Clifty Falls State Park Campground

Clifty falls state park in Indiana, a beautiful park, somewhat challenging beautiful hiking trails, could be great, if a little more attention was paid to it on the campsite end. But first I’d like to address the fact that I had to pay the $9 fee to drive I to the park, although having already booked and paid for a campsite. I guess we call that the “Indiana angle”, as I’ve seen it in other Indiana parks but no where else. Having entered, it looked to be a beautiful clean place, but you get the impression all the dirt was swept under the carpet rather than actually picked up. The bathrooms were dated, a little dirty and the showers weee an embarrassment. The push button for water style gave us literally 10 seconds of water, if you’re lucky, before you had to push again. I believe in water conservation too but come on, we pain for this. Bathrooms were clean, but not spotless, maybe it’s in the weekly clean schedule instead of the daily, as we went in October. I question the validity of these reviews sometimes also, as cell signal was rated good for both ATT and Verizon, of which we had both, and both were spotty at best. But the actual park, spectacular hiking, challenging treks, and multiple choices made it worthy of 5 stars. The actual waterfalls were but a trickle in October but the sheer rock walls, steep cliffs and fall colors made for many camera friendly views.

The sites suck not level the shower is new but sucks push. It to die 25 seconds of water that’s like being pissed on the electric situation is poor 30 amp old not maintained the park was put in about 1919 the trails use to be awesome. Now the use to be well groomed trails that were bordered by hand built stone walls have been replaced by half assed wooden decks with steps that were built by Hellen Keller “ridiculous “ They have a 9.00 entry fee on top of the camping fee they cut the grass every day we were there Turing the park into a scalped dust bowel. Again “ridiculous “ they had a few sites that we’re supposed to be persons with disabilities friendly. Their is No sell service. Every one was wondering around looking for service. “ I though that was funny” No WiFi That didn’t bother us. But several folks around us were miffed camp store. Was a joke and was only open maybe Friday Saturday and Sunday. Possibly Maybe. “What ever that means “ the dump station. Is a cluster F#%*¥ was a tight fit for the 3 campers in front of us. Who had 28 ft to 35 ft campers. Just a dirt pull off close to trees with a tight turn to exit. Only one side could be used at a time. Or you would block the campground Exit. So not very well planned out

Great Park! We stayed 2 nights on our first camp of the season. Quiet camp ground with a newer bathhouse that contains single show

Campground was essentially a parking lot located near an active coal power plant, which offered continuous hum. Otherwise clean.

Stayed here in October. Last trip for the year. We stayed on site 46. Lots of room for the kids to run around without being too bothersome to neighbors. The hiking was great! The tree colors and cliffs were amazing in the bright sun and clear blue skies. The tunnel was fun to walk through. The kids loved the exploration aspect of Brough's tunnel. Close to historic city Madison, which is smaller town full of local shopping and eateries.

Many state park campgrounds are similar to this one. Tight quarters, lots of sun, and a lottery of who will be your neighbor. Admittedly, we were here on a holiday weekend. It was packed! They keep small sections of thick brush between sites for privacy and that is appreciated. But there are few sites with shade trees.

On the plus side- the trails are beautiful and we’re not crowded. The nearby town of Madison is absolutely lovely. The park also had newer facilities.

The cons- Tight spaces. Limited shade. Limited staff to clean the new facilities. There were times where they ran out of toilet paper. Plus push button showers with no temp control.

Great campground with a nice layout. Hardly any shade due to tree removal. Bathrooms aren’t heated in the cooler months. Zero cellular or wifi service so that could be good or bad. Bathrooms and camp stores are well stocked/maintained and convenient. Trails are great and have terrain grading that is pretty accurate. Travis are not marked very well so plan for longer hikes than anticipated. The Inn does have WiFi if you have to have it but seems to be more for guests than general park population. Overall great camping but without cell service or wifi makes it tough for some.

This place is absolutely gorgeous! I hiked all day for 2 days and the people were so nice and I loved my spot! Not too far from a gas station if you need anything too

Yet again, another Indiana campground that revolves more around family fun than a rugged outdoor experience. Easy day hikes with rewarding views. There is easy access to amenities that kept the kids and the in-laws happy. The pool and buildings on the grounds are very well kept.

We decided to go on a waterfall tour in Indiana. Clifty Falls State park was at the top of our list. Unfortunately when we went, the falls were very dry. In fact we only saw one of the two we visited. The other two falls you have to hike to, and sadly we just weren’t prepared to hike that day.

Park is beautiful though and we will definitely be visiting next year.

 This place is a neat little campground. The campground is right near a river and there are a bunch of little waterfalls in the area that you can hike to. We stayed in a tent but there’s a bunch of electric sites for RVs as well. Bathrooms weren’t bad and had showers. Sites were large and flat, but some seemed a little close together. 

Definitely check out the clifty falls hike. We also liked the tunnel falls and little clifty falls trails. Hiking was the highlight of our stay. We had an awesome time here!

We went in May for my birthday. Rained hard one day so our time was short. Ugh... First campground. Drive up, clean, semi secluded, bathrooms with running water/shower, nice little spot. Now the state park!!!! Seemingly endless trails, 6-7 waterfalls? We only experienced a couple this time. Very rough trails available, bat caves, tours, plenty to do for everyone!

Stopped here on a COVID solo camping road trip from MN to TN. I chose to stop and stay at Clifty Falls State Park due to the beautiful waterfalls and also proximity to my journey south. It was still the winter season at this time, so I had to camp in the drive-in non-electric loop. As I was only staying for 1 night, I could not book in advance and just paid via cash in the drop box when I got there. I chose site #166. I knew rain was coming and looked up to avoid any "widowmakers" in the trees above and chose a spot to pitch my tent. Fast forward to morning, and the rain had come. SO. MUCH. RAIN. It was laughable. Definitely tested out my DWR on my tent and gear. However, the massive amount of rain made for very amazing waterfalls. Some sections were closed because of the winter season, and it was pouring all morning, but I had a great time at Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, IN. The solitude was very enjoyable.

4 stars because campsites are close together in the loop I stayed in (not that it mattered to me mid-week in late February), some campsites are prone to flooding, and then there is the power plant located across the street from the south entrance which does detract from the vibe when it's in sight. Other things to note: newly remodeled heated bathroom with flush toilet and shower.

Stayed at lot 115 (non-electric), from April 28-May 2. It rained SO much the first night and the next day, and the fire pit retained a lot of water, so be prepared for that if you get rain. Bathrooms were actually very nice and clean! Showers lukewarm but that’s to be expected. Easy walking distance from a mowed pathway in the back. Staff was friendly and helpful with firewood purchases and checking in. Overall, highly recommend the camp and the park!

Most RV spots are great in terms of spacing. Fire pit. Electrical plug-in. Firewood at Park Office. Grey/black water dump station. Flushing toilets. Hot showers. Dogs allowed on leash. Boasts many trails from the park. Quiet and respectful neighbors. Take the time to hike the upper end of the park. So worth it.

I've grown up with this state park and it seems to get more beautiful throughout the years. The observation tower is my absolute favorite spot in this park. It has a breathtaking view of the Historic Downtown Madison

We booked a last minute non-electric site for the night in out TT.  We have family in the area so that was the primary purpose of this trip but we have visited Clifty several times and stayed at the hotel once.  There is a really nice outdoor pool (extra fee) but the highlight is all the hiking in the park.  Lots of waterfalls, caves and even though you are basically in town it feels miles away.  This trip we were there at about peak fall colors and it was amazing.  We will be back again (probably yearly) and will stay here.

PROS: Awesome state park for hiking, exploring and an outdoor pool.  Most sites are pretty spread out for a state park.  Facilities and camp sites are clean; indoor restroom with warm showers.  On site hotel has gift shop and restaurant.  Close to historic Madison and the Ohio River offering many things to do.  Couple playgrounds for kids and a nature center with educational programs.  They sell firewood at the campground check in kiosk.  One vehicle per site but there is an overflow are at the campground entrance.  Laundry facility is also at the campground.

CONS: Some spots are on top of each other, mostly in non-electric area and as most IN State Parks, no water hook-up, you have to fill your tank.

Ideal spots would be electric loop - 31-36 (a side loop, no thru trafic) or 14-28/93-104 (back of the loop, more in shade, less traffic).

No sewer or water hookup as you would expect at most Indiana State Parks. The sites are extremely spacious and plenty of sites with shade. The shower houses are mediocre but no problems with hot water and water pressure. There are lots of wonderful trails. Historic downtown Madison is beautiful river town with beautiful architecture throughout. Access to the Ohio River as well if you’re interested in boating. By far the best Indiana State campground we have had the pleasure to enjoy.. Also checkout on Sundays are 5pm which makes for a great last day. Sleep in and enjoy not having to rush out!

Fairly spacious tent camping sites and well manicured. Most of the sites border wooded areas, so they are in the open. Great access to the hiking trails, and the nice lodge for those who may want to check-in to a room or enjoy the indoor pool.

Well it’s true. This is an amazing Indiana State Park featuring a 425 million-year-old limestone canyon carved out during the ice age. Clifty Creek plunges some 70 feet in just three miles to produce several waterfalls along the way. This 1300 acre park offers panoramic views of the nearby historical town of Madison and the Ohio River Valley. Madison is definitely a town worth some exploring; restaurants, riverfront, shops and much historically to keep you occupied. The park amenities include; Clifty Inn opening in 1924 with accommodations plus dining and indoor pool, campground with 106 electric and 59 primitive sites with potable water and dump station, seasonal nature center with Interpretive Naturalist, seasonal outdoor aquatic center, hiking trials and more. The campground is mainly in the open, so shade is at a premium. The pads are gravel and some sites will accommodate larger rigs, electric is 30 amp with restroom and bathhouse facilities. Access to the park is via two entrances; State Road 56 or State Road 62 and roads are somewhat narrow as with most state parks. This is a busy park so plan ahead especially on weekends and holidays. There are plenty of resources nearby for groceries, restaurants, necessities and the all-important Walmart. Reservations are available on Reserve America https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/clifty-falls-state-park/IN/570045/overview $23-$30 nightly 38°45'39"N, 85°25'8"W

Typical state park campground. Some RV sites will require multiple blocks/pieces of wood in order to level. Sites offer only electric. Water fills are located ON THE SIDE OF THE BATH HOUSE. You might have to wait awhile. Only one vehicle on campsite, other vehicles go to overflow.

Beautiful hiking trails! Kids can ride bikes easily around campground.

All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. However, many of the picnic tables are very short which is fine as long as you have a small group or family. The fire rings are very nice and have a good grill grate. Bathrooms/showers were typical: moderately clean with luke cold water. Tent sites were decent (we were pleased with site 117). Some offer a little more privacy than others with brush growth and trees. RV sites offered less privacy but I was pleased with the separation between the tent and RV sections of the campground. The wood they sold was great and they also have ice for sale. The trails were crazy packed the second weekend in June so we didn't do much hiking (however, we've hiked the entire park trail system in the past and really enjoy it). The park is relatively flat so biking is a fun activity. They charge you to enter the park an additional 7-9$ even if you already reserved camping. A huge bonus is Madison, Indiana nearby (4.5 miles away) which has a couple of wineries (and restaurants) and you can also walk along the Ohio River. Overall, I would tent camp here again.

We stayed here 1 night driving through, but really enjoyed our time.  We were in site 50 in the trees.  It appeared most of the other sites were out in the open and close together.  Our site didn't have a water hook-up.  But we filled our fresh water tank at the shower house.  We hiked to the falls and tunnel.  Next time we'll bring a flashlight and go all the way through the tunnel.

Close to Madison, IN.  We ate dinner at Shipley's Tavern and had really great burgers.  This was a fun stop we want to come back to.

To take a break and unwind from your everyday work life / family drama, walking the trails of Clifty Falls is really a way to clear your head. We saw two groups of people walking the trails. They are absolutely the most friendliest people. If you want to engage in a conversation, you can, or I’m sure people will notice if you wanna just do your thing in nature.

I would recommend going, absolutely! It’s an experience you can’t take back.

Oh and I would tell you about the actually Trail to the Falls, but you’ll just have to see it for yourself. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen at the end of the movie, haha!!

The trails is this park are long, but lead you through some of the most amazing sites to see. The shorter trails are pretty simple and loop you around to where you began. I would suggest that if you have kids, that they enjoy hiking. The camping was pretty nice. The shaded areas are worth it considering that many of the sites are in the open and get more than plenty of direct sun. The showers and bathrooms in the powered section are ok, nothing pretty to look at. The showers i. The non-powered campsites are amazing! They are well ventilated and have plenty of sinks and shower stalls. It’s a short trip to the front checking office for wood and ice, and a great place for your little bike riders while you sit back and relax. Most everything is a short drive to and from. The pool in the park is pretty nice with a slide and diving boards, but does cost to enter. The power sites are pretty big and are spread out pretty well. Overall it is a place we plan to revisit in the future.

Spaced out, great distance. Bathrooms are really clean! Some critters roam around, so lock up your food. Great hiking spots around, bring plenty of fire wood!!

Out of all places I've camped in Indiana, this is, by far, the worst. Please note that this is for the non-electric sites. Reasons for the low rating:

• the firewood that they sell to you is complete crap. It's so wet and damp that you can't burn it. We have had to take every single batch back we've purchased cause it's so bad. They don't do refunds.
• The playground is so close to most campsites in the non-electric section. I'd recommend getting as far away as possible as the screams of children echo like birds flying throughout the campground.
• Not the park's fault, but raccoons are horrible here. I'm talking, "walk up to your campfire as you're sitting next to it and steal food that's on the burner" bad. Lol.

We were lucky enough to find a campsite (#118) very far away from the playground which was surrounded by grasses that separated the campsites surrounding you which was very nice. Again, the raccoons were horrible though.

The falls are no there if there is no rainfall or snowmelt .... I was very disappointed.... beautiful if you can go when they are in season to see them .....

Nice sized campsites with good amount of space between sites. Pottable water spigots every 8 or so sites. Have to drive to trail heads from campsites. Beautiful trails to hike! Enough trails so you don't feel crowded by others

This campground is located in the shadow of Madison, IN. There are trails for all levels of expertise.

Te reason I gave this park a 3 is because the campground was not mown when we got there, calf deep grass, and the person at the campground gate handed us a map, and that was it, no hello, how are you, zip. In general the staff was not overly friendly or approachable.

Hving said the above, we totally enjoyed the trails, falls, and other sites to see around the park. I would recommend this park to anyone. We will go back. We didn't see everything in the area even though we were there5 days…