Patoka Lake

About

Patoka Lake is one of Indiana's largest state park campgrounds, encompassing 26,000 acres of forested terrain around an 8,800-acre Corps of Engineers reservoir in southern Indiana. The campground offers 443 electric sites with 30/50-amp service on paved pads, plus 82 primitive tent sites scattered throughout wooded areas. Sites range from 45 to 65 feet in length, accommodating large RVs with slide-outs. Facilities include multiple bath houses with flush toilets and showers, vault toilets throughout the camping loops, a dump station, and drinking water spigots. The on-site convenience store sells firewood, ice, and seasonal supplies. Water spigots operate May through October. The reservoir supports excellent warm-water fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish, with multiple boat ramps and a marina. A swimming beach, hiking trails of varying difficulty, an interpretive nature center, and programs for families round out the recreation options. Blue-green algae occurs year-round in the lake; do not drink lake water and shower after swimming.

Directions

From I-64, take Exit 63 (IN-145 S) and drive approximately 12 miles south. Turn west on IN-164 and follow signs to Patoka Lake. The main entrance is off N. Dillard Road near Birdseye, IN.