Lincoln State Park wilderness guide
State Park · IN

Lincoln State Park

Lincoln State Park preserves the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln and offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding along scenic woodlands and lakes.

State Park12004+ Trails
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area1200
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Lincoln State Park

Lincoln State Park preserves the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln and offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding along scenic woodlands and lakes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Lincoln State Park, located in southern Indiana near the small town of Lincoln City, protects a 1,200-acre area of rich historical and natural significance. The park is situated in a gently rolling landscape of hardwood forests, native prairies, and several lakes, providing a tranquil setting for both history enthusiasts and outdoor recreationists. The park's centerpiece is the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, which features the original site of the Lincoln family farm where Abraham Lincoln lived from 1816 to 1830. Visitors can explore a living history farmstead with interpreters demonstrating early 19th-century pioneer life. Beyond its historical value, the park offers diverse recreational opportunities like over 12 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, alongside a large fishing lake stocked with bass and panfish. Birdwatchers can find numerous species including warblers and waterfowl, especially around the woodland edges and lake shore. The park’s campground offers developed sites for tents and RVs, making it a favored destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Seasonal programs, picnic areas, and interpretive displays enhance visitor engagement. Its blend of cultural heritage and natural setting make Lincoln State Park a notable destination in Indiana for education, relaxation, and outdoor adventure.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Lincoln State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and Historic Farmstead✦ Clear Lake with fishing and boating opportunities✦ Multi-use trails supporting hiking, biking, and horseback riding✦ Wildlife viewing, including migratory birds and native Indiana fauna
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Lincoln State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Lincoln State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Lincoln State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Lincoln State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Lincoln State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Lincoln State Park
Park Recreation

Horseback Riding

Available in Lincoln State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Lincoln State Park
Park Recreation

Boating

Available in Lincoln State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Lincoln State Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Lincoln State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Lincoln State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free vehicle entrance; parking available at multiple locations including the visitor center and campground.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Lincoln State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Lincoln State Park Campground

Features over 40 campsites with electric hookups, potable water, restrooms, and easy access to Clear Lake and trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Lincoln State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Palmyra, Indiana
⌖ 4.13 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Palmyra, Indiana

Palmyra, Indiana offers a peaceful gateway to southern Indiana's Hoosier National Forest with hiking, paddling, fishing, and birdwatching. Ideal for outdoor lovers seeking a quiet, nature-focused escape.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Lanesville, Indiana
⌖ 10.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lanesville, Indiana

Lanesville, Indiana, offers a peaceful outdoor escape with easy access to Ohio River paddling, scenic trails, and quiet camping spots. Ideal for travelers seeking low-key hiking, biking, and river adventures in southern Indiana.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Corydon, Indiana
⌖ 12.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Corydon, Indiana

Corydon offers outdoor lovers peaceful hiking, biking, and paddling amid Indiana’s limestone hills and historic trails. Explore nearby state parks, fish local waters, and camp under starry southern Indiana skies.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
New Albany, Indiana
⌖ 13.61 miles
Gateway Basecamp

New Albany, Indiana

New Albany offers urban-river adventures with easy hiking, biking, and paddling along the Ohio River. Enjoy bird watching, fishing, and picnicking in riverside parks or venture nearby for forest trails and camping.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Sellersburg, Indiana
⌖ 15.74 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sellersburg, Indiana

Sellersburg is a peaceful river town on the Ohio River, perfect for paddling, fishing, and biking enthusiasts. Nearby parks and forests offer hiking and camping across all seasons, making it a great spot for relaxed outdoor adventures.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Salem, Indiana
⌖ 16.08 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Salem, Indiana

Salem, Indiana offers outdoor lovers quiet trails, lake paddling, and forest camping. Located near Hoosier National Forest and Shakamak State Park, it’s ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, and escaping the crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Lincoln State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Campsite 9
ADVEXPEDITION
Marengo, Indiana
LodgingADV Bookable

Campsite 9

Campsite 9 at Marengo Cave offers tent campers a comfortable and convenient base camp near one of Indiana’s most impressive limestone cave systems. With electrical hookups and modern amenities, it’s camping balanced with practical comforts.

LodgingMust be 18+ to rent • 1-7 Nights • One car and two tents per siteCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
RV Site C1
ADVEXPEDITION
Marengo, Indiana
HikingADV Bookable

RV Site C1

Settle into a comfortable RV stay just minutes from Marengo Cave, Indiana. With full electric hookups and essential amenities, RV Site C1 provides a practical base for caving adventures and outdoor exploration.

HikingMax 36ft RV • 1-3 nights • Max 6 peopleCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Whitehall House Tour
ADVEXPEDITION
Louisville, Kentucky
Guided TourADV Bookable

Whitehall House Tour

Step inside Louisville’s historic Whitehall House for a 30-minute guided tour filled with fascinating stories and unique artifacts. Discover the rich local history and architecture that bring this landmark to life.

Guided TourFor all ages! • 30 Minutes • Guided Tour!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Campsite 4
ADVEXPEDITION
Marengo, Indiana
LodgingADV Bookable

Campsite 4

Discover the underground beauty of Marengo Cave from the comfort of Campsite 4. This guided cave system and campsite combo offers an unforgettable adventure in southern Indiana, perfect for families and explorers alike.

LodgingMust be 18+ to rent • 1-7 Nights • One car and two tents per siteCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
RV Site A2
ADVEXPEDITION
Marengo, Indiana
LodgingADV Bookable

RV Site A2

Discover the comfort and natural beauty of Marengo Cave with an RV stay at Site A2. Perfect for exploring underground marvels and scenic trails, this site offers a stellar Indiana outdoor experience.

LodgingMax 30ft RV • 1-3 nights • Max 6 peopleCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Campsite 8
ADVEXPEDITION
Marengo, Indiana
LodgingADV Bookable

Campsite 8

Discover the underground wonderland of Marengo Cave with a stay at Campsite 8, blending geological marvels with outdoor camping. Perfect for adventurers seeking history and natural beauty in Indiana.

LodgingMust be 18+ to rent • 1-7 Nights • One car and two tents per siteCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
RV Site C2
ADVEXPEDITION
Marengo, Indiana
LodgingADV Bookable

RV Site C2

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and adventure at Marengo Cave's RV Site C2. With electric hookups and proximity to underground marvels, it’s an ideal base for exploring Indiana’s natural treasures.

LodgingMax 36ft RV • 1-3 nights • Max 6 people - 30amp and 50amp service at this siteCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Campsite 3
ADVEXPEDITION
Marengo, Indiana
LodgingADV Bookable

Campsite 3

Discover camping at Marengo Cave in Indiana, an ideal spot for adventurers seeking underground wonders and forest tranquility. With scenic trails and rich history, it’s a unique outdoor destination.

LodgingMust be 18+ to rent • 1-7 Nights • One car and two tents per siteCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip