Lieber State Recreation Area
Indiana’s Water Sports Lake
Lieber State Recreation Area centers on Cagles Mill Lake—1,400 acres of boating, water skiing, and family fun west of Indianapolis!
Lake Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Boating | Unlimited horsepower |
| Swimming | Designated beach |
| Fishing | Bass, catfish, bluegill |
Camping
Multiple campgrounds with 403 sites total. Electric hookups available.
Can I water ski?
Yes! Cagles Mill Lake allows unlimited horsepower—great for skiing and tubing.
Location & Getting There
Lieber State Recreation Area is located in Indiana. The park’s coordinates are 39.4644, -86.8828. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Indiana
- Coordinates: 39.4644, -86.8828
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
Indiana state parks protect the state’s finest natural areas, from sandstone canyons and limestone caves to Lake Michigan dunes and hardwood forests. Activities include hiking through scenic gorges and along rugged canyon trails, swimming at guarded lake beaches, fishing for bass and bluegill, camping in forested settings, exploring large cave networks, mountain biking on developing trail systems, horseback riding on dedicated trails, and birdwatching along major migratory routes. Brown County State Park — “The Little Smokies” — is known for its rugged beauty and stunning fall color.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (October) is peak season, when Indiana’s hardwood forests blaze with orange and red — Brown County and Turkey Run are especially spectacular. Summer (June–August) is ideal for lake swimming, camping, and nature center programs. Spring (April–May) brings peak waterfall flow, morel mushroom hunting, and wildflower hikes. Winter offers peaceful snow-covered trails and special holiday events at park inns.
Visitor Tips
Indiana state parks charge a gate fee ($7 in-state, $9 out-of-state per vehicle). An annual entrance pass ($50) covers unlimited visits. Camping and inn reservations through the Indiana DNR system. Indiana is unique for its historic park inns — full-service lodges with dining inside parks like Turkey Run, Brown County, McCormick’s Creek, and Spring Mill. Reservations for fall weekends at popular parks should be made months in advance.
Explore More Indiana State Parks
Lieber State Recreation Area is one of many outstanding state parks in Indiana. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Indiana guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
