Enjoy cool-weather camping, hayrides,
Jack o-lantern carving and autumn serenity

Jack o’ lantern carving at Raccoon SRA’s
Halloween Camping Weekend.

Enjoy cool-weather camping, hayrides, Jack-o-lantern carving and autumn serenity before joining the DNR at the campfire for scary tales at a state park or recreation area Halloween celebration.

Raccoon State Recreation Area in Parke County and Harmonie State Park in Posey County dare to kick off the season with Raccoon’s Halloween Camping Weekend and Haunted Harmonie, both held Oct. 28-30.

Giggles of costumed kids, spacious leaf-spangled campsites, crackling campfires, melted s’mores, and ghoulish decorations will haunt the rolling Raccoon SRA campground during the weekend. Raccoon SRA is nearly surrounded by the waters of Cecil M. Harden Lake, noted for some of Indiana’s best big fall striper fishing. Haunted hayrides and a haunted house beckon at Harmonie State Park on this weekend. Raccoon SRA, 317-344-1412. Harmonie State Park, 812-682-4821.

Goblins, ghosts, ghouls and gargoyles lurk in the woods along Lieber SRA’s Haunted Hayride. The recreation area at Cagle’s Mill Lake will host the adrenaline-inducing event on Oct. 29 from 8-11 pm.

More scary Halloween fun on Oct 19: Pokagon State Park Ghost Tales and Stories of the Season, 260-833-2012; Turkey Run State Park Inn Halloween & Costume Party, 1-877-500- 6151; Brown County State Park Friends’ Halloween Haunted Trail and Campsite Decorating Contest, 812-988-6406; Spring Mill State Park Scary Stories Campfire, 812-849-4129; and Chain O’ Lakes All Hallow’s Eve at the Park, 260-636-2654.

McCormick’s Creek State Park near Spencer will hold a Fall Folk Fest October 29-30, 812-829-2235. Reserve a DNR property campsite at www.Camp.IN.gov or at 1-866-6CAMPIN