Northwest of Cincinnati, on the Whitewater River's east fork, Brookville Lake is a reservoir created from the construction of the Brookville Dam by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The lake runs north-south for about 20 miles and is only 1.5 miles across at its widest point. The reservoir was created for flood control, but also offers vacationers a playground of over 5,000 acres of water.
Swimming is popular in the summer at Brookville Lake at one of the two designated beaches. Fishing for walleye and other fish from the shores, boats, docks, or in the current also keeps visitors busy. Additionally, this family-friendly lake provides acres of surrounding forest to explore on foot while looking out for birds and other wildlife. Most of the recreation areas are managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, except for the Brookville Dam and the Overlook and Tailwater Recreation Areas.
There are no COE campgrounds at Brookville Lake, but the centrally-located Mounds State Recreation Area offers an excellent camping experience with all the frills. If you want to explore further afield, you can leave the comfort of this well-appointed campground and lake and head into Ohio. The Miami Whitewater Forest is just over the border, as is Hueston Woods State Park.
Brookville Lake is found about an hour and a half southeast of Indianapolis. The roads on this route are large enough to navigate in an RV or towing a trailer. They are generally well maintained with less traffic as you leave the major city. On this journey, you will pass directly by the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site. If possible, take the time to visit the museum and mill.
If you're coming from Cincinnati, the drive northwest should take under an hour. The roads are suitable for larger rigs with no tight turns or narrow passages. On your trip, which is more scenic than the one from Indianapolis, you'll cross Mill Creek, the Great Miami River, and follow portions of the Whitewater River. Highway 74 also travels past a section of the beautiful Miami Whitewater Forest - an excellent spot to stop and stretch your legs.
If you are venturing to Brookville Lake during the winter, be prepared to encounter bad weather like snow and ice. Carry chains or winter tires, and don't be surprised if the drive times increase significantly.
The campgrounds and recreation areas have designated parking lots for visitors. Large spaces are available.
Although there are no COE campgrounds at Brookville Lake, Mounds State Recreation Area offers state of the art camping facilities. The campsites have the option for either full hookups or electric-only hookups and can accommodate rigs up to 78 feet in length.
The campground sits on the shores of Brookville Lake and boaters can gain access using the Templeton Creek boat ramp. Anglers can use the fish cleaning station to prepare dinner. Cook today's catch using your fire pit and enjoy a relaxing meal at your site's picnic table.
An abundance of activities will keep you busy while staying here. Aside from the water activities, there are horseshoe pits, a kids fishing pool, and a playground. In the evening pick up a few supplies at the on-site camp store or take in a ranger program or show at the amphitheater.
There are water fill stations and two dump stations along with water fountains scattered throughout the grounds. Accessible restrooms and showers round out the amenities at Mounds State Recreation Area.
Visitors have the option of visiting one of two beaches at Brookville Lake suitable for swimming. Up to 5,000 people head to Mounds Beach on a sunny summer weekend, making it the most popular. It's found within the Mounds State Recreation Area, near the campground, and is approximately 0.5 miles long. The other beach is part of the Quakertown State Recreation Area, found on the west side of the lake.
Always swim in designated areas at Brookville Lake. Avoid the boat ramps, docks, and anywhere else with signs prohibiting the activity. Swimming is unsupervised, even at the designated beaches, so use caution.
This COE lake provides over 5,000 acres of surface water for boating. A total of ten boat ramps encourage you to get on the water. Do some fishing, water skiing, or exploring on whatever craft you choose. There are no horsepower or size restrictions at Brookville Lake, although there are "idle-free" zones, and the north end of the lake is a "no wake" zone.
Four privately-run marinas exist on the lake for your convenience. Get everything from dock rentals to supplies to boat rentals. If you forgot your boat or gear at home, the services at the marina have got you covered.
Whether you prefer a picnic on the beach, grass, or at a table, you'll find the location at Brookville Lake. While both beaches get crowded, early risers can carve out a spot for themselves in the sand large enough for a picnic. The shores of the lake also have grassy areas that can be quite comfortable.
The recreation areas have picnic tables, and big groups can reserve picnic shelters if needed. The two Tailwater Shelters can house up to 125 people and have electric hookups, grills, tables, and a barbecue. The Overlook Shelter has the same amenities, but is slightly larger, accommodating up to 145 people. All shelters can be reserved online in advance.
The most common catch at Brookville Lake is walleye, especially during the peak season of May and June. The population of walleye here is special because Brookville Lake is the collection site for Indiana's entire Walleye Stocking Program managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. In fact, everything you need to know before you go fishing at Brookville Lake is provided by the IDNR.
Other species of fish that call this lake home include both rainbow and brown trout, crappie, bass, and catfish.
It's no surprise that the 11,000 acres that surround the lake provide an extensive hiking trail system with something for everyone. It's possible to combine trail loops to form a trail 24 miles long called the Adena Trace Trail.
In total, there are 11 hiking trails around the lake. Most of the trails are rated moderate. One easy trail is available for more leisurely hikers called the Wildlife Wander Trail. This short, self-guided trail runs through the woods for 0.7 miles. For those with more experience, there is also one trail deemed rugged called the Wolf Creek Trail. It spans 16.5 miles on the west side of the lake, taking you over hills and past ravines.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources manages an Important Bird Area around Brookville Lake and neighboring Whitewater Lake State Park. Nesting endangered raptors like the bald eagle and osprey call this area home for part of the year. In the summer, along the Adena Trace Trail, look for wood thrush and both the Kentucky and cerulean warblers.
While out exploring, watch out for white-tailed deer, squirrels, and raccoons. Have your camera and binoculars ready at all times.
