Ghostly Gathering

Monroe Lake’s popular Halloween event, Ghostly Gathering, returns to Paynetown State Recreation Area on October 27 to 29.

All activities are open to both campers and day visitors. Full details for every activity can be found at http://bit.ly/ghostlygathering2023.

A presentation on the “Animals of Halloween” will kick off the event on Friday, Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. Friday also offers “Slime Time” from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Halloween BINGO at 7 p.m.

Day-time activities on Saturday, Oct. 28 are “Ghostly Games” from 9:30 to 11 a.m., “Creepy, Crawly Crafts” from 12:30 to 2 p.m., and “Mystery Boxes” from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Trick-or-treating will place in the A-loop camping area from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday evening. You can also view the entries in the Campsite Decorating Contest during the time.

Activities continue on Sunday, Oct. 29 with “Pumpkin Bird Feeders” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and a “Ghosts of Allens Creek Hike” at 1 p.m. Please note that space is limited to 15 people for the hike and registration is required by Oct. 27.

Throughout the entire weekend, visitors can also challenge themselves to complete the Ghostly Gathering Nature Photo Hunt. You could win a 2024 Indiana State Parks Annual Entrance Pass by photographing “creepy” nature stuff in the park!

While electric campsites are fully booked for this popular event, there are still non-electric campsites available at http://camp.in.gov.

The Daily Entrance Fee at Paynetown SRA is $7 per vehicle with Indiana license plate ($9 per vehicle with out-of-state plates). Indiana State Park Annual Entrance Permits are also accepted.

Questions should be directed to the Paynetown Activity Center at 812-837-9967 or email Jill Vance at jvance@dnr.in.gov.