Visit one of the five state properties that are hosting “Christmas in July” events.
 

All five properties will host a Christmas-decorating competition in their campgrounds. See specific property program listings at stateparks.IN.gov/2392.htm for more details.

Properties hosting Christmas in July are:

On July 20-22:

Salamonie Lake will host festivities on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 10:30 a.m. From 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., a party at the pond will feature water games, a youth archery shoot, and a cornhole tournament. A parade honoring Smokey Bear’s birthday begins at 6:45 p.m. and live music runs from 8 to 11 p.m. Judging of Christmas-themed campsites begins at 8:30 p.m., and winners will be announced at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Shakamak State Park invites everyone to visit with Santa and see Christmas decorations. Activities run from 6 to 10 p.m. each day.  Christmas movies, food and games will also be available.

On July 27-29:

Mississinewa Lake will host festivities on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 10:30 a.m. From 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., a party at the pond will feature water games, a youth archery shoot, and a cornhole tournament. A parade honoring Smokey Bear’s birthday begins at 6:45 p.m. Judging of Christmas-themed campsites begins at 8:30 p.m., and winners will be announced at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Spring Mill State Park will host programming throughout Saturday. Visitors can join a bicycle parade at 4 p.m. Decorations will be provided. Santa will hand out presents after the parade. At 8:45 p.m., participants can watch a Christmas movie at the amphitheater. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and a snack. Campsite decorations will be judged and awarded after dark. The winners will be posted on the camp gate on Sunday morning.

Whitewater Memorial State Park will host Christmas-themed events throughout the weekend. A Christmas Eve night hike will run from 8:30 to 9:15 p.m on Friday. Hikers should meet at the Poplar Grove Shelter. On Saturday, visitors can help decorate for the birds from 10 to 10:30 a.m. A snowflake scavenger hunt will run from 2 to 3 p.m., and participants can turn in their finds for a prize at the camp store. Santa will visit the campground from 7 to 7:45 p.m., and judging of Christmas-themed campsites begins at 8:30 p.m.The top three sites will be awarded free camping.

Campsite reservations can be made at camp.IN.gov or by calling 866-622-6746.

Property entrance fees are $7 per in-state vehicle and $9 per out-of-state vehicle. 

To see the more events offered by DNR interpretive naturalists across the state visit calendar.dnr.IN.gov.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.

Media contact: Ginger Murphy, deputy director, Division of State Parks , 317-232-4143,gmurphy@dnr.IN.gov