How much does camping cost at Deam Lake State Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Deam Lake State Recreation Area range from $7-$9/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Deam Lake State Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Deam Lake State Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Deam Lake State Recreation Area?

Deam Lake State Recreation Area is open May to September is considered peak season.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Deam Lake State Recreation Area?

Yes, Deam Lake State Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Deam Lake State Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Deam Lake State Recreation Area: Campfires permitted in designated rings. Firewood is available for purchase on-site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Deam Lake State Recreation Area?

Cell phone service at Deam Lake State Recreation Area is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Deam Lake State Recreation Area have?

Deam Lake State Recreation Area has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Deam Lake State Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Deam Lake State Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Deam Lake State Recreation Area?

Deam Lake State Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Deam Lake State Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Deam Lake State Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Deam Lake State Recreation Area

4.26

123 reviews

1217 DEAM LAKE ROAD, BORDEN, Indiana, 47106, United States

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

597 ft

Price

$7 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Beach area opens Mem...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Indiana State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

597 ft

Price

$7 - $9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Beach area opens Mem...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Indiana State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Deam Lake State Recreation Area

$7.00 - $9.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Entrance fees are $7 per car for in-state visitors and $9 per car for out-of-state visitors.

Standard Site Fee$23.00

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Provider

8122465421

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Campground Map

1217 DEAM LAKE ROAD, BORDEN, Indiana, 47106, United States

Deam Lake State Recreation Area

1217 DEAM LAKE ROAD, BORDEN, Indiana, 47106, United States

Nearby places

Horseshoe Casino - 26 Miles

Louisville Fairgrounds - 24 Miles.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials are within 10 miles.

Weather at Deam Lake State Recreation Area

Current alert: Some reviews mention closures of facilities such as restrooms.

Best Time to Camp at Deam Lake State Recreation Area

Summer brings the lake to life. Highs typically settle in the mid-70s to mid-80s F, occasionally pushing into the 90s, with evenings cooling to the 50s and 60s. Humidity runs high, but the beach, boat ramps, and full amenity access make this the peak season. Holiday weekends and summer Saturdays draw crowds, so reserve early if you want an RV site with hookups. Verizon service hovers around one bar or drops out entirely, so plan accordingly.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Beach open Memorial–Labor Day; summer is peak season with bathing, boating and rentals.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May to September is considered peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Beach area opens Memorial Day and closes Labor Day; other facilities may operate seasonally.

About Deam Lake State Recreation Area

Deam Lake State Recreation Area sits in southern Indiana near Borden, offering 50 campsites plus cabin rentals around a man-made lake at 597 feet elevation. The park accommodates tent campers, RVs (up to 73 feet at some sites), and primitive camping, with fees ranging from $7 to $9 per night. The lake anchors most activities, though reviewers consistently mention maintenance issues, particularly with restroom cleanliness.

Deam Lake Recreation Area caters to a variety of camping preferences, including RV, tent, cabin, and equestrian camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the lake to life. Highs typically settle in the mid-70s to mid-80s F, occasionally pushing into the 90s, with evenings cooling to the 50s and 60s. Humidity runs high, but the beach, boat ramps, and full amenity access make this the peak season. Holiday weekends and summer Saturdays draw crowds, so reserve early if you want an RV site with hookups. Verizon service hovers around one bar or drops out entirely, so plan accordingly.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain creates natural vantage points throughout the recreation area, offering varied perspectives of the surrounding landscape. Each campsite and trail provides its own unique relationship with the land's subtle topography.

Natural Features and Scenery1,300 acres of forest with a 104-194 acre lake, swim beach, and surrounding wooded landscape in Clark County, Indiana.[2][3][4]

Geological RegionSet within the distinctive SPR geological region, Deam Lake showcases nature's artistry through its varied formations and forested ridges. The man-made lake harmoniously complements the area's natural contours, creating a seamless blend of human design and geological heritage. This unique setting provides campers with both the recreational benefits of the lake and the authentic experience of camping within Indiana's remarkable geological landscape.

Scenic ViewsLakefront views are available, though no specific campsite is noted for premium vistas.

Lodging & AccommodationsCabins are available for rent, including specialized horse cabins with features like a porch swing, rocking chair, and fire pit. Cabins include basic bed frames (queen and twin bunk beds), but visitors must bring their own mattresses. Reviews describe them as 'nice and cute' and offering good value for families.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Forest Education Center offers interpretive programs, nature study, and history-focused activities.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM (Monday-Saturday)
5:00 PM on Sundays and holidays.

Check-out

3:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is determined by the park manager subject to discretion.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of six people per site with one main camping unit, one additional tent, and one dining fly.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground divides into loops D and F for standard camping, plus separate areas for horse camping and cabins. Maximum equipment lengths vary from 29 to 73 feet depending on the site. Terrain is uneven at some spots, and reviewers note that site leveling can be a problem.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through the park's official site.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve availability patterns are not mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules are subject to the property manager's discretion.

AccessibilityThe beach area offers wheelchair accessibility. However, specific details about accessibility features for campsites and restrooms are not provided.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with maximum equipment lengths ranging from 29 to 73 feet.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across sites. Some reviewers noted that sites are spacious, while others mentioned that sites are too close together or lack privacy.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites in loops D and F for more level terrain based on user feedback.

Best CampsitesNo specific site recommendations found in available sources; regular campground has 116 electric sites, horse campground has 68 sites with stalls.[2][3]

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Amenities available

Deam Lake State Recreation Area is a camping destination offering a wide range of amenities. The campground includes modern restrooms, a shower house, a dump station, and potable water stations, although water is not available directly at the campsites. Multiple recreational facilities such as a beach area, fishing piers, hiking and equestrian trails, and picnic areas are available. Visitors also have access to a camp store, firewood for purchase, and boat rentals. A highlight is the Forest Education Center, which provides interpretive programming. Several reviews highlight the cleanliness and upkeep of the amenities, though there are reports of unclean showers and restrooms at times.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Deam Lake offers diverse recreational activities, from water-based activities like fishing, boating, and swimming to land-based options such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Cultural programs are also available at the Forest Education Center.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReviews highlight unlevel sites and sharp objects in the beach area. Wildlife interactions and trails with downed trees may pose challenges.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted in designated rings. Firewood is available for purchase on-site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located within 10 miles.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are provided for disposal, including specific dumpsters for stall site manure. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to a man-made lake with a beach area.

Camp HostCampground hosts are mentioned as helpful in reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

123 reviews

Satisfactory

Deam Lake State Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Deam Lake Recreation Area are mixed but lean positive. The park is praised for its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and friendly staff. Criticisms often focus on maintenance issues, particularly with restroom cleanliness.

Review Summaries

Based on 123 reviews

What Campers Love

Well-organized campground, clean maintained bathrooms, family-friendly with lake, beach, trails; great for stargazing and outdoor activities.[3][6]

Based on 123 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unclean restrooms, uneven campsites, and inadequately enforced rules such as quiet hours and speed limits.

Based on 123 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback is sparse, but one user noted that site A11 was 'too steep of inclined to level MH.' Other users mentioned less crowded and more level sites in the horse camp area.

Based on 123 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Must be 18+ to rent, max 6 people, 1 main unit +1 tent; bring air/foam pads for rent-a-camp cabins; check shower/restroom closures; vacate 48 hours after 14-night stay.[1][3][5]

Based on 123 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer appears to be the most popular season, with many reviews highlighting beach activities. Fall reviews emphasize hiking and the park's beauty. Winter reviews note limited water availability and...

Based on 123 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Fishing here was great. We had the best luck early morning.' 2. 'The cabins are so nice and cute! The whole campground is well kept.' 3. 'Restrooms/showers at the lake could use a good cleaning...

Based on 123 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are limited. One user highlighted wheelchair accessibility to the beach.

Based on 123 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome at Deam Lake, but they must be on a leash no longer than six feet. One user expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement of pet-related rules.

Based on 123 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families who want a swim beach, kayak rentals, and early-morning bass fishing without paying resort prices will get their money's worth. The Knobstone Trail access and Forest Education Center give non-swimmers plenty to do, and summer scores a solid 4/5.

Skip if

Restroom closures hit without warning, Comfort Station #2 being a repeat offender, and multiple reviewers flagged tension with other campers over quiet hours and speed limits. If a smooth, low-drama site matters, the odds here aren't great.

Nearby Campgrounds

PO Box 119, Henryville, Indiana, 47126, United States

Clark State Forest, Indiana's first state forest established in 1903, sits on 24,000 acres of rugged hill country along the Knobstone Escarpment near Henryville. The forest offers 38 campsites ranging from primitive tent sites to group camps and cabins, with fees from $10 to $40 per night. Seven lakes, over 40 miles of trails, and a historic fire tower draw hikers, anglers, and horseback riders to this working forest, though some facilities remain incomplete.