State Parks Near Bloomington, Indiana

7 state park units lie within 50 miles of Bloomington. The closest is Monroe Lake, about 7 mi southeast of town. 3 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Monroe Lake7 mi southeast
Within 25 miles
3of 7 within 50 mi
With camping
64 with cabins
Dog-friendly
0pets allowed

State parks near Bloomington, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Bloomington; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Monroe Lake

    7 miles southeast · Bloomington, Indiana · Reservoir

    Things to do include ice fishing, winter sports, hunting in season, canoeing and kayaking, and boating. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.

    3 alerts320 campsitesCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Monroe Lake →

  2. McCormick's Creek State Park

    14 miles northwest · Spencer, Indiana · State Park

    The park supports historic sites, swimming, picnicking, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming pool.

    2 alertsSwimmingHiking

    Hours, fees and rules for McCormick's Creek State Park →

  3. Brown County State Park

    18 miles east · Nashville, Indiana · State Park

    Things to do include horseback riding, ice fishing, mountain biking, swimming, and fishing. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming pool. For overnight stays there are 693 campsites across 5 camping areas (tent sites).

    2 alerts693 campsitesSwimmingHikingFishing

    Hours, fees and rules for Brown County State Park →

  4. Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber and Cataract Falls SRA)

    29 miles northwest · Greencastle, Indiana · Reservoir

    Popular activities here are horseback riding, winter sports, hunting in season, boating, and swimming. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming pool, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.

    1 alert216 campsitesSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber and Cataract Falls SRA) →

  5. Spring Mill State Park

    31 miles south · Mitchell, Indiana · State Park

    The park supports cave tours, mountain biking, historic sites, biking, and fishing. Camping is available: 223 campsites across 2 camping areas, including RV sites with full hookups and tent sites. Roofed lodging includes lodge rooms.

    1 alert223 campsitesCabins/lodgingHikingFishing

    Hours, fees and rules for Spring Mill State Park →

  6. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

    34 miles southeast · Vallonia, Indiana · State Recreation Area

    Things to do include canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, biking, and fishing. Its trail network totals roughly 11 miles, according to the park. Facilities for water recreation include boat or kayak rentals.

    1 alertCampingCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Starve Hollow State Recreation Area →

  7. Shakamak State Park

    38 miles west · Jasonville, Indiana · State Park

    Things to do include ice fishing, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming pool and a boat ramp.

    174 campsitesCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Shakamak State Park →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Bloomington

  1. Monroe Lake 7 mi southeast · 320 campsites
  2. Brown County State Park 18 mi east · 693 campsites
  3. Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber and Cataract Falls SRA) 29 mi northwest · 216 campsites
  4. Spring Mill State Park 31 mi south · 223 campsites
  5. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area 34 mi southeast · Campground listed

+ 1 more in the list above

Cabins and lodging near Bloomington

  1. Monroe Lake 7 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
  2. Spring Mill State Park 31 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
  3. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area 34 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
  4. Shakamak State Park 38 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays

Swimming near Bloomington

  1. Monroe Lake 7 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
  2. McCormick's Creek State Park 14 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
  3. Brown County State Park 18 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
  4. Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber and Cataract Falls SRA) 29 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
  5. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area 34 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area

+ 1 more in the list above

Hiking near Bloomington

  1. Monroe Lake 7 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
  2. McCormick's Creek State Park 14 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
  3. Brown County State Park 18 mi east · Hiking trails listed
  4. Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber and Cataract Falls SRA) 29 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
  5. Spring Mill State Park 31 mi south · Hiking trails listed

+ 2 more in the list above

Fishing near Bloomington

  1. Monroe Lake 7 mi southeast · Fishing listed
  2. Brown County State Park 18 mi east · Fishing listed
  3. Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber and Cataract Falls SRA) 29 mi northwest · Fishing listed
  4. Spring Mill State Park 31 mi south · Fishing listed
  5. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area 34 mi southeast · Fishing listed

+ 1 more in the list above

Questions about state parks near Bloomington

What is the closest state park to Bloomington?

Monroe Lake is the closest, about 7 miles southeast of Bloomington in a straight line. Next are McCormick's Creek State Park and Brown County State Park.

How many state parks are near Bloomington?

7 state park units are within 50 miles, and 3 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Bloomington have camping?

6 parks list camping, the nearest being Monroe Lake, Brown County State Park and Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber and Cataract Falls SRA). Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Bloomington?

None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.

Are there free state parks near Bloomington?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.