I felt like everywhere I looked during the summer of 2025, I was seeing Patoka Lake’s name somewhere. I saw friends visiting, volunteers building fish habitats, noticed the Hoosier Hills Marina welcomed to the Clean Marina Program, and even the governor stopped by! It all made me really excited to see the park for the first time and learn all about it!
After spending a day there, I understand all the excitement about Patoka Lake. The lake activities are perfect for the heat of summer, while the nature center and trails provide opportunities to hike and explore year-round. I was constantly delighted by what I found and felt like each section of the park held a new opportunity for beauty and adventure!
IN the Podcast Episode
You’ll hear from the park’s property manager, assistant manager, and interpretive naturalist. They share about the marinas, where the best fishing spots are, the campgrounds, historic trails, the turtles, and their red-tailed hawk.
Listen to “Patoka Lake: Come for the Water, Stay for the Trails” on Apple or Spotify.
Park Features
Patoka Lake was one of the last reservoirs to open in the state after the 1965 Flood Control Act, but many people would argue the state saved the best for last! With over 26,000 acres, Patoka Lake has the most land out of all the state parks and reservoir properties. It’s the second-largest reservoir based on water acreage with a lake over 8,800 acres. The park also has a diverse set of habitats – water, forest, wetlands, fields, rock formations, and even caves in the area!
Stay IN the Know
Get the best of Indiana delivered to your inbox every week.
There are four state recreation areas around the park and three marinas. The park offers primitive and modern camping as well as six backpacking sites. Many of the campsites have views of the lake which provide peaceful evenings at the campfire. Off the water, you’ll find a paved multi-use trail that I loved biking on. The traditional hiking trails are stunning, with rock formations that will make you think you’re in Turkey Run. Near the nature center, The Narrows trail is a “must hike” because of its historic significance.