State Parks Near Columbus, Indiana
9 state park units lie within 50 miles of Columbus. The closest is Brown County State Park, about 16 mi west of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Brown County State Park16 mi west
- Within 25 miles
- 1of 9 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 74 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 0pets allowed
State parks near Columbus, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Columbus; driving distance is usually longer.
Brown County 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).
Hours, fees and rules for Brown County State Park →Starve Hollow 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.
Hours, fees and rules for Starve Hollow State Recreation Area →Monroe Lake
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.
Hours, fees and rules for Monroe Lake →Hardy Lake
Popular activities here are ice fishing, winter sports, archery, canoeing and kayaking, and hunting in season. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Hardy Lake →Versailles State Park
The park supports horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and swimming. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming pool and a boat ramp.
Hours, fees and rules for Versailles State Park →Clifty Falls State Park
The park supports swimming, picnicking, and hiking. On the water side, there is a swimming pool. Camping is available: 169 campsites across 2 camping areas, including tent sites. Roofed lodging includes lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for Clifty Falls State Park →Spring Mill 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.
Hours, fees and rules for Spring Mill State Park →McCormick's Creek State Park
The park supports historic sites, swimming, picnicking, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming pool.
Hours, fees and rules for McCormick's Creek State Park →Fort Harrison State Park
The park supports cross-country skiing, ice fishing, golf, winter sports, and historic sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Fort Harrison State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Columbus
- Brown County State Park 16 mi west · 693 campsites
- Starve Hollow State Recreation Area 29 mi south · Campground listed
- Monroe Lake 29 mi west · 320 campsites
- Hardy Lake 32 mi south · 157 campsites
- Versailles State Park 38 mi east · 235 campsites
+ 2 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Columbus
- Starve Hollow State Recreation Area 29 mi south · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Monroe Lake 29 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Clifty Falls State Park 40 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Spring Mill State Park 43 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
Swimming near Columbus
- Brown County State Park 16 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
- Starve Hollow State Recreation Area 29 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
- Monroe Lake 29 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
- Hardy Lake 32 mi south · Beach, pool or swim area
- Versailles State Park 38 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
+ 2 more in the list above
Hiking near Columbus
- Brown County State Park 16 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Starve Hollow State Recreation Area 29 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Monroe Lake 29 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Hardy Lake 32 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Versailles State Park 38 mi east · Hiking trails listed
+ 4 more in the list above
Fishing near Columbus
- Brown County State Park 16 mi west · Fishing listed
- Starve Hollow State Recreation Area 29 mi south · Fishing listed
- Monroe Lake 29 mi west · Fishing listed
- Hardy Lake 32 mi south · Fishing listed
- Versailles State Park 38 mi east · Fishing listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Columbus
What is the closest state park to Columbus?
Brown County State Park is the closest, about 16 miles west of Columbus in a straight line. Next are Starve Hollow State Recreation Area and Monroe Lake.
How many state parks are near Columbus?
9 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Columbus have camping?
7 parks list camping, the nearest being Brown County State Park, Starve Hollow State Recreation Area and Monroe Lake. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Columbus?
None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.
Are there free state parks near Columbus?
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.
State parks near other cities
- Near Seymour, IN18 mi south
- Near Greensburg, IN24 mi northeast
- Near Shelbyville, IN24 mi north
- Near Martinsville, IN31 mi northwest
- Near Bloomington, IN33 mi west
- Near Bedford, IN39 mi southwest
- Near Indianapolis, IN41 mi north
- Near Madison, IN42 mi southeast
Or see all Indiana state parks or every city we cover.
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.