Backpack & Canoe Camp Overview | Shades State Park

[@michaelpetersonbackpacking6077]

I think that the backpack campground is a great idea, more parks could do something like it. I’ve hiked and seen it but have never camped there. It’s a long way for me to come and possibly not get a “first come” site . Maybe since you’re so much closer I could send you in to reserve my spot for me sometime 😂😂

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

That is what I dislike about such campgrounds, I wouldn't want to come that far and find it full! But it's still a good idea if more state parks would offer something like that, especially in the northern half of the state where backpacking is almost nonexistent.

[@myrealfakename6068]

Been there more times than I can remember, going back to my childhood. Yet I never knew about this backpack camping trail. Pretty neat. Thanks for the video. 😃👍

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

The trail is easy to overlook! But it adds some nice variation to the park.

[@PFAM5]

Good info. Nice to do something different at a Park you’ve been to regularly. Sugar Creek looks awesome. Those bugs were insane!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Yeah, those gnats were all over us! They don't bite or sting, but I had two fly right into my eyes! That's when I put on the bug net, LOL. Never seen them like that at Shades before!

[@TerryX2Explore]

Those are such nice sites! Looks like a beautiful park.... Nice video!!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

This park is 15 minutes away from Turkey Run, so whenever you make it down here, worth checking out!

[@BeBodacious]

Thanks for letting us know that beginners might like it. The bathroom looks clean. Like you, I've not seen a urinal in a pit toilet.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It's kind of the perfect solution to those that want to experience backpacking, but still have a decent restroom!

[@Packsalot]

Great campsites with amenities. Perfect for those just getting into the hobby. Wow, those bugs are coming on strong. I see you grabbed the face net. Cool video and tour of the area. Pretty river. Take care.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Those gnats were bad close to the river! As long as we were moving, they didn't bug us, but they swarmed every time we stopped. After one flew into my eye, I put on the net, LOL. Thanks for watching!

[@hootonthetrail3894]

Always , informative. Another good one guys.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks Hoot!

[@jameswalters7685]

Wow, what luck! Was curious to know what this trail and the sites were like (especially if they were suited for hammocking), and I stumbled across your video. Thanks for doing such a thorough showcase of this!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Glad you found it! The sites are definitely more setup for tents (typical,) but I am sure there are spots where hammocks can be hung. Hope you get to try it out!

[@scotthash1531]

I just walked back in a few days ago to look at spots, 4 of the 7 spot have decent places to hang.. all sites have brand new picnic tables

[@angiehudgens7796]

That how I ended up here too! Definitely want to bring my hammock!

[@SantosChronicles]

This would be a hike we would try since it is for beginners. You did a great job explaining each aspect and what to expect. Having a washroom is key for us. I would be all about Skull Tree of course.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Having a washroom or not is a deal breaker for a lot of people, which is definitely one of the bonuses for this camp. You could definitely handle this one! Rock on!

[@GinandRing]

I was literally thinking of you guys when I was watching this one!!! Sounds perfect to get your family testing the waters! 🧡

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Beautiful State Park. Looked really clean out there too. Wild looking tree. It’s huge!!! Cool video guys. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks Jason! It is a great park, the ravine & canyon trails are amazing, but this trail really explores the forest. Thanks for watching!

[@roblebeau6537]

Thanks for sharing. This will be our first backpack trip this spring. We also love Shades.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Shades is awesome, have fun!

[@chrisblack8390]

Thanks really like the tree in the canoe area.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Such a unique tree!

[@diavolorosa]

Very cool. Thank you for sharing! Have been looking for a good first-time back country camping spot and this looks like it could be it! :)

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It is a great place to start! I know a lot of first timers are worried about using the restroom in the woods, this kind of eases you into that.

[@jamesivan2877]

Nice job guys. That was what I was wondering about as I plan our first backpack camping trip. Thank you!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tomhoppe5757]

Thanks for providing information on Shades State Park backpacking sites. This looks like a nice weekday overnight trip.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

One of our favorite parks!

[@esoentertainment1433]

Wonderful... Nice video Success always to channell my frend New support

[@CarlsonAdventures]

Great video. Love Shades. I need to get back there and do a few more of the trails there.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Probably my favorite trails in the state (for short hikes that is.) Something about hiking through creeks has always appealed to me, I dunno, I'm weird! 🤣

[@AstriaStarwynd]

I've been thinking of breaking out my old backpack and see where I can go with it. This might be a good test to see how I feel. I've done nearly every other trail at Shades.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I feel like that is exactly what the Shades backpacking trail is good for. Have fun!

[@beebeesfuntasticadventures6110]

That creek looks so pretty.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It really is

[@enigmaticdolphin2155]

I think I may use this place to test my gear before taking a longer trip!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It is perfect for that, have fun!

[@jarmyvicious]

Good episode! I miss that park, maybe I will get out there and see it again real soon.... You look like you lost some weight, that must be from following Catfish around.... man, that guy would lose me in the first ten minutes! He is a hiking machine! Cheers!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Catfish sets the pace, the only way I keep up is when he stops to take pictures! 🤣

[@jarmyvicious]

@@SlonesWildernessExpeditions 🤣

[@pauldeavers3655]

I was there thrid week of OCT. The new toilets where not there the old ones where getting bad

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

So they are very new! I remember the old ones, definitely way past their prime.

[@shaun17304]

how do you get firewood if there is none? Only one bundle in the video. Camped at turkey run and hiked over the weekend with friends

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I don't know how often the park replenishes the firewood supply, this was on a Sunday after there had been several backpackers in the campground the night before, so I was honestly surprised there was even a bundle of wood left.

[@theadventureboys5622]

Love your channel! You have been a great source for me and my 3 boys hiking adventures. I’m curious, how often have you found caves during your hikes in Indiana?

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Thanks, glad we could be of help! I can't say we've really "found" caves that we didn't already know about (i.e. Patton Cave, Wolf Cave) but we're always on the lookout.

[@JimHayesHiking]

Sweet little park. Nothing worse than gnats trying to get into your eyes.

[@MindRelaxingWorld]

Very Nice 👍❣️🔥🎼🎧🎵🎶 Friend🎶🎵🎧

[@hoadocuocsongsec]

Like 🥰😍😍😍😘😘👍❤️❤️❤️

[@Acurryfilms]

We’re did you purchase the net hood?

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

It actually came as part of the hat I was wearing, but I have seen just the net in the camping section of Walmart before.

[@tomhoppe5757]

Sea To Summit makes a very nice bug bet that fits over most hats. You can purchase it at REI or Amazon or local hiking type stores. I don’t go hiking without mine!

[@montymonette432]

Did the sites fill up fast?

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

We were there on Sunday, we passed quite a few backpackers on their way out, but I don't know if it had been full or not. With only 7 sites, I'm sure busy weekends might get full.

[@HikeCamp]

Decent camp sites... better than nothing... The bugs were thick...

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

Yeah, as long as we were moving, the gnats didn't bug us. But as soon as we stopped, they swarmed! At least anytime we were close to the water.

[@TheGardenCooks1]

Like 45

[@hikewithmike4673]

I like the first come first serve program so many state parks and state forests are now only using reserveamerica and getting rid of first come first serve and you have to use reserve America and their service fees they are nothing but pirates!

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

I hate that most national parks are also doing away with first come first serve, that's the only way I've found places out west as the reserve system fills up 6+ months in advance! Fees are the devil.