Picnic Areas and Shelters at Clifty Falls State Park

Info about Picnic Areas and Shelters at Clifty Falls State Park

Picnic areas and shelters at Clifty Falls State Park ensure that you find space to enjoy your stay at the park.

Clifty Falls State Park is a lovely place to enjoy an outdoor picnic or gathering. Choose an available picnic area, or reserve a covered shelter house to ensure space during your visit to the park.

Details About Picnic Areas and shelters at Clifty Falls State Park

Picnic Areas

Clifty Falls State Park has several nice picnic areas scattered throughout the park. Picnic areas are available for day-use only, and they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tents, dining flies, and other camping units are not allowed in the picnic or shelter areas.

There are picnic areas near each shelter house. Poplar Grove, in particular, features a large number of picnicking spots.

In addition, Baby Beech Picnic Area, Beech Grove, and Hickory Grove offer a limited number of more private picnic spots that you can drive up to. There is also a picnic table with grill at the Lilly Memorial Overlook, but you must walk down a stone path to reach it.

Clifty Shelter House at Clifty Falls State Park

Shelter Houses

There are four shelter houses at Clifty Falls State Park, and they vary in size and amenities. All shelters are reservable – see rates below. If not reserved one day in advance, the shelters are available to park visitors for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Only domestic pets are allowed at the shelters. Tents, dining flies, and other camping units are not allowed in the picnic or shelter areas.

If the shelter is being used for the purpose of a wedding or wedding rehearsal, call the park office at (812) 273-8885 to discuss arrangements for the event.

Reservable Shelters at Clifty Falls State Park

Clifty Shelter

Clifty Shelter is a 80′ x 31′ (2480 sq. ft.) partially enclosed one-room building that is ADA accessible. It has about 8 large picnic tables under roof, with electric lighting, 2 20-amp electrical outlets, fireplace, and charcoal grill. A maximum of 100 people and 50 vehicles may use this fully shaded shelter.

This shelter is located near the North Gate Entrance, in a very high traffic area. A public ADA accessible restroom and water supply are within 100′ of the shelter. Across the paved walking loop from the shelter is a playground and large playfield.

In addition, Trail 7 (to Big Clifty Falls, Cake Rock, and Little Clifty Falls) starts near here, and the first section of the trail is ADA accessible to the Clifty Falls overlook.

Oak Grove Shelter

Oak Grove Shelter is a 20′ x 40′ (800 sq. ft.) open, covered, one-room shelter in full shade, with gravel road access. There is seating for 50 at 8 picnic tables, as well as a large charcoal grill. There is no lighting, electrical service, or water. 

Pit toilets (for the public and shelter guests) are 50′ away, and there is also a small swing set. The parking lot has room for 15 vehicles, but more parking available across the road.

Directly across the road from Oak Grove Shelter is access (via a steep staircase) to Trail 5, which takes you by Brough’s Tunnel.

Cragmont Shelter

Cragmont Shelter is a 15′ x 35′ (525 sq. ft.) open, covered, one-room shelter with afternoon sun. Located in a private, grassy area, it will accommodate up to 48 people at 8 picnic tables, and includes a large charcoal grill. There is no lighting or electrical service. Drinking water is 15′ away.

There is shared parking for 20 vehicles. Across the paved parking lot are pit toilets, picnic areas, a large playfield, and a playground.

Poplar Grove Shelter

Poplar Grove Shelter is a 15′ x 35′ (525 sq. ft.) open, covered, one-room shelter that gets full sun. It seats up to 48 people at 8 picnic tables and includes a large charcoal grill. There is no lighting or electrical service. Drinking water is 20′ away.

Poplar Grove Shelter is located in a public area that features a very large grassy playfield, pit toilets (200′ away), and multiple picnic areas. There is parking for 20 vehicles.

Shelter Hours

These facilities are for day use only and must be vacated each day prior to the designated departure time. 

Available Hours: 9 am – 11 pm

No overnight use allowed.

Shelter Rates

Clifty Shelter: $45/day*
Oak Grove Shelter: $30/day*
Cragmont Shelter: $30/day*
Poplar Grove Shelter: $30/day*

*Rates may vary across dates. Rates do not reflect discounts, fees or taxes.

Shelter Reservations

Shelter availability may vary depending on dates and holidays. Most shelter houses can be reserved up to one year (to the day) in advance. To check availability for upcoming weeks or months and reserve a shelter:

Call 1-866-6CAMPIN (1-866-622-6746)

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