Available, affordable and nearby.

These words aren’t usually associated with lodging forIndianapolis’ big February football weekend, but all apply to accommodations atIndiana’s State Parks and State Park Inns.

Some options are less than an hour from downtownIndianapolis. All are worlds away in terms of atmosphere, offering a perfect break from the crowds, and none requires a minimum stay.

Rooms starting at $99 a night are at Abe Martin Lodge atBrownCountyState ParknearNashville(50 miles from downtown).BrownCountyalso has family cabins that sleep eight and have kitchens for $179 per night. Canyon Inn at McCormick’sCreekState Parkin Spencer (55 miles from downtown) has rooms from $69 to $159 per night. Turkey Run Inn atTurkeyRunState ParkinMarshall(80 miles from downtown) has rooms ranging from $52 to $112 per night. Turkey Run also has rustic cabins that sleep four and cost $69 per night.  These cabins have two double beds and bath, but no cooking facilities.

Each inn has a full-service restaurant. Abe Martin features an indoor water park. See IndianaInns.com for information and reservations, or call 1-877-LODGES1 daily from 8a.m.-8 p.m. Three other inns farther away also have accommodations that can be booked at similar rates. Fort Harrison State Park Inn inIndianapolisis full for the football weekend.

Winter camping, with access to running water and heated restrooms, is available at BrownCountyfor less than $18 a night for a campsite with electricity. See Camp.IN.Gov.

Rustic cabins that sleep six and have full kitchens are available starting at $45 per night at Shakamak and Whitewater state parks. Both state parks are approximately 90 minutes from downtown. See Camp.IN.Gov.  Check out camping and similar cabins at otherIndiana state parks and reservoirs all year round at the same website.

“Available, affordable and nearby” are three great words. ”Available,” however, is not necessarily lasting. ”Affordable and nearby,” of course, always apply to IndianaState Parksand Reservoirs and Indiana State Park Inns. For more on the offerings at state parks and reservoirs in Indiana, see StateParks.IN.gov.