10 glorious places to pitch a tent in Indiana

No Fourth of July plans? We've got you covered -- at least when it comes to canvas -- as in tents.

Take a look at the 10 most splendid places to go camping in Indiana.

This story was originally published July 14, 2014.

Camping goes way beyond the tent.

There's the fishing and swimming, the hiking, the birdwatching, the history of the park, the horseback riding, the forests and the waterfalls.

For as little as $15 a night and no more than $30 at most places (even with electricity) you can enjoy a spectacular getaway.

But where is the premier place to pitch a tent in Indiana? With a little research — and some firsthand trying out — we found 10 of our favorite camping spots.

Clifty Falls State Park

1501 Green Road, Madison, (812) 273-8885, info

From Indy: 90 miles southeast

The park's waterfalls are the gem of this camping experience. They change moods with the weather and the seasons and can range from roaring plunges to delicate bridal-veil mists to gleaming frozen titans. Clifty Canyon offers year-round hiking.

Reason to go: Clifty Creek's stony bed is littered with fossil remnants telling of a long-vanished marine ecosystem that teemed with life that included ancient corals, ancestral squids, brachiopods and more. Just one warning: fossil collecting is prohibited in the park.

Pokagon State Park

450 Lane 100 Lake James, Angola, (260) 833-2012, info

From Indy: 167 miles northeast

It's an original, proposed as the fifth Indiana state park in 1925. Its name originally was Lake James, but changed to Pokagon State Park to acknowledge the rich Native American heritage of the state and region. Leopold and Simon Pokagon were father and son and the last two most notable leaders of the Potawatomi. The park's Potawatomi Inn takes its name from these Native Americans, who made their home in the area.

Reason to go: So you thought you would just be sitting around a campfire? Not quite. This park has a nature center, interpretive naturalist services and a playground. There is paddleboat, rowboat and pontoon rental, escorted horse rides and sand volleyball courts. Not to mention, there are the beaches of Lake James and Snow Lake.

TEARDROP TRAILERS:A step above tent camping

Indiana Dunes State Park

1600 N. 25 E., Chesterton, (219) 926-1952, info

From Indy: 164 miles northwest

This nearly 90-year-old park has more than 2,180 acres of dunes, marshes, swamps, hardwood forests and white pine groves, as well as more than three miles of beach along Lake Michigan's southern shore. Large sand dunes, located beyond the entire shoreline, have taken thousands of years to form, and tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan.

Reason to go: The 3 Dune Challenge lets you climb the three highest sand dunes in the state. Hike a special 1.5-mile course, climbing Mount Jackson (elevation 176 feet), Mount Holden (184 feet) and Mount Tom (192 feet). Some parts of the trail feature 40-degree slopes. During those sandy vertical climbs, it's not unusual to take two steps forward and slide one step back.

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area

6464 Hardin Ridge Road, Heltonville, (812) 837-9453, info

From Indy: 70 miles south

The 1,200 acre Hardin Ridge is located on the shores of Monroe Reservoir in the Hoosier National Forest. There is picnicking, boat launching, swimming, nature walks and interpretive programs in a forested environment.

Reason to go: Large, private tent sites are situated on the numerous ridgelines that make Hardin Ridge look more like a forest in the mountains than the flatlands.

HIT THE WATER:12 Indiana spots to canoe or kayak

Summit Lake State Park

5993 N. Messick Road, New Castle, (765) 766-5873, info

From Indy: 58 miles east

There is great fishing at this park, which boasts more than 2,680 acres, including a large lake. Facilities include 125 electric campsites, three boat ramps, a beach bathhouse and two large open shelters that can be reserved for family picnics and other events.

Reason to go: Bird watching, of course. Because of the many low-lying wet meadows and prairies, it's a great place to spot waterfowl. Migratory species you might see include rare birds, such as the black tern, bald eagle, sandhill crane, American bittern, least bittern, king rail and osprey.

McCormick's Creek State Park

250 McCormick Creek Park Road, Spencer, (812) 829-2235, info

From Indy: 61 miles south

Ranked the No. 1 campsite in the state by TripleBlaze, there are more than 10 miles of well-marked hiking trails, taking you past unique features like Wolf Cave, Twin Bridges and the falls on McCormick's Creek. Those falls are a favorite for campgoers to wade in and even rock climb.

Reason to go: Picnicking. There are plenty of picnic areas to choose from and some even have shelters with fireplaces. The saddle barn offers escorted horse rides that take you over small bridges and water.

Raccoon State Recreation Area

1588 S. Raccoon Pkwy, Rockville, (765) 344-1884, info

From Indy: 55 miles west

There is so much to do at this camping mecca. From an archery range and basketball courts to horseshoe pits and wildlife viewing areas, we're pretty sure you'll want to stay at least one more night longer than you had planned.

Reason to go: The nearby Historic Mansfield Roller Mill is a preserved, working example of industrialization in Indiana at the turn of the 20th century. This 1880s flour mill uses machinery from that time to show how flour and cornmeal were processed from wheat and corn. It is virtually an exact replica of how things were done in this time period.

Versailles State Park

1004 U.S. 50, Versailles, (812) 689-6424, info

From Indy: 77 miles southeast

This is the state's second largest park with a 230-acre lake. Relax while fishing, rent a paddleboat, rowboat, kayak or canoe. Get a workout and see the beauty of the park by taking a walk on the hiking trails or a ride on the mountain bike trails. Steps to a scenic overlook at the dam are a prime spot to see herons and other aquatic wildlife.

Reason to go: If you're a horse owner and want to take them along, there are more than 20 miles of horse trails at this park. Versailles also has history rooted in the Civil War. During the Civil War, Morgan's Raiders made their way through the area that is now the park.

Turkey Run State Park

8121 E. Park Rd., Marshall, (765) 597-2635, info

From Indy: 70 miles west

This park lets you see how Indiana was shaped by ancient forces. You'll discover ancient Indiana's remains. Many old growth trees exist in the park. Flowing through the heart of the park is scenic Sugar Creek, one of Indiana's most popular canoe streams.

Reason to go: A walk into one of the ravines takes you on a trip through time. The sandstone gorges represent hundreds of millions of years of nature's handiwork. Deep canyons nestled in the shadows of sandstone cliffs and peaceful hemlock groves are some of the most ruggedly beautiful hiking trails in the state.

Shades State Park

7751 S. 890 W., Waveland, (765) 435-2810, info

From Indy: 62 miles west

It's one of the most peaceful places to pitch a tent in Indiana. You might call it nature's best kept secret in Indiana. There are beautiful sandstone cliffs overlooking Sugar Creek and plenty of shady ravines that provide the backdrop for a journey through a nature lover's paradise.

Reason to go: If you're one of those long hike type of people, this is the place to go. On the property is Pine Hills Nature Preserve, which offers spectacular topography for those willing to take a fairly long hike.

Call Star reporter Dana Hunsinger Benbow at (317) 444-6012. Follow her on Twitter: @danabenbow.