🌤 Weather at Patoka Lake by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33–78 °F | 64–92 °F | 36–83 °F | 22–47 °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 Patoka Lake, 0 mi away, elevation 561 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Patoka Lake is a public state park in Indiana near Birdseye. Spanning 26,000 acres and established in 1978, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Indiana |
| Nearest City | Birdseye |
| Park Size | 26,000 acres |
| Established | 1978 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (450 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Patoka Lake is located near Birdseye, Indiana. The park’s coordinates are 38.4347, -86.7069.
Things to Do
Patoka Lake is Indiana’s second-largest reservoir: an 8,800-acre lake with 161 miles of shoreline inside a 25,800-acre property. How deep is it? Officially, the DNR publishes an average depth of 22 feet — a maximum depth appears in no official document, so treat the numbers floating around fishing forums as unverified. The lake rides between a 532-foot winter pool and a 536-foot summer pool, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers dam that created it in 1978 — a 145-foot-high earthen wall that also supplies drinking water to eleven surrounding counties.
Swimming and Boating
The swimming beach is in the Newton Stewart State Recreation Area, open Memorial Day through Labor Day with a modern bathhouse and concessions. Swimming is free once you’ve paid the gate fee — but there are no lifeguards (“swim at your own risk”), children under 12 need a supervisor 16 or older, and the DNR posts algae and water-level advisories on the park page, so check before a beach day. Boaters have 10 launch ramps around the lake, including two main ramps at Newton Stewart, plus marinas with fuel and rentals (Hoosier Hills Marina and Patoka Lake Marina).
Raptors, Trails and Hunting
The year-round Nature Center is the park’s signature stop: its raptor mews house three non-releasable ambassador birds — a female bald eagle recovered from a 2013 nest fall, a red-tailed hawk and an eastern screech owl — plus an albino snapping turtle inside. From the center, the rugged 6.5-mile Main Trail loops out to Totem Rock (plan 3–4 hours), and an 18-hole disc golf course with concrete tees and a free archery range round out the land side. Patoka is also a serious hunting property: deer, turkey, upland game and waterfowl seasons run here, with mandatory sign-in at one of 19 stations and special waterfowl resting-area rules from November through February.
Best Time to Visit
The beach and its bathhouse operate Memorial Day through Labor Day, and summer is peak for the marinas and the 455-site electric campground. Fall splits the property between quiet-water paddlers and hunters — if you’re hiking the Main Trail in autumn, wear blaze orange and expect company at the sign-in stations. Winter belongs to waterfowl and eagles: Patoka has nesting bald eagles, and the reservoir’s open water draws raptors long after the beach closes. The Nature Center runs programs year-round.
Visitor Tips
Entry costs $7 per vehicle with Indiana plates, $15 out-of-state ($50/$120 for annual passes, $2 for walk-ins and cyclists) — as of August 2026. The campground offers 455 electric sites (paved pads, showers, camp store, fish-cleaning station) and 45 primitive sites; reserve at camp.IN.gov or 1-866-622-6746, with a 14-night maximum stay.
The park entrance is at 3084 N. Dillard Road, Birdseye — just south of French Lick and West Baden, east of Jasper, reached via State Roads 164 and 145. If you’re staying the weekend, the Patoka Lake Winery next to the lake (with its silo-suite lodging, a distillery and a brewery as neighbors) makes an easy off-park evening.
Fees, seasons and facility details verified against in.gov/dnr on August 28, 2026. Fees change — confirm before you travel.
Explore More Indiana State Parks
Patoka Lake 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.
Wildlife & Nature
Patoka Lake — 8,800-acre lake — Indiana’s second-largest reservoir. The area’s lake, hardwood forest, and wetlands support bald eagles, ospreys, and Indiana bats (endangered). Largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Birdseye — nearby. Dubois County — surrounding. Hoosier NF — nearby.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Spring Mill State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and O’Bannon Woods State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Patoka Lake
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed throughout Indiana state park properties, including trails, but must be on a 6-foot leash or in a cage at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft leash applies to the entire property; electric collars/fences do not substitute
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (except service animals) are prohibited from swimming pools and beaches unless an area is specifically designated for pets
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly rooms and cabins at all seven Indiana State Park Inns accept dogs and cats up to 75 lbs, max two pets, for $25 per pet per night
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $25 per pet per night at State Park Inns' pet-friendly rooms/cabins
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- At eight reservoir properties (including Patoka, Brookville and Monroe) dogs may be off leash in lawful pursuit of wild animals or in licensed field trials
Are dogs allowed at Patoka Lake?
Pets are allowed throughout Indiana state park properties, including trails, but must be on a 6-foot leash or in a cage at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via in.gov. More: Indiana state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Patoka Lake
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
