Brown County State Park Pool
4.5(13)google
4.5(109)yelp
SwimmingFamilyKidsSummer RetreatOutdoor
Overview
Brown County State Park is located in the United States in the center of the southern half of the state of Indiana. The park is by far the largest of 24 state parks in Indiana, and occupies 15,776 acres (63.84 km2)—making it one of the larger state parks in the United States. It is among Indiana's most visited state parks with about 1.2 million visitors annually.
Practical Info
Mon12:00 7:00 PM
Tue12:00 – 7:00 PM
Wed12:00 – 7:00 PM
Thu12:00 – 7:00 PM
Fri12:00 – 7:00 PM
Sat12:00 – 6:45 PM
Sun12:00 – 6:45 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeThe peak summer season from June through August (the pool closes for the season after Labor Day). To escape the scorching midday UV rays and heavy family day-pass crowds, visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon between 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM when the water is perfectly warmed and surrounding forest trees offer natural shade.
Getting ThereLocated deep inside the recreation corridor of Brown County State Park. Drivers must first enter via the North or West Gatehouses (paying the per-vehicle state park admission fee), then follow the internal main parkway following prominent signs for the Olympic Pool complex. The facility operates its own massive, free striped asphalt parking lot.
Travel Tips
- The Olympic-size public pool operates strictly seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Entry is excluded from the state park vehicle pass; a separate cash/card fee is collected at the pool gate.
- The facility enforces a rigid maximum bather capacity cap. Midday on hot summer weekends triggers an absolute one-in, one-out gate freeze; arrive exactly at opening to avoid hour-long boiling queues.
- Glass bottles, aluminum cans, and outside catered hot food are completely banned on the pool deck. Bags face mandatory structural screening at the gate; only clear plastic water bottles pass.
Reviews
Positive
- In the hot summer, this public pool located inside the state park is an excellent spot to cool off, and the water is kept clear.
- Staffed with professional lifeguards on duty, the safety measures are well-handled, making parents feel safe bringing kids.
- There are spacious lawn areas and decks around the pool to lay towels for sunbathing or picnicking in the shade; very family-friendly.
- The on-site changing rooms and showering facilities are fully provided, and the entry fee is reasonably priced and a good value.
Heads up
- Mid-summer weekends are packed to the brim; the pool gets so crowded with people that it's hard to actually swim laps.
- The changing room floors are constantly soaked due to heavy foot traffic, occasionally making it feel less sanitary with a damp smell.
- On top of the pool admission, you must first pay the state park vehicle gate fee, making the total combined expense a bit pricey.
- Operations are highly seasonal and weather-dependent; hours frequently shift due to storms or staffing shortages, making it unpredictable.