AUGUST
Harmonie State Park
Another great place for a family vacation is Harmonie SP in Posey County. Located about four miles south of the small town of New Harmony on the banks of the Wabash River, Harmonie SP is perfect for camping, fishing and hiking aficionados. The facilities of this 3,465-acre property are among the best in the state.

Fishing for catfish is excellent on the Wabash River, which is only a cast away. Channel catfish, flatheads and bullheads are all common on the Wabash. Since the river's water is often murky, many catfish anglers opt for stink baits like chicken livers, prepared baits or cut fish. Others use the traditional glob of night crawlers.

Although fishing from the bank is often productive, boaters typically score the best catches. The park offers a boat ramp and parking area near the southwest edge of the property, so fishermen can launch their own boats and fish along the banks of the river at their leisure. Channel catfish usually average a pound or two, but flatheads can push the scale to 30 or 40 pounds or more!

The park also includes more than 10 miles of hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to rugged. The most difficult trail is No. 7, and it's also the longest at 3.5 miles, but it is worth the walk. There is also a nice bike trail that runs from the campground to the swimming pool (about three miles).

The campground here includes 200 electric sites and a youth tent camp. Most of the electric campsites can accommodate trailers or tents. A nature center and 11 rental cabins (with air conditioning) are also available near the campground. Keep in mind that no pets are allowed in or around the cabins.

For more information about Harmonie SP, call (812) 682-4821.

Patoka Lake Project
Patoka Lake in southern Indiana is inside the boundaries of the Hoosier National Forest in Dubois, Crawford and Orange counties. The reservoir itself covers 8,800 acres, making it the second-largest lake in the state. It is also one of the best fishing lakes in Hoosierland, so it attracts many families in search of quality fishing during the summer.

Fishing is excellent on Patoka, whether your favorite fish is largemouth bass, crappie or catfish. Local fisherman Tim Gibson from Paoli has fished Patoka for years, and he knows that the fishing is topnotch.

Although fishing is the No. 1 activity on the lake, there are plenty of other water sports to enjoy, too. Pleasure boating, waterskiing, tubing, sailing and swimming are just some of the other things to do on a hot day. After a relaxing day on the water, some family members may want to explore the nearby towns and other attractions. French Lick and West Baden Springs are located just to the north, and the quaint town of Jasper can be found just to the west.

Patoka Lake lies adjacent to seven state recreation areas covering a total of 25,800 acres. Because of this, there are plenty of opportunities for campers to find the perfect campsite. There are 455 electric campsites with asphalt pads, water, flush toilets, hot water and showers. There are also 45 primitive campsites available, and there is a youth tent camp, too.

Not everyone likes to sleep in a tent, and if your family would rather rent a cabin, they are in luck. There are several options available near the lake, including rental houses, cabins, floating cabins (at the marina), or even large houseboats. The floating cabins are very popular and can accommodate up to six people. They also include a private boat slip. Call Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging (888-819-6916) for details.