The Ultimate Guide to Charlestown State Park, Indiana

Charlestown State Park Indiana is one of 24 locations in the state park system. Since moving to the Midwest, we’ve been on a quest to explore them all! Heading home after a road trip to Kentucky, we looked at the map and found two Indiana State Parks just over the state line: Falls of the Ohio State Park and Charlestown State Park.

While exploring two state parks in one afternoon might sound like a lot, both are relatively small, they each offer something unique, and they are less than 30 minutes apart. Perfect!

Since Falls of the Ohio State Park is located just past Louisville, KY, on the Indiana side of the Ohio River, we stopped there first. We spent a couple hours wandering through the Interpretive Center and exploring the fossil beds, then headed northeast toward Charlestown.

We could have spent hours hiking the many trails in Charlestown State Park, but instead we focused our visit on hiking Trail 3 which offered beautiful views along Fourteen Mile Creek and the Rose Island Loop – somewhat of a ghostly walk in the park.

Ready to plan your own visit? Here’s everything you need to know about exploring Southern Indiana’s Charlestown State Park.

Charlestown State Park Overview

Indiana’s Charlestown State Park is located in the southern part of the state, just across the Ohio River from Kentucky. Although it is one of the newest Indiana state parks – designated in 1996 – the area encompassed by Charlestown State Park has a long and interesting history.

In the mid-19th century, the small area between Fourteen Mile Creek and the Ohio River was known as Devil’s Backbone. By the 1880s it came to be known as Fern Grove, attracting visitors to its lush natural landscape for leisurely picnics. In the 1920s, it was transformed into a bustling social destination known as Rose Island Resort which was later destroyed by the great flood of 1937, leaving nothing but ruins.

Located just a short distance off Highway 65, Charlestown State Park made a great place to stop on our road trip from Clermont, KY, (home of the Forest Giants at Bernheim Arboretum) to Central Indiana. We got in a good hike, checked another state park off our “must visit” list, and learned a bit about the interesting history of the region.

In the 1940s, the area now known as Charlestown State Park was part of the land owned and operated by the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant. Once the world’s largest producer of smokeless powder, the Ammunition Plant was essential in supporting the Allied war efforts during WWII, leading to a population boom for Charlestown, IN.

Today, Charlestown State Park features a variety of recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking and boating. It is also a designated stop along the Indiana Birding Trail, recognized as a premiere birding location for its diverse habitats for more than 70 species of birds.

Park Features at a Glance

• Camping year-round with nearly 200 campsites, all equipped with electricity
• Restrooms equipped with flushing toilets, hot water and showers
• Approximately 16 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to rugged
• Boat launch for easy access to the Ohio River
• Fishing along the banks of Fourteen Mile Creek
• Picnic shelters and playground
• Nature Center with interpretive programs
• Pets permitted, but must be kept on leash at all times

Things to do at Charlestown State Park

Charlestown State Park in Southern Indiana offers visitors a multitude of outdoor activities year-round. If (like us) hiking is your thing, Charlestown State Park invites you to explore more than 16 miles of trails through deep ravines, hardwood forests, and along Fourteen Mile Creek.

Rather sit and cast a line? You can do that from the riverbanks while watching to see how many species of birds you can identify. Looking for a place to camp that includes flushing toilets? Charlestown State Park has that, too.

Keep reading for more detail about the many amenities and activities available when you visit Indiana’s Charlestown State Park. Or save this post to come back to later.

[Click on images to enlarge]

Hike more than 16 miles of Charlestown State Park trails

There are eight trails within Charlestown State Park, ranging from an easy 5k grassy-trail course that gently winds around the picnic area to six moderate-rugged trails, ranging from 1.2 to nearly 3 miles each.

Starting and ending near the Cedar Grove Picnic Area is an 8-foot wide, mowed trail with markers counting off the 5k distance. This easy path is ideal for those wanting to get out in nature without a significant effort or elevation change.

On our visit to Charlestown State Park, we followed the rugged 2-mile Trail 3 that leads to Portersville Bridge and connects with Trail 7 on Rose Island. Starting on Trail 3 from the parking lot, heading counterclockwise, the trail starts with a very steep downhill, paved section that may be difficult for some visitors. A large portion of Trail 3 winds along Fourteen Mile Creek, perfect for fishing and birding in addition to hiking.

Trail 6 is a rugged, 2.3-mile loop that offers stunning views of the Ohio River and Twelvemile Island. The hike takes you across a natural waterfall, to old Charlestown Landing – another historical marker dating back to the early 1900s. In the spring, Trail 6 puts on a show with a vibrant array of wildflowers.

👉🏼 Pick up a Charlestown State Park map from the guesthouse when you first arrive to learn more about each of the trails.

Take a guided hike with a park naturalist

Charlestown State Park regularly offers guided hikes with a park naturalist, taking visitors on adventures not always accessible to the public. Examples include:

• Full Moon Hikes
• Devil’s Backbone Guided Hikes (offered November through February)
• Special nature programs taking participants back in time to what life might have been like in the 1920s on Rose Island, explaining what resident turtles and snakes do in the wintertime, and more.

👉🏼 Find a complete listing of upcoming events here.

Take a step back in time on Rose Island

We loved exploring Rose Island at Charlestown State Park! With its overgrown trails and crumbling ruins of the once-grand entrance gate, swimming pool and cottages, Rose Island today is little more than a ghost town within the park. During the 1920s, Rose Island was a popular amusement park and resort, featuring a zoo, roller coaster, carousel, cottages and dance hall. Visitors to Rose Island would arrive by car or boat from nearby Madison, IN, and Louisville, KY. In 1937, a devastating flood covered the resort, bringing an end to its reign as a popular destination.

Rose Island, nestled between Fourteen Mile Creek and the Ohio River, can be reached by taking Trail 3 to the Portersville Bridge, then crossing over to the island. As you wander the 0.9-mile path around Rose Island, you can imagine what it must have been like during its bustling days. Along the trail you’ll find hand-operated voice boxes that take you back in time for a glimpse into Rose Island’s past.

Go birding

Indiana is situated directly in the path of the Mississippi Flyway, a migratory path for many species of birds as they travel between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. Charlestown State Park Indiana is located alongside the Ohio River and features a variety of habitats supporting the migratory progress of the different species. For this reason, Charlestown State Park has been designated as an official stop on the Indiana Birding Trail and a perfect location for avid birders.

As much as I love watching birds and listening to their songs, without my beloved Merlin Bird ID app, there are few birds I can identify. But for all you birders out there who do know the difference between a warbler and a vireo, Charlestown State Park is a place you’ll want to explore.

Spring and fall are peak seasons for spotting migratory bird species and winter brings out breeding owls and the Winter Wren. But throughout the year, you can find a variety of birds in the park’s varied habitats. Here are some of the highlights mentioned by the Indiana Birding Trail:

• Look for Eastern Bluebirds, Brown Thrashers, Prairie Warblers and White-eyed Vireos around the campground during summer months.
• While hiking along Trail 1, keep your eyes and ears open for songbirds and raptors who frequent the park.
• Kingfishers and herons love Fourteen Mile Creek that can be seen along parts of Trail 3.
• Along the Ohio River, you might spot the Bald Eagles or Osprey who frequent the river valley.

👉🏼 Download the Merlin Bird ID app to your smartphone for help identifying birds on your next hike. Created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University.

Host a celebration in nature

Charlestown State Park is a beautiful place to gather. There are several designated picnic areas throughout the park, some equipped with grills for preparing food onsite. In addition, there are two picnic shelters that can be reserved for larger groups:

• Clark Shelter: Accommodates up to 120 people. Includes 25 tables, electric lighting, drive-in access, and easy access to restrooms. Available for day-use only (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Reservations starting at $50/day.
• Oak Shelter: Accommodates up to 48 people. Includes 8 tables, electric lighting, drive-in access, and easy access to restrooms. Available for day-use only (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.). Reservations starting at $35/day.

Park entry fees still apply. Pets are allowed in picnic areas, but must be supervised and kept on a leash at all times. More information and online reservations can be found on the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website.

Fish along the banks of Fourteen Mile Creek

Trail 3 in Indiana’s Charlestown State Park winds along Fourteen Mile Creek, where visitors can fish for bass, bluegill, catfish and other species. An Indiana state fishing license is generally required for anyone 18 years or older. The only exception is on “free fishing days” typically offered twice a year by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

You can find information here about fishing license requirements, fees, and how to purchase your fishing license in-person or online. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources also provides information on some of the best places to fish and fishing best practices.

Go boating on the Ohio River

The Charlestown Landing Boat Ramp inside Charlestown State Park provides easy access to the Ohio River for boats and personal watercraft. Electric-motor boats, kayaks and canoes are also permitted on Fourteen Mile Creek. Access to Fourteen Mile Creek is approximately 1.5 miles upstream from the boat launch.

Fishing is permitted on both waterways with an Indiana State Fishing License. Make sure to follow all boating safety rules, including the use of life jackets. A DNR launch permit is not required for the Charlestown Landing Boat Ramp.

How to get there

👉🏼 LOCATION: 12500 Indiana 62, Charlestown, IN 47111

Indiana’s Charlestown State Park is located approximately a half-hour northeast of Louisville, KY, in the town of Charlestown.

From Louisville: Take I-64 E, then get on I-65 N. Take exit 6A to IN-265 E toward Port of Indiana. Take exit 10 for IN-62 E, toward Charlestown. At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit for IN-62 E/E 10th Street/Ohio River Scenic Byway. Continue a little more than 8 miles into Charlestown Township. The Charlestown State Park entrance will be on your right approximately 1 mile after passing the Red Roof Inn. NOTE: There are tolls along this route.

From Indianapolis: Take I-65 S/I-70 W toward Louisville/St. Louis. Continue on I-65 S for approximately 92 miles. Take exit 19 for IN-160 toward Henryville/Charlestown; turn left. Turn left to stay on IN-160 E (at Old Indiana 403). Turn right onto IN-3 S/Market Street. Turn left onto IN-62 E/Ohio River Scenic Byway. Continue about 1 mile past the Red Roof Inn and the park entrance will be on the right.

Parking at Charlestown State Park

Entry into the park requires an Indiana State Park pass. Day passes are available at the gatehouse ($9 for Indiana residents; $15 for non-residents). Annual passes can be purchased at the gatehouse or online. Once inside the park, there are multiple parking areas strategically located near the trailheads, campground, picnic shelters and boat launch.

Where to stay

Charlestown, Indiana, is a small town (less than 8,000 population) in Clark County. If you’re wanting to spend some time exploring Charlestown State Park and the surrounding area, you have several options. Charlestown State Park itself has a campground equipped with nearly 200 campsites, restrooms and picnic areas.

If you prefer to stay indoors, you can find budget friendly hotels near the park, as well as rustic cabins for rent at nearby Deam Lake SRA. Or travel a little bit further to either Louisville, KY, or Madison, IN, where you can find more hotel and rental options.

Charlestown State Park Camping

There’s something special about spending summer nights camping under the stars, cooking out over a campfire and waking up with a full day of adventure ahead. Charlestown State Park offers the opportunity to make that kind of memories.

Situated alongside Trail 5 are nearly 200 individual camp sites: all equipped with electricity (Class A), some with full water, sewer, and electricity hookups. Camping is generally permitted year-round, but some amenities (including water, modern restrooms and full hook-up) may not be available during winter months. Check with the park for complete details and dates.

Campsite amenities include:

• Paved driveways and space to park trailers
• Firepits and BBQ grills (NOTE: campfires permitted ONLY in designated areas)
• Modern restrooms with flush toilets, hot water & showers
• Water fill and dumping stations
• Accessible sites with walkways to restrooms
• Quiet hours from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Other important information:

• Make reservations online or call 866-622-6746. Sites fill fast, especially during peak seasons, so make reservations early.
• Check in/out times: 2 p.m. (Monday-Saturday), 5 p.m. (Sunday & Holidays)
• Campsite reservations limited to 14 consecutive nights

Cabins & Hotels

Charlestown State Park doesn’t offer cabin lodging, but there are a variety of accommodation options nearby if you’re planning an overnight stay.

Rustic Cabins

Deam Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) is just about 30 minutes from Charlestown State Park. From April through October, you can reserve one of 19 rent-a-camp cabins. In March and November, cabins are available (weather permitting) on a walk-in, first come/first served basis. Each two-room cabin sleeps 4 (one double bed & single bunk bed) and comes equipped with electricity, ceiling fan, and a heating/air conditioning unity. Air mattresses are recommended as no linens or mattresses are provided. Cabins are furnished with a small table and bench seats for dining, rocking chair, loft, and a front porch with swing.

Affordable Luxury

For a true state park experience, make the 45-minute drive to Madison, Indiana, and stay at the Clifty Inn. The inn features 71 rooms, an indoor pool and hot tub, onsite restaurant, sitting room, game room and gift shop. Then, plan to stay and explore the rugged trails and waterfalls in Clifty Falls State Park and nearby Madison.

Budget Hotels

• Red Roof Inn Charleston (located just outside the park)
• Hilton Garden Inn Jeffersonville, IN (a 15-minute drive from park)

Best time to visit

While spring and fall are especially inviting, anytime is a good time to visit Indiana’s Charlestown State Park. We visited the park in March and enjoyed the quiet trails and winter landscape that added to the ghostly feel of Rose Island, with little hints of spring popping up.

During the spring months, the park comes alive with wildflowers. In the fall, autumn foliage adorns the park. Throughout both seasons, the park is a prime location for birders hoping to catch a glimpse of the many species that migrate along the Ohio River corridor.

And, of course, during the summer months, the park is alive with families enjoying camping, boating, fishing and hiking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Charlestown State Park Indiana

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions Indiana’s Charlestown State Park. For additional information, visit the official state park website or call the park directly at 812-256-5600.

Where is Charlestown State Park located?

Charlestown State Park is located in the southern part of Indiana, along the Ohio River in Clark County. The park address is: 12500 Indiana 62, Charlestown, IN 47111.

• 20 miles northeast of Louisville, KY
• Approximately 30 miles southwest of Madison, IN
• A little more than 100 miles south of Indianapolis, IN

Is Charlestown State Park free?

No. Visitors to Charlestown State Park must show their annual Indiana State Park pass or purchase a day pass at the gatehouse. Day passes cost $9 for Indiana residents or $15 for non-residents.

What activities are available at Charlestown State Park?

Within the park, visitors have access to miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing and boating. There is also a Nature Center located within the park where visitors can learn about local wildlife or participate in programs with the park naturalist.

Can I swim at Charlestown State Park?

No, swimming is not permitted within Charlestown State Park.

Are pets allowed at Charlestown State Park?

Yes. Dogs and cats are allowed, but both must be attended at all times and kept on a leash no more than 6 feet long.

Does Charlestown State Park have full hook-up campsites?

Yes, Charlestown State Park has several full hook-up (AA) campsites. Check with the park on availability though as some amenities (including full hook-up) may not be available from November to April.

Final Thoughts

Charlestown State Park is one of the gems Indiana, offering something for just about everyone. If getting out and experiencing nature is something you love, we recommend adding Charlestown State Park to your list of places to go.

A day in the park can be relaxing as you sit along the banks of the majestic Ohio River or meandering Fourteen Mile Creek, watching to see how many species of birds you can spot. Or it can be physically challenging if you decide to take on the 16.3-mile Charlestown State Park Trail Challenge.

Camping at Charlestown State Park adds to the experience with a variety of campground amenities to make your stay more comfortable. And, if you plan ahead and time your visit just right, you might be able to join in on a Full Moon Hike with one of the park’s naturalists.

And, of course, a day on the water is a day well spent (at least we think so!). The Charlestown Landing Boat Ramp provides easy access to both the Ohio River and Fourteen Mile Creek for a day of boating with no launch permit required.

So, what are you waiting for? Ready to start planning your visit?