The best camping near Patoka Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Patoka Lake adventure.

100% (1 reviews)

Discover plenty to do on the water at Indiana's second-largest lake.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Patoka Lake

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Patoka Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Patoka Lake

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Happy Hollow Homestead

24 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Marengo, IN

We now have 3 buildings for rent. The Cozy Camping Cottage, the Camping Cabin and the newest addition is our A-frame which is the most secluded spot on the land. - Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana to visit for 6 years. - Listed on Rachael Ray Magazine's "8 of America's Coolest Campgrounds" We offer a "Camping Cabin", The "Cozy Camping Cottage" or tent camping in Black Walnut Grove, in an open field, in the woods, or a shady grove. We like to interact with people or you can keep to yourself and have a quiet getaway in the woods. Sorry, but the tree house isn't available to rent since it is my home. I may rent it out in the future. Also in progress is the "Dome" We are on a solar powered, off the grid 30 acre homestead that has 24 acres of wooded land and 6 acres of groomed land. Come explore our land and relax in the "Tree Web", see the 2 story tree house that I live in, have fun on the tire swing, or just sit and enjoy all that nature has to offer. You can explore our interesting topography that has close to 100 foot of elevation changes, our (mostly) dry creek system that starts with 2 springs that drain into 3 sinkholes or walk 3 miles of trails (if you follow each trail from end to end). We love groups - Host your event here or have a group gathering with all your friends and family. We have spaces large enough to host hundreds of people. We welcome pets for camping, but no pets allow in the Camping Cabin. Also be aware that we have 2 friendly dogs on the land that roam freely. - 3.5 miles to Marengo Cave - 7 miles to the Blue River (canoes, rafting and swimming) - 30 minutes to Patoka Lake - 37 miles west of Louisville - 13 miles north of Interstate 64

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Camp Escape

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Louisville, KY

15 acres with a barn and creek. Our property also boarders the Jefferson County Forestry and is close to Tom Wallace Park. This 5 acres is a corner lot next to railroad tracks so there are two roads on two sides. This is a very rural type area yet still in the city so you will hear and see a combination of city/country things. We are very close to Fort Knox and Knob Creek gun range. You will most likely encounter wildlife, hear gunfire, hear cars and the train go by, you will probably see and hear us and the neighbors on tractors and trucks. This is a working farm among other farming type residents. This is a space for someone to camp with their personal camping equipment. There is no water, no shower, no electric or anything else besides a fire pit. You need to bring your own supplies. We border the Jefferson County Forestry with an entrance about 1 mile away. We are about 30 mins away from downtown, but just 5 mins from a Kroger, Walmart, and a dozen different restaurants. We are also about 15 mins from Fort Knox. There is a shared porta potty onsite.

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Cabins at Guthrie Meadows

4 sites · Lodging133 acres · Bedford, IN

Our cabins sits on 100 acres. Our cabins have AC/Heat. A dry sink are in each cabin are provided. Roast hotdogs over your private fire pit as a fire pit is just outside the cabin along with private picnic table. We have a shower bathroom house. You provide your own towel, and soap products. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash and under your control at all times. Privy's are found just outside the cabin. We have miles of hiking trails and several spring fed creeks so take your hiking boots off and wade in the clean cool water. Stars are in abundance at Guthrie Meadows so star gazing is a must!

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Buck Creek Sanctuary

20 sites · RVs, Tents58 acres · Elizabeth, IN

Welcome to Buck Creek Sanctuary, a 58-acre botanical, wildlife and human sanctuary located near Elizabeth, Indiana. A place where people can connect with nature, each other, and themselves. “There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places” -Wendell Berry Buck Creek Sanctuary is a place to return to the sacred. Buck Creek Sanctuary is designed to help bring the scared back into our everyday lives Ken’s guiding truth is that we are part of nature and must find our part to play within it by honoring all things as being sacred. He dedicates his life to personal growth, consciousness raising, health, and healing of the planet. He wants to share Buck Creek Sanctuary with others to allow them to connect with nature and the sacredness of all things.

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Lost River Hostel

18 sites · Lodging31 acres · West Baden Springs, IN

The Lost River Hostel is a nonprofit arts and cultural center located on a 29+ acre hillside in West Baden Springs, Indiana overlooking a section of the Lost River valley. Lost River Hostel strives to build and maintain an extraordinary space fueled by a constant cycle of generosity and creativity. We hope everyone who stays here will go back into the world refreshed and rejuvenated – wanting to be better people and do great things. Everything we do here is driven by our mission statement: "To provide a sandbox for exploration of goals and growth through nature and human connection." We accomplish this by providing a distraction-free, reflective space that is welcoming of people from all backgrounds and beliefs. A communal dinner with gratitude circle is included in every stay. We also host workshops and events related to music, writing, yoga, organic gardening, cooking, and environmental sustainability.

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Sleeping Bear Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · French Lick, IN

Sleeping Bear Retreat is located on over 60 beautifully wooded acres in scenic French Lick, Indiana. Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend getaway, a low cost family vacation, or a group stay, we are the place for you. We are pet friendly, as long as the pet is friendly, and on a leash.

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Lake View camping

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Reynolds Station, KY

30 years ago this was a pay lake it has been shut down for years. I got it a few years ago for a family getaway. So there is some really nice fish in the lakes. We have a outside kitchen with a gas grill, gas griddle and sink.we also have a sink for your use. There is also a toilet with a flushing toilet.

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Rockytop Family Farms

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Henryville, IN

**25 Minutes north of Louisville, KY** ________________________________________ RV Site on our family land. 30 AND 50 amp electric, water, sewer. Fire-pit with seating, free firewood provided. Trash can provided. Next-door to Yankeetown Area/indoor roping arena. If you participate in the rodeo at Yankeetown, utilize our site with hookups for your horse trailer! Nearby access to the Knobstone trail access point. Just a few miles away from LM Sugarbush; Indiana's largest annual Maple Syrup Festival. Long gravel driveway; 1/4 mile or more off of State Rd 160. We border the Clark-State Forestry. We have a small farm pond that's full of fish; no license required. Bring your fishing pole and have fun! Expect to hear chickens, guineas, pigs, dogs barking, kids playing. You may hear a tractor, lawn mower, or gator ATV go by as we are always busy doing something. Your pets are welcome, but keep in mind that this property is patrolled by two large Great Pyrenees dogs, and while they are friendly to people, they are territorial and have been aggressive towards other dogs until they become friends. For the safety of all the dogs, your pets must be contained/on a leash at least until all of the dogs can get to know each other. We are 5 miles from I-65, and 19 miles north of Louisville, KY. Verizon phone/data service is good; can't confirm others.

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Solar Off The Grid Cabin

1 site · Lodging7 acres · Paoli, IN

7 Acres close to skiing, hiking, spalunking, canoeing ,moutian biking and over 700 acres across the street of undeveloped Hoosier National Forest . Great for Hunting Learn more about this land: The Cabin is powered by solar & wind and uses a filtered rain water collection system. It is close to French Lick & Paoli, hiking, golf, canoeing, spelunking, skiing hunting and more. Please note that during the winter months the angle of the sun is lower and the panels do not produce as much power as in the summer months (plus you have less daylight hours) . Depending on the cloud cover you may be limited to lights only in November, December, January and February . There is a generator available for rent at $10.00 per night plus gas or you can bring your own. There is a wood stove and a 13,000 btu indoor gas wall heater for heat, both units provide more than enough heat. There are two window air conditioning units that can be used in May, June, July and August. Once you get to the end of August or on cloudy days you are limited to the amount of time you can use the AC units unless you rent the generator. There is a propane cook stove available if you run out of power and 2 charcoal grills (you supply charcoal). Please note that the cabin is still a work in progress and is not 100% completed. Also note that if rain is limited there may be no water.

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Canyon View Quarry

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Georgetown, IN

This unique 2 acre oasis is the historical quarry; It’s how Quarry Road gets its namesake in southern Indiana! With a 40ft. rock wall that horseshoes around the entire property, experience privacy and serenity. LLC Ranch is situated directly above the underground railroad, the Duncan Tunnel. You can hear the train several time a day traveling through the valley and directly under the quarry. There is a rock driveway entry all the way to our red barn. Rain or shine, the gravel driveway is a perfect location for a van or RV to park. There is a pond and a john boat you can use. The pond is filled with imported Japanese Koi fish that you can also feed. Fish food is always available in the barn! Check in is easy, you will be provided a gate code to enter the red gates. LLC RANCH is located 2 miles from I64 and only 10 minutes from Louisville, KY. We accept only one guest at a time to ensure privacy and space to feel relaxed.

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Doe Valley

1 site · Lodging17 acres · Paoli, IN

We have 17 acres of mostly woods but enough open land for some fruit trees and sheep pasture.

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MoonLight Grove Farm

2 sites · Tents12 acres · Battletown, KY

Simple living with a few critters and a "whole lotta" walnuts. All natural products made from nature's bounty. Learn more about this land:Come rest your mind and soul on MoonLight Grove Farm. Camp alongside the Ohio River, watch the barges go by and the Eagles swoop and play. Peaceful, Quiet, Restorative retreat.

The best camping near Patoka Lake guide

Overview

About

Find tons of outdoor activities at this lake thanks to 8,800 acres of water and 26,000 acres total. Marinas, resort areas, and small towns near the lake offer modern amenities.

Catch several types of fish here. The state stocks this lake with plenty of bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, redear, and walleye. Check out the annual GarDaze festival, when fishing celebrities come out and fish the lake.

Put your boat in at one of 10 boat ramps. Then, head out for some water skiing, fishing, or just a leisurely day on the lake. Dock your boat for the night at one of the marinas.

Trek along the many hiking and biking trails near the lake. The main trail is 6.5 miles, and it features Totem Rock. Native Americans and early European settlers used the rock as a shelter for hundreds of years. A dedicated cross country skiing course is open when it snows.

Reserve one of 500 campsites scattered about the lake. There are 455 campsites with electric and 45 rustic sites.

Notable campgrounds

Electric Sites - With 455 sites available, these electric campsites offer convenience for RVs and tents amid the park's natural beauty.
Primitive Sites - For a more secluded adventure, the 45 primitive sites provide a serene camping experience under the stars.
Dumping Station - An essential facility for campers, ensuring a comfortable and environmentally friendly stay.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your preferred spot, as sites fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations to snag a last-minute reservation.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding a great site.

When to go

The best time to visit Patoka Lake is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer offers warm temperatures perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winters can be cold, with some activities like swimming not available.

Know before you go

Check for any alerts on blue-green algae and adhere to water safety guidelines.
Accessibility is a priority, with plans for a new raptor center to enhance educational experiences.
Remember to shower after swimming in the lake to ensure your safety.
Take advantage of the interpretive programs to enrich your visit with local wildlife and cultural insights.
Always stay on marked trails to protect the environment and ensure your own safety.