Rockville Lake Park

Rockville Lake Park in Rockville Indiana is an excellent place to cool off on a hot summer day. With a sand beach, calm water, and a wading area which gradually slopes into a deep swimming area, it is perfect for young children (with parental supervision of course) and adults alike. 

In the swimming area there is a concrete dock which you can climb up and jump off of. (Careful, it is easy to skin yourself on the concrete!) The water is deep enough for a dive!

There is a playground and picnic area near the beach. Note that pets are allowed in the park, but not on the beach. 

Turkey Run State Park

Turkey Run near Marshall Indiana is a hiker's dream. This beautiful state park offers several trails which wind through a variety of geographical wonders. The trails vary in difficulty. Some have steps carved into rock walls while others have stairs which descend into deep gorges. There is even a trail which has ladders which you must climb to continue. There is a cavern area which is cold even in the mid of summer (the ice box) and a trickle of a stream into a pit (the punch bowl, pictured below). 

Beware, you may get your feet wet on some trails which you must walk into the stream, but on a hot summer day this is sure to be refreshing. The sand stone beneath the water's surface helps with traction.

There are several areas which offer rock climbing for beginners and experts alike. Dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they are leashed, so feel free to bring your pooch.

The paths are easy to follow, but make sure to pick up a map at the nature center. For those who wish to take a dip, take advantage of the Olympic size pool. Or, if you are feeling adventurous, Sugar Creek runs through the park, where you can kayak or canoe.

Don't forget water!

Indiana Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan

Want to find a campground with an awesome freshwater beach? Head on down (or should I say up?) to Indiana Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan. Not only can you beat the heat, but there are sand dunes that are a photographer's dream. As for the beach... well.... see for yourself.

Don't forget to lather on the sunscreen and pack the cooler with plenty of water!

David Crockett State Park

Whether you are looking for a day of hiking, swimming, fishing, birding, a picnic, camping, biking, boating, or just love historic sites, David Crockett State Park is definitely worth stopping by. With more trail heads than I could count to 6 miles of hiking trails, access to a lake and a creek with beautiful waterfalls and spillways, an Olympic size swimming pool with an additional wading pool for kids, and many other accommodations mentioned below, there is something for everyone.

Above is Davy Crockett Falls... perfect for wading and to get cool on a hot day. You can sit right in the middle of the falls and let the water cascade over you. (Rumor has it a bit farther downstream there is also a swimming hole). 

The spillway above... off of Waterfall Trail... standing under it was refreshing!

Lindsey Lake above...  perfect for fishing!

There are pavilions as well as picnic tables located throughout the park. Tent camping or cabins are available for rent as well as watercraft. A restaurant is located on site overlooking the lake and a snack bar is near the pool area for refreshments. Be sure to stop by the museum! 

Whippoorwill Lake Family Campground

Located off of county road 520 outside of the small town of Marble Hill, Missouri lies a hidden gem that reminds many of childhood summers. Some spend many weekends there while others may only visit during holidays or just for the day. But one thing is for sure: everyone is there for good old fashioned camping at it's best.

Whippoorwill Lake provides something for everyone. Fishing there is a favorite pastime for young and old alike. 

My husband with the bass he caught (mine was bigger!)

For those who prefer to watch the fish instead, you can take a trip down to the pier and throw in a handful of fish food to watch them swarm.

Fish feeding dock (also amazing for star gazing)

If it gets too hot, taking a dip at the beach and maybe even a dive off of the dock will be sure to cool you down. 

Kids will love the slide

BBQ, campfires, and s'mores are sure to give it the camping feel. There are plenty of spots for campers or to pitch a tent beside the lake as well as cabins for rent. 

Some weekends you can kick back and listen to a bluegrass band or even karaoke.

Stage for bands and karaoke

There is a small store on site that will offer most of your camping necessities. Firewood and ice is also available for purchase.

Part of the store

There are even a few water vessels available for rent including paddle boats and a bounce pad. There are games to play such as horseshoes, basketball, and volleyball.

Memorial Weekend 2016

The owner, Daniel, is sure to keep everyone happy and entertained while maintaining a family environment.

Daniel Polanczyk

Memories are sure to be made at Whippoorwill. Some of ours include 4 of the children learning to swim there. So if you are ever in Southeast Missouri, make sure to put this spot on your bucket list and make some memories of your own!

Cherokee Landing RV Campground near Saulsbury, TN

If you are in search of a peaceful camping environment, Cherokee Landing near Saulsbury Tennessee is the answer. With everything from a pond to fish in to rustic cabins it is the ideal getaway.

With a small section of full hook up sites as well as a section of lakeside sites there is something for everyone.

There are playgrounds for the young and old: including table tennis, pool, and miniature golf as well as courts for tennis, volleyball, and basketball. Memorial Day through Labor Day the pool is filled to offer a refreshing dip in the afternoon before gathering around one of their community fire rings later that evening for s'mores or just some good old story telling.  

The best parts of this particular campground, in my opinion, were the staff who went above and beyond to leave us feeling right at home

The nearest town with a grocery store is Middleton, TN, a quick trip away at about 7 miles. Middleton offers a Food Giant, Dollar General, a couple of convenience stores, and local restaurants. A little farther and you can be in Bolivar, with a Walmart, Save A Lot, and many other major stores at your disposal. 

I should also mention that Cherokee Landing is located between 3 major cities and less than a 2 hour drive to each. Those cities include Memphis, TN, Jackson, TN, & Tupelo, MS. 

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