Potato Creek State Park
Potato Creek State Park is northern Indiana’s outdoor gem—a 3,840-acre playground centered around the beautiful 327-acre Worster Lake. Located just 12 miles southwest of South Bend, this park delivers four-season adventure with year-round cabins, extensive trails, and world-class fishing.
Reel in hybrid striped bass (wipers), swim at the ADA-accessible beach, pedal through 7.4 miles of mountain bike trails, or ski the winter wonderland when snow covers the ground. With 17 cozy cabins and 287 electric campsites, Potato Creek is perfect for weekend getaways or extended stays.
A new 120-room lodge is planned for the southern shore of Worster Lake, opening 2026/2027—making this park an even bigger destination!
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | 12 miles SW of South Bend, Indiana |
| 🗺️ Region | North-Central Indiana |
| 📐 Total Area | 3,840 acres |
| 🌊 Lake | Worster Lake (327 acres) |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 9.2 hiking + 7.4 MTB |
| 📞 Phone | (574) 656-8186 |
Worster Lake
The 327-acre Worster Lake is the heart of Potato Creek—perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming.
- 🚤 Boating: Electric trolling motors only
- 🛶 Rentals: Boat rentals available
- 🧊 Ice Fishing: Popular winter activity
- 🏖️ Beach: ADA-accessible with bathhouse
Fishing
| Species | Notes |
|---|---|
| 🐟 Largemouth Bass | 14″ minimum size limit |
| 🐟 Hybrid Striped Bass | “Wipers” – aggressive fighters! |
| 🐟 Black Crappie | Excellent panfish |
| 🐟 Bluegill | Great for families |
Fishing Facilities
- ♿ 2 ADA-Accessible Fishing Piers
- 🔪 Fish Cleaning Station (West Boat Launch)
- 🧊 Ice Fishing in winter
Camping & Cabins
| Option | Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ⛺ Electric Campsites | 287 | Popular—book early! |
| 🐴 Horsemen’s Camp | 70 | Electric sites |
| 🏠 Cabins | 17 | Year-round, sleeps 8 |
Cabin Amenities
- 🛏️ 2 bedrooms + bath
- 🍳 Full kitchen with pots/pans
- 🍽️ Dining area
- 🪟 Screened porch
- 📋 Bring your own linens!
Trails
| Trail Type | Miles | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 🥾 Hiking Trails | 9.2 | 6 trails, easy to rugged |
| 🚵 Mountain Bike Trail | 7.4 | Beginner-level singletrack |
| 🚲 Paved Bike Trail | 3.3 | Through woods & wetlands |
🚲 Bike rentals available! Helmets recommended for mountain biking.
Winter Activities
- ⛷️ Cross-Country Skiing (when snow permits)
- 🛷 Tubing/Sledding Hill
- 🧊 Ice Fishing on Worster Lake
Note: No ski rentals available—bring your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Potato Creek SP — 3,840 acres on Worster Lake (327 acres). Site of the discovery of the Tropicrater mastodon — a prehistoric mastodon skeleton found during lake construction. The park’s lake, hardwood forest, and wetlands support bald eagles, river otters, and white-tailed deer.
Nearby Attractions
North Liberty — adjacent. South Bend — 15 miles north — home of Notre Dame University. St. Joseph County — surrounding.
What is special about Worster Lake?
Worster Lake is a beautiful 327-acre lake at the heart of Potato Creek State Park. It offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and hybrid striped bass (wipers), plus an ADA-accessible beach. A new 120-room lodge is planned for the southern shore, opening 2026/2027!
Are the cabins open year-round?
Yes! All 17 cabins at Potato Creek are open year-round. They sleep up to 8 people and include 2 bedrooms, a bath, full kitchen, dining area, and screened porch. Bring your own bed linens! Book up to a year in advance.
Is the beach accessible?
Yes! Potato Creek features an ADA-accessible beach with a sidewalk from the parking lot to the water’s edge. A bathhouse with concession services is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
What fish can I catch at Potato Creek?
Worster Lake is excellent for largemouth bass (14″ minimum), black crappie, bluegill, and hybrid striped bass (wipers)—aggressive fighters popular with anglers. Two ADA-accessible fishing piers and a fish cleaning station are available.
Is there mountain biking at Potato Creek?
Yes! The park has a 7.4-mile beginner-level mountain bike trail plus a 3.3-mile paved bike trail through woods and wetlands. Bike rentals are available. Helmets are recommended!
Can I go ice fishing at Potato Creek?
Yes! Ice fishing is a popular winter activity on Worster Lake. The park also offers cross-country skiing (when snow permits) and a tubing/sledding hill.
🌊 Northern Indiana’s Year-Round Adventure
Fish for hybrid stripers, swim at an ADA-accessible beach, mountain bike through wooded trails, and stay in cozy cabins—all at Potato Creek, just 12 miles from South Bend!
Explore More Indiana State Parks
Potato Creek State Park 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.
