Indiana's Serene State Park Is Perfect For A Cozy, Lakeside Autumn Getaway

Shakamak State Park, in southwest Indiana, turns into a Midwest autumn escape once the summer crowds thin and the leaves burst into fiery tones. Located near Jasonville, Indiana, the park spans 1,766 acres of woodlands and three man-made lakes. Its mix of quiet trails, lake views, and cozy lodging makes it ideal for a weekend or longer fall retreat.

Autumn here means cooler days, crisp air, and the leaves' hues of gold, red, and orange foliage shimmering on the surfaces of the lakes. Whether it's hiking among the hardwoods, paddling in a rented kayak, or sitting by a campfire as dusk settles — Shakamak delivers natural beauty without overwhelming infrastructure. Plus, many campsites are nestled in wooded loops, offering privacy and stunning views.

Getting to Shakamak is straightforward by car. The park is about 30 miles southeast of Terre Haute, Indiana, which is near Interstate 70. To reach the park, travelers typically drive via I-70 to State Route 59, then head south to State Road 48 at Jasonville. Turning right on SR 48 leads to the park's entrance a few miles further. For air travelers, the nearest major airport is Indianapolis International Airport (IND). From there, one should expect a roughly one-and-a-half- to two-hour drive to reach Shakamak.

The park offers multiple lodging options — cabins, cottages, and a large group camp. Cabins are equipped with modern conveniences such as heating, air-conditioning, electric ranges, and refrigerators. Camping includes full-hookup sites, electric sites, and non-electric tent sites, with about two-thirds of campsites located in wooded areas, offering stunning color and mild shade in the fall.

Nightly lodging costs vary: basic electric campsites may run $16 to $30, while full-hook-up or more premium cabins are higher. Non-residents pay a slightly higher park entry fee, about $9 per vehicle. Indiana residents pay around $7 per vehicle.

If you visit in autumn, you'll catch two things at their best: fall color and solitude. Peak leaf color typically arrives in mid-to-late October, depending on the year. September brings pleasant weather — warm days and cooler nights. By late fall, some amenities (especially swimming) may wind down for the season. Be sure to see the Nature Center. Interpretive programs are especially rewarding in the fall — look for guided hikes or wildlife-watching! 

The lakes provide boating (electric or non-motorized), fishing, and beautiful viewpoints. Another highlight: hiking Trail 6 and Trail 7, and walking or biking along the loop road — especially at dawn or dusk when the light is gentle and deer are active. Pack layers for daytime warmth and nighttime chill, sturdy walking shoes, binoculars, a camera to capture foliage, and perhaps bug spray, as it can still be buggy in early fall. If planning to stay in cabins, bring bedding if desired (though many provide basics). Always check reservation availability well in advance — cabins and campsites fill up especially on weekends.

Whether you're after a peaceful retreat to reflect by a lake, an outdoorsy family weekend, or a couple's escape among autumn trees, Shakamak State Park offers all that within a setting that's accessible and enchanting. The shimmering lakes, rustling leaves, and cozy cabins all make it one of Indiana's best-kept secrets for fall. For more camping amid stunning Indiana foliage, check out the trails in Morgan-Monroe State Forest or the waterfalls at Clifty Falls State Park.