🌤 Weather at Indian Mountain State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–77 °F | 60–86 °F | 33–80 °F | 26–50 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Newcomb, 3 mi away, elevation 1,014 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Activities
The setting of Indian Mountain State Park presents a wide range of activities that can be enjoyed by all ages. The lake offers swimming, fishing, and paddling for lovers of water activities. There are two walking trails for hikers to explore and one paved loop as well. Camping is the most popular activity in this park.
Camping
Camping is pretty popular in Indian Mountain State Park with very good reviews from campers who have visited the park. The campground is open year-round and has 47 sites. The sites have paved pads that serve both tent and RV campers. The sites have been equipped with sewer, water, and 20-, 30-, and 50-amp hookups. All sites are fitted with picnic tables and grills. At the center, there is a modern bathhouse containing restrooms and hot showers. A dump station is also available. Firewood is sold at the camp store which is open seasonally. The campground is winterized which means that all water including the bathhouse is turned off from November 1-March 31.
Paddling
The park allows personal canoes and kayaks on the lake. The daily watercraft permit is $6. You can also rent kayaks, pedal boats, and paddle boats during the summer months. Below are the rates;
- Kayak: $8 – $11 hourly
- Paddleboard: $8 hourly
- Pedal Boat: $6 – $12 hourly
Hiking
The park has two official walking trails that wind through the park on both sides of Elk Creek. The Indian Mountain Lake Trail is a 1-mile paved trail that loops around the east bank of Indian Mountain Lake. It’s perfect for walking and offers phenomenal lake views. The Ballard Lake Nature Trail loops along the forested banks of Ballard Lake. Another half-mile trail runs around the pong at the southeastern part of the park. Here are the main trails in Indian Mountain State Park;
- Ballard Lake Trail: 0.75 miles, natural surface, easy
- Indian Mountain Lake Trail: 1.0 miles, paved surface, easy
- Airplane Pond Trail: 0.75 miles, natural surface, moderate
- Elk Creek Trail: 0.5 miles, natural surface, moderate
- Boy Scout Trail: 0.5 miles, natural surface, easy
Fishing
With the lake and the small ponds planking the center of the lake, there’s no shortage of fish in Indian Mountain State Park. Personal canoes, kayaks, and electric motors are allowed on the lake. Remember to get a fishing license before visiting the park. You can rent a row boat and pedal boat seasonally. The 21-acre Indian Mountain “B” Lake is full of bass, Bluegill, and catfish. The park has provisions that Black bass must be a minimum of 15 inches. Row boat rentals go for $4 per hour.
Birding
There are nest boxes of Bluebirds and tree swallows around the main lake. You can spot waterfowl in the flooded pits, along the stream and lakeshore. You can check out more birding locations when you visit the park.
Park Location
Indian Mountain State Park 143 State Park Circle Jellico, TN 37762 Phone: 423.566.5870 Park Website
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Indian Mountain State Park:
Explore More Tennessee State Parks
Indian Mountain State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Tennessee. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Tennessee guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Cove Lake State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Indian Mountain State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft physical leash required; pets must not be left unattended
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches and at pools at all times
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in park lodges and cabins except designated pet-friendly units; each park offers a limited number of pet-friendly lodge rooms and one pet-friendly cabin ($20 per pet per night)
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or campground pet fee; $20 per pet per night in designated lodge rooms/cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park management may post additional no-pet areas on trails; proof of rabies vaccination may be required
Are dogs allowed at Indian Mountain State Park?
Dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in Tennessee State Parks, including all campgrounds, if leashed, crated or otherwise under physical restrictive control at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tnstateparks.com. More: Tennessee state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Indian Mountain State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
