Whitewater State Park

I've mostly been stuck at home the past few weeks as I've been recovering from major surgery. On occasion, I've been able to get friends to take me places or at least go for a drive to get me out. One such drive was to Whitewater State Park.

Whitewater State Park was the 16th state park in Indiana and was founded in 1949. It's actually the third largest. It has 200 acre Whitewater Lake along with shoreline hiking, flat-water boating, swimming, fishing, and camping opportunities. It has 9 miles of horseback riding trails.

The park area was originally purchased by Union, Fayette, Franklin, and Wayne counties to serve as a memorial for those lost during World War II.

Additional activities include picnic areas with shelters (reservations required), interpretive naturalist services, 1 boat launch ramp at Whitewater Lake, bridle trails, cabins, fishing/ice fishing, hiking trails, canoe/paddleboat/rowboat rentals, swimming, and two marinas.

Camping includes 236 electric sites, 45 non-electric, and 37 horsemen's primitive sites. There's a camp store, dumping station, and youth tent area.

There are five hiking trails - all are considered moderate in difficulty. They range from 1-2.7 miles in length, though at least one also has a short loop. There really isn't a single trail that I'd say is accessible, though there are parts of trails I was able to access. That said, Whitewater in general isn't particularly wheelchair friendly other than in the more truly "public" areas. As an experienced wheelchair user, I doubt I'd head out on these trails alone.

Whitewater hosts a variety of events throughout the year. While I wish it was more accessible here, I still consider this one of Indiana's more underappreciated natural gems.

This is the first year I discovered that in winter parks that usually charge an admission are free. No one at the entrance to collect so especially on those rare winter days when it's not cold .. going to a park is a great way to survive the winter blah's. Today it wasn't one of the warm days .. in fact the night before there was an ice storm. the roads were perfectly clear but the trees and in some places all the foliage was covered in ice. We didn't get ice where i live but just 15 minute drive ... it was this magical icy world. It was so beautiful to see every branch and blade of grass sparkle. Pics can't do it justice.
I had got a new camera so i was actually going around to play with the camera and see if it was a keeper .. have couple week to decide. was hoping the sandhill cranes were in their usual spot by the boating area of the lake. they were not .. no one was there. but i did see them scattered around in field. also saw some deer. But to be honest today the ice was the star of the show. I;m so glad i ventured out in the cold and got to see this.

Lovely state park that has something for everyone. Swimming, horseback riding, boat rental, hiking in the moderate to rugged zones, a lake beach, camping, picnic areas.... It's very clean and well- kept! Hiking trails are well marked.
If you are near the Brookville .... Liberty area this is a great park for all!

A great place near my hometown to get away and explore nature in a variety of ways:
- horseback riding (can bring your own/camp or ride at their saddle barn)
- fishing / boating
- hiking
- camping
- a variety of other forms of entertainment and activities depending on the time of year (i.e. a Haunted Trail for Halloween in October; outdoor movies when COVID isn't happening).

This isn't the park that connects to Brookville Lake, but rather Whitewater.

This state Park is under 2 hours from my home, so I've been eager to get over there and check it out. I really wanted to check it out during the summer and take my kids to the beach, I didn't get a chance to do that but I've learned it's also a pretty cool place to visit in the winter! From October to march, the Brookville Lake portion in the State Park dries up and becomes a resting area for birds. It's really cool to see, kind of an eerie & deserted, but an intriguing experience. You can see the bottom of the lake, and hear nothing but the sound of birds in the distance. It's pretty relaxing. You can walk out on the pier (that doesn't go out to anything because the lake is dried up), and see the birds, the footprints of miscellaneous animals, driftwood, and other unique fossils.

From March to October, there is boating and fishing options. There are two lakes in this park, the other Lake has a beach area with changing rooms/restrooms (closed off season). Fish cleaning areas and lots of hiking trails too.

The Veterans trail was intriguing, we didn't get a chance to hike it but will be back to do so! The Dam has a pull off area you can park at and walk to the bottom of it. It's pretty cool to see!

Went on trail #12. It was pretty mild. Views of the water on half of the loop. Not a lot of scenic stops as creek bed was dried out.

Very nice Indiana State Park! Lots to do here or not depending on your vacation preferences. Campsites are large & accommodating - large asphalt pads & electric service available. Many large mature trees - most of the standing dead ash trees have been removed and there is still ample shade! While here our grandkids enjoyed fishing, kayaking & swimming as well as a small bit of surfing on their phones! Could not believe we actually got 2 bars on Verizon while in the park!

Each site has the requisite fire ring & picnic table - each in reasonable shape.

Over the weekend it was delightful that all of our neighbors were good neighbors to have! Park was almost full over the weekend but now on Monday morning it is very much thinned out!

We would come back here again! It looks to be a great place to camp in the spring & fall! Can imagine sitting by the fire with either a glass of wine or some hot cocoa & s'mores!

The only negative I can say is that the restrooms are in need of an update. Showers are one temperature control push style.

A nice little discreet area to do many things outdoors. Campsites were not in stellar conditions and not conducive to the extra rain. But we were able to easily swap to a site that was better after finding ours muddy. The people in the campground did not really respect the speed limit and made it very dangerous for kids riding on bikes or walking to the playground. The trails were nice and challenging. Lots of sites. The beach was fun to swim in but size is limited. The pit toilets are crappy no pun intended. The shower facilities were a very nice addition and warm water made it even better. Beware of the raccoons as they do like to rummage in your stuff if unsecured.

When we first moved to Indiana, we were missing having the beach about 200 feet away. We'd drive to the beach at this state park every summer.

Indiana and Ohio have a number of lakes and state parks like this and Whitewater State Park is quite pleasant.

I was here for the TEC (Tri-Eastern Conference) Middle School cross country meet. No one was lying on the beach, and it was a bit chilly to think about that anyway. There was a good reflection on the lake and it was all quite pleasant. The person at the gate house was helpful and pleasant.

Directional signs are a bit small--or I'm a bit older perhaps--but you can find the horses, boat launching areas, or the beach easily while going the indicated 15 mph.

I'm into tent camping, relaxing and leisurely day hikes so that's what my review will be based on. There are LOTS of activities available in the park if you're into other stuff. The park is open all year but most activities are limited to the warm months.

Whitewater SP has a massive area for camping. A few sites suck, most are fine, and some are SWEET. If you're going for the first time, tell the ranger at the gatehouse that you would like to roam around and pick your spot. If that won't fly, rent a spot with your best guess. Once you're in, check it out then look around before you start setting up. If you see something you like better, go back and ask the ranger to switch you. As long as it's not reserved, they'll get you squared away. Lots of grassy-woodsy areas can be found as well as shady, secluded spots under big trees. It was cool to see all the variety. All sites have a solid table, good fire ring and a place to park. There were drinking water spigots, hot showers and real toilets here and there, as well as a few stinkhole outhouses. Um, avoid those... 'nuff said.

Whitewater has an issue with raccoons, so keep an eye out for them right after dusk and especially if you're within sight of a dumpster. Secure your food and don't camp near trash cans ! The little bastards got into a closed cooler inside a locking rubbermaid tub and snitched my waffles the first time I visited. The second night I paid better attention. I could hear them sniffin' around for about 20 minutes after I hit the sack, then they gave up. No food = No raccoons.

The hiking trails are nice. There are five marked trails from 1 - 3 mi, plus paved roadpaths down to the beach and general store. Trails were well maintained and secluded, very beautiful. Unless you're a smoker, expect easy and comfortable hiking through dense woods and canopy.

If you need provisions there's a general store. Liberty, IN is about five miles away if you need groceries. If you're REALLY hurtin' there are two Walmarts nearby, the closest being a 20 min drive across the border in Oxford, Ohio (and Ohio sells beer on Sunday).

You won't be roughing it at Whitewater, this is definitely city-slicker camping. However, it whoops KOA (or similar outdoor motels) because the Nature hasn't been beaten out of it. Hard to top that for around $10 bucks a night.

Happy trails