Winter Camping Brown County Indiana (We made it)

[Jst83]

I'm planing a winter camping trip about the 12-13 or 19-20 of Jan.
For those interested I plan on it being somewhere with electric, and centrally located to those that might be interested (or crazy enough as my wife thinks) in attending.
Let me know nothing fancy just a big Fire and a little to keep me warm.
Of coarse the second is optional.

[bobhenry]

Some interesting facts Midwest weather history

1/27/67 Blizzard of 67 23" of snow in the Chicago metro area

1/25/77 All time record for continuious below freezing 2/28/76 thru 2/8/77

1/13/79 The blizzard of 79 (hunting for semi's on the interstate
with cane poles.)

1/20/85 -27 The lowest temp ever recorded at O hare airport Chicago

1/11/91 The Ice storm entire towns without power for weeks

1/19/94 Record 15 to 25 below

But on a more positive note

1/31/89 record 65 degrees in the chicago area

Either way it'll be interesting

[josephhanson]

I have camped in the winter in a tent, but that was many years ago. I haven't forgotten how cold a person(me) can get. I'm not that fond of winter to be camping in it, but I wish you the best of luck.
I am looking forward to another spring get-together though.

Joe

[Mark72]

I used to like winter until I took my current job. Now I have to be out in it when it gets cold and nasty. I'll see you at the spring gathering!

Mark

[prohandyman]

Aw, come on. We took the scout troop out in ZERO degrees to Pokagen Park sledding and slept in tents! The rangers closed the tobogan run because the wind chill was minus 50 degrees. The scouts all had a blast. We adults just told the scouts we were having fun!?! But, count me in Scott. If the new camper isn't ready, I'll take the cargo. We'll have fun! If we have electricity, we have heat! :worship
Check out this vest!
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/heated-vest/battery-heated-vest/

[Jst83]

Guess I need to get busy and come up with the place that allows winter camping and has electricity. Brown county does but requires 2 nights I was thinking just a Sat.
Any one have any thoughts?
Dan The sledding sounds fun even as an adult
My brother says he'd go winter tenting I think he's full of it but we'll see.

[raprap]

Get in the southern part of the state and at least the hills will protect you from some of the wind---although drifts do build in lee spots.

If you keep it south of Indy I'm in. I have a Sportcat that'll keeps Dogtown toasty down to 10 degrees--no problem.

As a first recommendation---Patoka Lake--lots of electric sites.

Rap

[Jst83]

As a first recommendation---Patoka Lake--lots of electric sites.
Rap

Do they allow winter camping and only one night?

[Kurt (Indiana)]

Whew!!, I'm sort of glad my camper has been put away for the winter.

I'd like to go but It's a major pain to get it out again. I'll be praying for you though.

[raprap]

From Jan 1st, 2008 to April 31, 2008 Pahoka Lake is "site standard"--that is first come first serve with fee collection by a drive through ranger. Fees appear to be $20 per night with a one time vehicle access fee.

Rap

[mrchuc]

Since I just finally figured out how to install my Pet Cool (which is a heater too), I am very interested in a winter adventure.

Patoka Lake is a little drive from St. Louis, but it is an easy one along I-64.

I may not be able to convince my wife to come, but I like cold weather so I am willing to make a solo voyage. I have friends in Evanston, so I might be able to do a little visiting on the way there or back.

Raprap, do you have a link to the campground handy? I found a whole bunch of campgrounds in the area, but I don't think I found the one you are referring to.

All the best...

[Jst83]

I think I'm more looking towards Brown County state park one night Saturday Jan 19th. I want to check out the park for the spring gathering. It's just north of Patoka so it woulnd be bad to get to ether.
Glad to have another on board I'll get you some links when I get home.

[josephhanson]

Brown County would be an excellent choice for the spring camping trip. There is a lot to do inside the park and outside the park. I've camped there several times. Lots of camping spots.
The last time we camped there we saw turkeys, a coyotie, the usual raccon, and some deer--all from our campsite!
We stayed in "Taylor Ridge" section "B" #252 very secluded--the ranger told us this was their "clothing optional" campsite. It was October so we opted for the clothing.
Nashville Indiana is a fun "touristy" town to visit, lots of restaurants and shops.
The park has a couple lakes, lots of trails and even has a mountain bike trail.
I think you'll like it

Joe

[mrchuc]

I think I'm more looking towards Brown County state park one night Saturday Jan 19th. I want to check out the park for the spring gathering. It's just north of Patoka so it woulnd be bad to get to ether.
Glad to have another on board I'll get you some links when I get home.

That looks like a good choice from my perspective. It is about the same distance, but I would take I-70 and visit my other friends in Terre Haute.

I asked Denice, my Texan spouse, if she wanted to go. She said "We'll see." That is very good news. She might actually come along.

I've got it on my calendar. Barring a road closing blizzard, I am ready to camp.

[Jst83]

Here's the story, State parks only take Fri/Sat night bookings. You can book 1 night but not until the Tue before the weekend.

Is everyone thinking 1 or 2 nights?
I'm thinking the weekend of the 19th of Jan

Those interested so far
Myself
Dan (prohandyman)
bobhenry
raprap
Chuc

wow 5 that's a pretty good gathering foe last min middle of the winter.

Did I miss anyone. Everyones welcome