Patoka Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
If you've got an outdoor adventure on your mind, you won't want to miss out on a trip to Indiana's Patoka Lake. It's an amazing place for a relaxing RV stay.
Patoka Lake is found in Birdseye, Indiana. This crystal clear body of water consists of 8,800 acres. A man-made lake, Patoka Lake was formed when a portion of the Patoka River was dammed to provide a potable water supply to the surrounding towns and to act as a form of flood control. Following the building of the Patoka Lake Dam, many different public recreational areas were established along the shoreline, offering visitors 16,920 acres of grounds to explore.
Patoka Lake stretches across three prominent Indiana counties: Dubois, Orange, and Crawford which all lie in the southern portion of the state. The property is well-renowned as a natural habitat for many different species of animals including bald eagles, river otters, and osprey. The waters are stocked full of fish, making this spot a popular haven for those who enjoy angling. Among the types of fish found in Patoka Lake are bass, bluegill, walleye, crappie, catfish, and redear. Patoka Lake is home to a popular fishing tournament known as GarDaze which occurs annually and attracts people from across the country including celebrity fishermen.
A site which attracts a lot of visitors to its shores each year, Patoka Lake has a booming tourist economy which has bolstered the employment rate, providing jobs for 197 people living within the region. Part of the area's appeal is its abundance of recreational opportunities which include camping, swimming, water sports, cross country skiing, fishing, hunting, hiking, stargazing, and other local attractions. In the nearby towns, visitors can enjoy a visit to the local wineries, explore local caves, or take a trail ride through a lengthy tunnel for a leisurely visit to beautiful Hoosier National Forest.
For an RV adventure that will leave you wishing you never had to leave, plan your next RV stay at Patoka Lake. You'll have an amazing time.
RV Rentals in Patoka Lake
Transportation
Driving
Traveling to Patoka Lake couldn't be simpler. Though in a remote location, the lake is easily accessed from a number of major highway routes, and the smaller country roads are also well-maintained and kept free from debris and snow year-round. Most of the stretches of road consist of only two lanes, and traffic consistently moves well regardless of the season.
Road construction is seen on occasion. Due to the plethora of wildlife that makes Patoka Lake its home, do be on the lookout for any animals that may wander into the road.
Parking
With many different nature preserves and public state parks to choose from at Patoka Lake, there are many parking lots where you can safely leave your vehicle. Many of these areas also host camping facilities that are well-suited to RV's.
Public Transportation
At this time, there is no public transportation to Patoka Lake since the nearest towns are a significant distance away. Private vehicle is the recommended means to access this recreational haven.
Campgrounds and parking in Patoka Lake
Campsites in Patoka Lake
Reservations camping
Patoka Lake State Park Campground
Patoka Lake State Park Campground offers 448 campsites for RV and tent campers to enjoy. There are also several cabins available for rent. Reservations are required for RV and tent camping as well as to secure a cabin for an overnight stay.
Electric hookups are available at many sites, and there is also a waste disposal station. Generator use is permitted, and dogs may join their owners at their campsites so long as they remain leashed.
Among the most popular activities families can enjoy on the grounds of this camping facility include swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, and fishing.
There are many on-site amenities, including bathrooms, showers, a concession stand, picnic areas, and much more.
Backcountry camping is also available here.
Seasonal activities in Patoka Lake
In-Season
Swimming
With 8,860 acres of crystal clear waters to choose from, Patoka Lake is a popular spot for families looking to enjoy a refreshing dip after a day of fun in the sun. Swimming is unsupervised at this public recreational area, so do take care to only take the plunge when the weather conditions are favorable, and the waters are not too rough.
The sandy shoreline offers the perfect locale for leisurely strolls in search of seaside treasures or simply working on your suntan. Bring the dog along with you if you like, but in accordance with local by-laws, he must remain leashed.
Any visit to the beach means it is a good idea to bring along some sunscreen. Pack a picnic basket full of drinking water and some snacks to enjoy, and you've got a recipe for success!
Visiting caves
One of the biggest attractions located near to Patoka Lake is the opportunity to visit caves. Open on a year-round basis for families to explore, Marengo Cave is a local national historic site that is sure to delight. The cave was discovered by two teenagers who on September 6th, 1883, set out in search of a sinkhole based on whispered rumors at their school. Blanche Hiestad and her brother Orris were the first to climb inside this important landmark and very nearly didn't make it out alive due to the thick mud lining the hole, making it difficult to gain a foothold.
Today, the operators of Marengo Cave offer regular tours of the grounds as well as other recreational opportunities for families to enjoy. Wear appropriate shoes for hiking conditions, taking care that the footwear you select is up the task of climbing extremely varied terrain.
Canoeing
If you love getting out on the water in your boat, a trip to Patoka Lake will not disappoint. You can paddle out directly from the shores of the lake or use one of the boat launches at any of the state parks which border this body of water.
Dying to hit the waves, but don't own a boat of your own? The nearby Blue River is home to several different concession stands where you can rent a canoe or kayak for the day.
The Blue River is well-known for its excellent canoeing and is an extremely picturesque property, so you will want to be sure you have your camera along on this adventure.
Off-Season
Hiking Hemlock Cliffs
For families who love to hike new and interesting trails, you won't want to miss out on the chance to traverse Hemlock Cliffs in the Hoosier National Forest. Open year-round for families to enjoy, this trail is only very lightly trafficked, making it an excellent place to get away and enjoy your private slice of paradise amid one Indiana's most beloved wooded areas.
Among the topological treasures you will find here are impressive rock formations, incredible waterfalls, and a large expanse of beautiful plant life. The property bears historical significance and has been excavated in search of artifacts from the Native Americans who inhabited the region up to 10,000 years ago.
The terrain is challenging, so wear your best hiking shoes and tote both food and water with you.
O'Bannon Woods State Park
Looking for an area hotspot to explore? O'Bannon Woods State Park might be just what you are looking for.
A property formerly known as Wyandotte Woods State Recreation Area, you will find this beautiful outdoor wonderland nestled along the banks of the Ohio River. It is located within the Harrison Crawford State Forest, a wooded region with over 26,000 acres to its credit.
Among the most prominent features at this recreational area and camping facility is a restored haypress barn which is still operational today, and a pioneer farm.
The Blue River runs through the premises, providing visitors with an excellent opportunity to enjoy some canoeing, fishing, or other water sports in season.
Fishing
Fishing is an extremely popular sport at Patoka Lake whether it is in the midst of the summer or the dead of winter. A man-made body of water, Patoka Lake teems with a wide variety of fish species. Some of the most popular fish caught within these waters include redear, crappie, catfish, bass, and bluegill.
The property is home to the well-known GarDaze fishing tournament. Held once each year, the event attracts fishermen of great prominence from across the country.
