Patoka lake state park
Welcome to the heart of Southern Indiana’s wilderness! Stretching across Dubois, Orange, and Crawford counties, Patoka Lake State Park is a massive outdoor playground offering nearly 26,000 acres of land and water for endless recreation. Whether you are casting a line into the 8,800-acre lake, hiking rugged trails to ancient rock formations, or simply relaxing at one of our nearby luxury cabin rentals, Patoka Lake is the premier destination for your next nature retreat.
Top Things to Do at Patoka Lake State Park
Boating, Swimming & Water Sports
With its crystal clear waters, Patoka Lake is a boater’s paradise. The park features 10 different boat launch ramps, giving you easy access to the water whether you are bringing a kayak, a pontoon, or renting a houseboat. During the summer, families flock to the dedicated swimming beach to cool off and enjoy a picnic on the sandy shoreline
World-Class Fishing & Hunting
Fishing is a highly popular year-round sport here, including ice fishing in the winter. The lake teems with a wide variety of fish, including bass, crappie, bluegill, redear, and catfish. It is even home to the well-known annual GarDaze fishing tournament. For hunters, the park offers designated hunting areas during the proper seasons.
Explore the Hiking & Biking Trails
Leave the car behind and explore nature’s hidden gems. The park offers several fantastic trails for all skill levels
- Main Trail (6.5 miles): A rugged, three-to-four-hour loop that takes hikers past Totem Rock, a massive rock shelter that was utilized by Native Americans up to 10,000 years ago.
- Wildlife Management Demonstration Trail (2 miles): A moderate loop illustrating wildlife habitat requirements and management techniques, such as controlled burning and protective cover planting.
- Garden Rock Loop Trail: A shorter, hilly, 30-to-45-minute hike featuring beautiful ferns, pines, and rock overhangs
- Paved Bike Trails & Fitness Trail: Enjoy a peaceful bike ride away from traffic, or jog the fitness trail which features multiple exercise stations.
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Visit the Patoka Lake Nature Center
The Nature Center is completely free to visit and serves as the primary gateway to the park’s hiking trail system. It houses educational exhibits on local geology, flora, and history. It is also one of the few Indiana state properties to house non-releasable ambassador raptors, giving you a chance to see a majestic Bald Eagle up close.
Archery & Disc Golf
Sharpen your skills at the park’s first-class archery range, or challenge your friends and family to the 18-hole wooded disc golf course.
Wildlife Viewing
Patoka Lake has won awards for its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) successfully reintroduced river otters and osprey to the area. You can easily spot these beautiful creatures, along with bald eagles nesting near the shores of the lake. The vast ecology of the lake also provides a unique habitat for freshwater jellyfish.
Park Location & Important Information
Patoka Lake State Park is centrally located in Birdseye, Indiana, just south of the historic resort towns of French Lick and West Baden, and east of Jasper.
Main Entrance Address: The main Newton-Stewart State Recreation Area entrance is located at 3084 N. Dillard Rd. Birdseye, IN 47513
Fees: Standard Indiana DNR gate fees apply upon entry.
Where to Stay Near Patoka Lake
If you are planning an extended trip to explore the park, skip the standard highway hotels and experience the wilderness in total comfort. We offer a wide range of premium cabin rentals located just minutes from the Newton-Stewart main gate entrance!
Unwind after a long day of hiking with a soothing soak in your private hot tub.
Perfect for family reunions or group fishing trips, offering expansive layouts, multiple kitchens, and private fire rings.
Experience Indiana’s first floating cabins, docked right on the water at the local marina for immediate lake access.