Lol
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 tammy f. 5 months ago on Google
    If your using mobility rollator, walker or scooter. This is state park to go to. Roads wide and over look concrete decks. Amazing your right on Ohio river. Go and enjoy nature just a blessing.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 R C. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice state park with multiple hiking trails, camping and picnic areas along the Ohio River. Bonus! We went on a no fee day!! Hiked trails 7 and 3 to do the Rose Island loop. Nice bit of history too with historical markers along the route. Will definitely visit again to see the seasonal changes.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tiffany P. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely loved our time here! Would love to come back to check some of the other trails. Came here mostly to see rose island and it didn't disappoint!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven R. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome history and wildlife including turtles and fish. There is an old pool and other historic buildings that are still standing from the flood, won't ruin it with pictures, you have to go see for yourself. This is also wheel chair accessible but make sure you have a fully charged battery!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peace F. 2 years ago on Google
    I’ve hiked all the trails here and love the views that can be seen from all of them. Camping fishing and boating are all available here. The campground is well-maintained and very clean. There is access to water and electricity as well as bathrooms and showers.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diana I. 2 months ago on Google • 196 reviews New
    Loved the Rose Island walk through time, then back to parking lot through trail 3. Trail 7 in the am. Beautiful Limestone Cliffs along the Ohio River, turkeys, beavers, moss.

  • 5/5 Eva H. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a very interesting place to visit. There is a lot of history here. It was a wonderful amusement Park in the 1920's. With remnants of some of the things that were there then. It's a wonderful place to hike and picnic, Boat and camp.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wayne W. 2 years ago on Google
    What a great place to stay, we were in site 66. Nice and large, somewhat level but not horrible. Water, sewer and electric. Very quite and would return for sure . Don't miss the rose island hike.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jamie M. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice park. First time here and it has been nice so far. Campground is clean and decent size sites. Bathrooms and showers are clean. First state park I have been to with full hook ups for trailers. Admittedly haven't been to a lot of them yet just getting into camping and making the rounds finally. Will definitely be back again to camp. The amusement park was a nice hike but the trail there is a pretty grueling decent then have to hike back up.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amber D. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful very clean a must see and one of the best camp grounds I've ever stayed at I loved it here
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Lindsey P. 2 years ago on Google
    7 hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate. All well maintained and easy to follow. Views of the Ohio River and 14 mile creek. Some rocks and roots make some trails more rugged than others. All of the trails are loops which is nice. Use trail 3 to get to Rose Island which is trail 7. Dog friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Judy O. 1 month ago on Google • 42 reviews New
    DH and I signed up for the Devil's Backbone guided hike at Charlestown SP. This hike is only given in the winter and is closed to the public otherwise. Jeremy, a DNR Naturalist, was our guide, and he was outstanding. The hike itself is quite short and, except for a very short incline, is assessable to most. There are numerous downed trees, roots, and other trail obstacles however which might prove difficult for some. The story of this area is the real reason to go, and Jeremy does a masterful job engaging and drawing one in. That and some stellar views of the Ohio River make this a very fun hike. We finished off our time at CSP by taking a peak at Rose Island and returning via trail 3 which boost some pretty cool cliffs by the river.

  • 5/5 Amy M. 8 months ago on Google • 23 reviews
    Very nice state park! Lots of trails to walk and roads to bike on. We stayed in the campground and it was great. Our site was large wooded and secluded. We had mostly friendly neighbors. Only negative is the shower house which had push bottom showers that didn't run for very long and you couldn't adjust the temperature which I thought was too hot.

  • 5/5 K R. 3 months ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    Charleston State Park is a serene retreat for nature lovers like me. The tranquil trails offer scenic views of lush greenery and peaceful waterways, perfect for hiking or a leisurely stroll. The park's well-maintained facilities and picnic areas make it an ideal spot for a family outing or a relaxing day in nature. The serene ambiance and beautiful landscape of Rose Island make it a hidden gem worth exploring!

  • 5/5 Wendy H. 7 months ago on Google
    Pretty neat park! There is some decent hiking for the area. I enjoyed seeing the flood markers as we walked around Rose Island. There were plenty of wild flowers and tons of pollinators! Bring tick/bug repellent - despite the multitude of warnings about ticks at the ticket office at the front and the visitor's center within the park, they don't sell any.

  • 4/5 Abraham Y. 5 months ago on Google
    Have fun camping there, visit Rose Island, learned a lot about the flood of 1937

  • 5/5 Cathy G. 5 months ago on Google
    This is a beautiful park. I had hiked it before, in the spring when the bluebells were blooming - spectacular! Went back for fall color. Hiked trails 3, 4, and 7. Love strolling through the old Rose Island remains. What fun it must have been in the heyday.

  • 5/5 Aaron F. 1 year ago on Google
    The Rose Island trail is a really good time. The scenery is beautiful and the fact it used to be a famous amusement park is astounding.

  • 5/5 Lonnie Y. 6 months ago on Google
    Very beautiful scenic place I recommend it for people to go check it out. Got greeted by the very friendly what do you call them The gate attendant. I told him I've never been here before and I just want to check it out and he's like what we need to check this and he kept telling me a few places to go to You need to go to yourself check it out.

  • 5/5 Scott R. 6 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    Charlestown SP is probably the nicest and best kept state park campground I have ever stayed at. Paved roads, lush grass, level pads and clean, modern bathrooms. It was 95 degrees every day we were there so we really didn’t sample the hiking trails much. We did Rose Island late one day but that was it. I would definitely stay there again.

  • 5/5 Hawk G. 7 months ago on Google
    Great State Park. One of the best we’ve been to. Make sure go out to Rose Island and capture some great history as you step back in time on the island and see several relics during from the 20’s and 30’s. It was a a getaway place from Louisville that provided much entertainment and amenities.

  • 5/5 Jack Koenig S. 6 months ago on Google
    Love this park! For being one of the newest, it has the most awesome greenery, lawns, and established trees and shade all around. Thanks in large part due to Army management from when it was an ammunition plant. Bordering the Ohio River, with boat ramp, filled with nature and steeped with history, including the Rose Island Amusement Park remnants, wgich are all that remains from the flood of '37.

  • 5/5 Amanda K. 9 months ago on Google
    If you take trail 6 to the waterfall start by the woods at the boat dock unless your an experienced hiker and are prepared for serval hrs of hiking up rocking/ rootie trails

  • 5/5 Mindy M. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this place. Very private, secluded campsites. There weren't a ton of campers, its wasn't loud and noisy. Sites are very well maintained and very level. Bathhouse is nice and clean. Comfort stations are very well cared for. We will definitely be back. The staff takes pride in their park and you can definitely tell.

  • 4/5 Kimberlee M. 9 months ago on Google
    This is a beautiful, well kept park! Easy in & out & close to attractions. On our last morning, we were preparing to leave. The mower came dangerously close to our dogs, our RV & us. Returning in 5 min. would have been much more safe for everyone. All other employees were friendly & helpful.

  • 5/5 Lady-Holly O. 1 year ago on Google
    Really good hiking trails but grab yourself a spider-web prevention stick to start it off right! Tons of webs in the path because spiders have no concept of human trails, they don't know! Beautiful scenery

  • 5/5 Ron B. 1 year ago on Google
    Charlestown State Park Campgrounds was exceptional clean, campground Hosts where informative about the area, there is history about the Rose abandonment amusement park on ground of yesterday era a must see of the past. Camping Reservations need to be made in advance on weekends, amenities two shower house, approximately 190 camping sites some with full hook up, and sites with just electric only, Electrical 120V, 30Amp, 50Amp fire rings, picnic tables, Rv dumping station, potable water, playground, picnic area, boat ramp, hiking trails, tranquil setting. Charlestown city is 15 - 20 minutes from state park (entrance) gas, groceries, hardware, banks. Approximately 30 minutes from Louisville, Kentucky. T-Mobile and AT&T 3-4 bars


Call (812) 256-5600 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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