Patoka Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Patoka Lake State Park is a massive recreational park that contains just over 26,000 acres of land and water in Indiana. More specifically, it's located in Birdseye, south of historic French Lick and east of Jasper. Throughout the year, the state park hosts seasonal events that are open to guests at the renovated Moery Cabin. There are also opportunities to learn about Dutch oven cooking and other traditional practices that were essential in the development of the region’s culture. Some amenities you can enjoy at Patoka Lake State Park include an archery range, several hiking trails, cross-country skiing, and a disc golf course. Three cities near the state park you can conveniently travel to are Eckerty, Saint Meinrad and Ferdinand.
Spring 33-75 F
Summer 61-86 F
Fall 34-80 F
Winter 20-44 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Patoka Lake State Park
Before booking your trip to Patoka Lake State Park, be sure to consider renting a quality RV. These vehicles offer a variety of useful features that can take your trip to the next level and make it one you will never forget. To get started, take a visit to RVshare to see which rigs would best fit your needs as you plan your journey to the park.
Painter Creek RV Park
Painter Creek RV Park is a fantastic campground that offers exciting recreational activities without diminishing its relaxing atmosphere. It's centrally located in French Lick, providing quick and easy access from Patoka Lake State Park. All of the sites here come equipped with full hookups, and they're available in 30- and 50-amp form. Nearby attractions you can pursue during a stay at this RV park include gaming, golfing, boating and dining.
Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort
Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort is an extremely popular RV park you can stay in near Patoka Lake State Park. The campground has been called the best RV park in Indiana by Readers Digest and twice been named the winner of the National RV Park of the Year award. Amenities to look forward to include grills, concrete pads and fire pits. The kids can stay preoccupied with activities like basketball, gaming, mini-golf and more.
What to Do at
Patoka Lake State Park
Inside Patoka Lake State Park
One of the most popular attractions at Patoka Lake State Park is the enormous Patoka Lake, which has a total area of about 8,800 acres. Visitors can go to the lake to bask alongside the natural scenery and spot wildlife such as jellyfish, river otters, osprey and bald eagles. Waterfront activities you can partake in include water skiing, jet skiing, boating, fishing and more. When it comes to things to do on land, the state park offers a variety of hiking trails that run throughout the premises and offer memorable experiences. The Wildlife Management Demonstration Trail, for example, begins at the Nature Center and shows guests the intricacies that come with the region’s unique ecosystem.
How to Get to
Patoka Lake State Park
The two most common cities to drive from when heading to Patoka Lake State Park are Indianapolis and Cincinnati.
On the route from Indianapolis, you should start by taking S West St and Bluff Rd to IN-37 S in Perry Township. Then, follow IN-37 S, I-69 and IN-37 to County Rd 350 W/Liberty Baptist Church Rd in Marion Township. Continue on Liberty Baptist Church Rd, and then take N Co Rd 450 W, N Co Rd 475 W, N Co Rd 500 W, N Co Rd 600 W and Orangeville Rd to US-150 W in French Lick Township. You'll arrive once you take IN-145 S to N Newton Stewart Rd in Patoka Township.
Coming from Cincinnati, start by getting on I-71 S/I-75 S in Covington from E 6th St and US-127 S/US-42 S/Clay Wade Bailey Bridge. Next, continue on I-71, take I-64 W to IN-37 N in Oil Township and take exit 79 from I-64 W. After continuing along IN-37 N, take IN-145 N to Elon Rd in Patoka Township.
Entering Patoka Lake State Park
Check with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for adjusted operating hours for Patoka Lake and other parks.
Patoka Lake State Park Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $9.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Patoka Lake State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patoka Lake State Park
Patoka Lake State Park is a favorite year-round destination for visitors who enjoy water activities, hiking, biking, and bird watching. Kids will enjoy spending time exploring the nature center.
The park is home to a non-releasable bald eagle. Visitors will see jellyfish, osprey, otters, and nesting bald eagles near the pond; other park wildlife includes bears, turkeys, deer, squirrels, and rabbits.
Patoka Lake State Park has 445 electric hookup sites to be shared among all campers. Campground amenities include a dump station, restrooms, showers, picnic areas, a concession stand, and more.
Campers are required to make camping reservations before visiting the park. The reservation fee is $5. Reservations can be made online or by phone, and campers can reserve sites up to six months in advance.
Patoka Lake State Park welcomes pets. Dogs are welcome in the campgrounds but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pet owners must pick up after their pets.