Shakamak State Park: A Family by Choice in the Campground
Shakamak State Park in Jasonville, Indiana, is one of the earliest state parks. It joined the family in 1929 and has been well-loved by Hoosiers ever since. It has a lot of unique history and some of the most extensive camping options of any park I’ve been to! It was a new park for me though, so I was looking forward to exploring it.
Park Features
Shakamak offers typical state park activities like hiking, boating, sports courts, a seasonal nature center, picnic spots, fishing, and a pool in the summer. What has made it especially popular are the variety of camping options. The campground offers 8 full hook-up sites, over 100 electric sites, and 42 non-electric sites. There’s also a group camp which holds 270 people, has a large group indoor meeting space and dining hall, kitchen, and modern restrooms. The central lawn provides a private area for games and socializing
The cabins are sectioned into pods so families and friends can camp near each other. The cabins also have access to Lake Shakamak, so you can fish or boat steps from your front door. A few nicer cabins provide more amenities, and the Lakeview cabins are more like condos with accessible fire pits and lakeside views.
The park is home to three connected lakes which total 400 acres. The lakes are electric motors only which creates a quieter atmosphere. The first, Shakamak on the north, was created at the park’s dedication, and a causeway sections it off. The other two were created later and are separated by a dam: Kickapoo, which is the largest, and Lenape.
Park History
One of my first questions was about the name, and I discovered it’s from the native word for “long fish.” Freshwater eels used to live in the area, and you may even pass the Eel River on your way to the park.
After Shakamak officially became a state park, it was home to a Civilian Conservation Corps company. These 1930s-era groups were placed around the country to build parks, work on conservation projects, and develop skills in young men. The CCC boys were part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal, a way to provide jobs and economic support to a struggling country. The group camp where the CCC lived is still at Shakamak and one of the facilities you can rent.
The Olympic Trials
In the 1930s, Shakamak hosted Amateur Athletic Association swim meets and diving competitions off a 10-meter platform. In 1938, they were lucky enough to host the Olympic swimming trials! For the small town of Jasonville, this was a massive opportunity, and people flocked to watch the event.
AAU swimming and diving events were held at Shakmak Lake through the 50s, but eventually, the beach area was closed. Instead, the lake is used for boating and fishing. When it comes to swimming, Shakamak’s new pool is the best option.
Planning Your Visit
What really makes Shakamak special is the family-like feel in the campground. Camp hosts like Brad and Andrea Duncan create the welcoming atmosphere for people. The Duncans both grew up at the park, so their love for Shakamak runs deep. They and other park volunteers plan events all year long to turn strangers into family. They host Easter egg hunts, monthly pancake breakfasts in the campground, a Christmas in July extravaganza, and an extremely popular Halloween weekend. While Shakamak is stellar any time of the year, attending during one of these events is a must!
Brad and Andrea both recommended people head to the dam between Lake Kickapoo and Lake Lenape. It’s the ideal spot for sunrise and sunset pictures, stargazing, and spotting wildlife. I made sure to hike to the dam and spent a long time there soaking in the sun and scenery. It was a beautiful spot in a welcoming park! Go make some of your own memories, and I hope to see you in the parks!