Free Camping at Indiana’s Fort Harrison by Reservation, Sept. 22-23

Fort Harrison State Park, which hosted the free Hoosier Outdoor Experience last weekend, is hosting another free event this weekend, Sept. 22-23.

Guests can camp for free on Saturday night, thanks to a group called Camptown, which was one of the activity providers at the Experience.

The usual gate entrance fee of $5 per in-state vehicle and $7 per out-of-state vehicle will be charged. Food, activities and camping are free. Availability is limited. Advance registration is required.

For information or to register, call Don Schafer, president and executive director of Camptown, (317) 471-8277. More information on Camptown is at Camptown.net.

Camping is usually not permitted at Fort Harrison.

Check-in will be from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday. Camping equipment distribution, if guests need equipment, will be from 9 a.m. to noon. Boxed lunches will be served at noon. Activities from 1 to 4 p.m. include a park hike, fishing seminar, talk about reptiles, and a canoe seminar and canoeing. The state park’s Museum of 20th Century Warfare will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., with a campfire to follow at 8 p.m., followed by a naturalist program at 8:45 p.m.

Sunday activities include free breakfast and creek exploration, as well as the option to tour the Warfare Museum. Checkout is noon.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education."