Patoka Lake

Star4.65
311 reviews
3084 N Dillard Rd, BIRDSEYE, Indiana, 47513, United States
FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

781 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

500 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Indiana Department of Natural Resources site

Official Website
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Patoka Lake
$7.00 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$7 state park entry fee. Additional fees apply for Indiana launch permits required for canoes and kayaks.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 311 reviews

294 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousstafffriendly

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, diverse recreational activities, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, some criticisms include crowded conditions, limited cell service, and occasional management issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

3084 N Dillard Rd, BIRDSEYE, Indiana, 47513, United States

Patoka Lake

3084 N Dillard Rd, BIRDSEYE, Indiana, 47513, United States

Driving directionsFROM THE NORTH: STATE ROAD 37 SOUTH TO PAOLI, FROM PAOLI TAKE STATE ROAD 150/56 WEST TO WEST BADEN SPRINGS AND FRENCH LICK, FROM FRENCH LICK GO SOUTH ON STATE ROAD 145 TO STATE ROAD 164. WEST ON STATE ROAD 164 ONE MILE TO DILLARD ROAD AND TURN NORTH. FROM THE SOUTH, EAST AND WEST USE INTERSTATE 64, GO TO EXIT 79, TAKE STATE ROAD 37 NORTH TO STATE ROAD 64 TO STATE ROAD 145, THEN TO STATE ROAD 164.
Easily accessible via major highways including Interstate 64 and State Roads 37, 64, and 164. Official sources provide clear directions but no details on seasonal closures or road types.
Nearby places
Evansville, IN: 70 miles NE. Louisville, KY: 60 miles NW.
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies, fuel, groceries, and snacks are available within the facility or less than 1 mile away. Additional supply options are located within 10 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Patoka Lake

Experience Patoka Lake's ever-changing personality throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, refreshing air and peaceful solitude, perfect for quiet contemplation. As spring awakens, gentle rains nourish the landscape while occasional storms add drama to the sky. Summer transforms the park into a warm, humid haven ideal for water activities and lazy afternoons. Fall paints the surrounding forests in brilliant colors, with comfortable temperatures inviting extended exploration. Each season offers its own magic, ensuring no two visits are quite the same.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in IN

Peak season for boating, fishing and swimming; very popular though can be crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers beautiful foliage and a quieter experience than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring awakens the park and wildlife; description mentions seasonal renewal but few specifics.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter provides peaceful solitude but few specified activities; limited review detail.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: null
  • Current Alerts: null

About Patoka Lake

Welcome to Patoka Lake State Park, where adventure meets tranquility across an impressive 500-site campground. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring winding hiking trails, or splashing in the reservoir's refreshing waters, this outdoor paradise offers something for every nature enthusiast. Cruise the lake by boat, spot magnificent wildlife, or cycle along smooth paved paths connecting you to endless discoveries. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with natural beauty, featuring well-maintained restrooms, hot showers, convenient picnic shelters, and a full-service marina to enhance your stay.
Patoka Lake supports multiple camping styles, including primitive camping, RV sites, and group camping. It also has cabins available for rent.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

This campground offers diverse recreational opportunities, from water-based activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking to land-based pursuits such as hiking, biking, and disc golf. Cultural and nature programs also enhance the visitor experience.
HikingHiking options include a variety of trails ranging from easy to difficult. Notable mentions include trails with scenic views of the forest and lake. Lora Vogel highlighted 'hiking and exploring' as some of the top activities.
FishingFishing is a major draw at Patoka Lake, with designated areas and a fish cleaning station available. Benjamin Harris praised the opportunities, mentioning it’s great for catching fish and mushroom hunting.
SwimmingSwimming is available in the lake and at a beach area, described as clean and family-friendly.
BikingBiking trails are noted to traverse the park, offering a good experience for riders. Rob Hollis specifically mentioned 'lots of trails to ride bikes on,' and Deborah Leipprandt noted trails that cross over roads, adding variety.
BoatingBoating is a standout activity at the lake. Options include kayaking, canoeing, and motorized boating. Susan Harrison mentioned renting a boat at the marina as a highlight of her visit.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with species like deer, herons, vultures, and turtles frequently spotted as per Bob Atkin’s review. Kyle Miller also noted that deer came close to campsites.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include ticks, spiders, skunks, and raccoons as noted in user reviews. Some sites are dark with poor signage, and proximity to nature may bring insects and wildlife.
Active Alertsnull

Weather at Patoka Lake

Reviews

4.7
311 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Patoka Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, diverse recreational activities, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, some criticisms include crowded conditions, limited cell service, and occasional management issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 311 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, well-maintained sites, varied recreational options, and friendly staff. Tina Bethe praised the ‘spacious campsites,’ and Deborah Leipprandt appreciated the family-friendly...
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Based on 311 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of water and sewer hookups, limited cell service, crowding during peak times, and poor signage in some areas.
Based on 311 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a cell booster for better reception. Fill up on water beforehand as there are no individual site hookups. Consider visiting during weekdays for less crowding.
Based on 311 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. Fall offers beautiful foliage and a quieter atmosphere, but the water is colder. Winter activities were not mentioned.
Based on 311 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The bathroom/shower house is cleaned every day' – Tina Bethe. 'A nice State park to camp in. Clean showers and bathrooms.' – Rob Hollis.
Based on 311 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 260 and 251 were praised as great spots, while sites 255 and 256 were criticized for overgrown brush.
Based on 311 reviews

Accessibility Features

Handicapped-accessible sites received positive mentions, with added amenities like concrete patios and proximity to clean restrooms.
Based on 311 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some issues with unchained dogs were noted by Theresa Shadow. Skunks were also mentioned as a concern for pet owners.
Based on 311 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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