Charlestown State Park

Charlestown State Park

Overview of Charlestown State Park

Charlestown State Park has fantastic hiking along the Ohio River and Fourteen Mile Creek. There are over seventy-two different species of birds here, including Bald Eagles and bluebirds. The 200-site campground offers campers a wonderful, relaxing camping experience among the trees.

Charlestown State Park

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History of the Charlestown State Park

Charlestown State Park occupies a part of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant. Some of the abandoned facilities of are still located in the park. The Indiana Ammunition Plant originated during World War 2. Construction completed May 31, 1942 with production of ammunition beginning in April. The Indiana Ammunition Plant manufactured three types of ammunition at the plant. These were propellant charge bags, rocket propellant and smokeless powder. The plant supplied materials for the war effort and later for the Korean War and other conflicts.

All three plants ceased operation by 1992. The company ceded 4,500 acres of the property to the State of Indiana for use as a state park. Final demolition of the building on the site should occur by December 31, 2014.

The Fourteen Mile Creek area is the site of a former amusement park called Rose Island. The park had a zoo, pony rides, merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, roller coaster, shooting gallery, cafeteria, swimming pool, and more. In reality, the park was not on an island, but a peninsula that people could access only by steamboat, bridge or ferry. Portersville Bridge, moved from Dubois County, allows visitors access to the old amusement park site via Trail 3 and 7. Interpretive signage and some displays should be finished in 2014.

Camping

Full Hookup / 60 sites

Electric / 132 sites

The campground has with flush toilets, hot water and showers. Occupancy limited to 14 consecutive nights. All of the camping sites have electricity and will accommodate trailers. Dump and water-filling stations are available. Accessible sites include a walkway to the comfort stations. Charlestown is one of two state parks offering full hookup campsites.

Hiking

The seven trails at Charlestown State Park provide over twelve miles of hiking experience. The trail ratings range between rugged to moderate, with Trail 7 to Rose Island rated Easy. Many have scenic views of Fourteenmile Creek.

Ohio River Boating Access

Charlestown Landing provides boaters with access to the Ohio River.

Fishing

Anglers with Indiana State Fishing Licenses may bank fish in the Ohio River from the area north of Rose Island. Access this area from Trails 7 and 3.

Picnicking

Visitors to the park will find three shelters on two picnic areas in the park. There are many other picnic tables scattered around the park.

Charlestown State Park

P.O. Box 38

Charlestown, IN 47111

812-256-5600

Mapping Address:

Charlestown State Park

12500 Indiana 62 

Charlestown, IN 47111