Calling all professional and amateur photogs: The 2025 America’s State Parks Photo Contest is here. If you have an eye for photography or just love Indiana’s state parks, keep reading.
The rules
- You can only submit 40 photos per person
- You must be a resident of the US
- All photos must be taken between May 12, 2023, and July 18, 2025
- Photos have to be submitted as a .JPG
- Photos can’t have watermarks
- The deadline to submit is Friday, July 18
The categories
Your photos can fall in one of five categories:
- Friends and family
- Activities
- Camping
- Wildlife
- Scenic and seasons
The judging criteria
Photos will be judged on:
- Originality
- Artistic composition
- Technical quality
- Directly from the site — “Whether the photograph showcases the best of America’s State Parks camping and outdoor activities.”
City Editor Shea made a weekend camping trip up to Chain O’ Lakes to complete their nine lake paddle challenge.
Photo by INDYtoday team
Where should I go to snap my award-winning picture?
There’s just one Indiana State Park in Indianapolis itself: Fort Harrison, which offers everything from horseback expeditions to quiet corners for inspiration.
If you’re willing to venture out of the city, City Editor Shea recommends these parks for some top-tier photo opps:
- Turkey Run: Scenic hiking trails with fun features like suspension bridges, ladders, and a Punch Bowl
- Chain O’ Lakes: Easy hiking trails, beautiful kayaking scenes
- Indiana Dunes: 200-ft tall sand dunes, pristine Lake Michigan shoreline
