Verbatim from Indiana Department of Natural Resources

INDIANAPOLIS: While national parks and wild areas are closed with the shutdown, Indiana's 24 state parks and eight reservoirs have not been impacted.

There is an Indiana state park or reservoir property within a one-hour drive of every Hoosier.

The properties offer an array of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, boating, canoe and kayaking, mountain biking, picnicking, and wildlife watching.

Daily gate fees for in-state residents are only $5 per carload at most properties. Those who want to stay overnight will probably need to do some planning. October is one of the most popular camping months of the year, with autumn- and Halloween-themed events happening at many properties.