Deam Lake State Recreation Area

Open — Open year-round for camping reservations. One comfort station is closed for long-term foundational repairs. Rent-a-camp cabins available seasonally April through October, with walk-ins permitted March and November weather permitting. Swimming beach and seasonal boat rentals operate Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

About

Deam Lake State Recreation Area encompasses a 194-acre lake constructed in 1965 and named after Charles Deam, Indiana's first state forester. The property offers two separate camping areas: a family campground with 113 electric sites and an equestrian campground with 63 electric sites with hitching posts plus 36 electric sites with horse stalls. The equestrian area provides two short lead-outs connecting to 80 miles of multipurpose trails in adjacent Clark State Forest. Recreational opportunities include swimming at a seasonal beach open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, fishing for whitetail deer, turkey, squirrel, fox, and raccoon with required licenses, and boating on the electric trolling motor only lake. Rowboat and kayak rentals operate Friday through Sunday during the summer season. Nineteen rent-a-camp cabins are available seasonally from April through October, with walk-ins permitted March and November weather permitting. The trail system includes several options ranging from easy to rugged terrain. The Knobstone Trailhead is located within the park, and five miles of mountain bike trails traverse the property. The Yellow Horse Trail forms a six-mile loop around the lake, while the Red Horse Trail offers 2.5 miles of scenic and challenging terrain with lake overlooks. A Forest Education Center provides displays and hands-on activities managed by a seasonal naturalist.

Directions

From I-65, take exit 7 for IN-60 W toward Salem. Continue on IN-60 W for approximately 9 miles. Turn right onto Deam Lake Road; the park entrance is about 1 mile ahead.

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