Deam Lake State Recreation Area
4.5(2.0K)google
3.8(9)yelp
LakeCampingFishingHikingOutdoor
Overview
Deam Lake State Recreation Area is an Indiana State Recreation Area in Clark County, Indiana in the United States. The park is 1,300 acres (530 ha) and sits at an elevation of 535 feet (163 m). Deam Lake State Recreation area is open for year-round recreation, however the campground closes each year from the Sunday before Thanksgiving to March 1 of the following year.
Practical Info
Every day8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeMay through September for lake recreation and swimming, or October for autumn equestrian trail riding. Plan to pass the gatehouse on a sunny morning between 9:00 AM and noon to secure the finest sandy beachfront picnic tables before midday rush. The morning sun cutting over the calm, 194-acre Deam Lake presents pristine water-sport conditions.
Getting TherePositioned in southern Indiana at 1217 Deam Lake Rd, Borden. Driving is the exclusive transit method; speed south from central Indiana on I-65 S for roughly 100 miles, take Exit 16 for State Road 60 West, and drive west for 8 miles straight to the property boundary. The state recreation area features massive, free gravel and paved surface parking lots.
Travel Tips
- The sandy beach zone has zero lifeguard supervision; swim at your own risk. The lake floor drops unexpectedly with undercurrents; children must be kept within arm's reach inside the orange buoys.
- Designated horse trails are strictly separated from pedestrian paths. Hikers must never wander onto equestrian trails to prevent stepping into deep manure or spooking horses, causing dangerous trampling.
- Lakeside watercraft rentals close and lock windows at 5:00 PM sharp; late returns face punitive minute-by-minute overage fines. Under sudden heavy head-winds, hug the western timber bank to return safely.
Reviews
Positive
- The sandy beach at Deam Lake is wonderful for kids to play and swim, offering expansive lake views and pleasant scenery.
- It features dedicated horse trails and equestrian camping facilities, making it a rare gem in Indiana for horseback riders.
- Picnic areas are well-equipped with plenty of grills and trash cans, the park is kept clean, and the weekend family atmosphere is great.
- Access is highly convenient with smooth roads for driving from nearby cities, and the main parking lot is massive and stress-free.
Heads up
- The beach area is sometimes cluttered with goose droppings; if not cleaned promptly, walking barefoot can be quite unpleasant.
- The public changing houses and restroom facilities are dated, sometimes with broken showerheads, and long lines during peak hours.
- The snack bar inside has inconsistent hours, and add-on costs for rentals are on the higher side; it's best to bring your own supplies.
- During hot and rainy summer days, the water occasionally gets blue-green algae warnings that restrict swimming, ruining beach plans.