The best camping in Deam Lake State Recreation Area, IN

·
100% (3)

Find your lake life vibes in southern Indiana.  

The best camping in Deam Lake State Recreation Area, IN

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Rockytop Family Farms

2. Rockytop Family Farms

96%
(42)
7.2mi from Deam Lake State Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Henryville, IN
**25 Minutes north of Louisville, KY** ________________________________________ RV Site on our family land. 30 AND 50 amp electric, water, sewer. Fire-pit with seating, free firewood provided. Trash can provided. Next-door to Yankeetown Area/indoor roping arena. If you participate in the rodeo at Yankeetown, utilize our site with hookups for your horse trailer! Nearby access to the Knobstone trail access point. Just a few miles away from LM Sugarbush; Indiana's largest annual Maple Syrup Festival. Long gravel driveway; 1/4 mile or more off of State Rd 160. We border the Clark-State Forestry. We have a small farm pond that's full of fish; no license required. Bring your fishing pole and have fun! Expect to hear chickens, guineas, pigs, dogs barking, kids playing. You may hear a tractor, lawn mower, or gator ATV go by as we are always busy doing something. Your pets are welcome, but keep in mind that this property is patrolled by two large Great Pyrenees dogs, and while they are friendly to people, they are territorial and have been aggressive towards other dogs until they become friends. For the safety of all the dogs, your pets must be contained/on a leash at least until all of the dogs can get to know each other. We are 5 miles from I-65, and 19 miles north of Louisville, KY. Verizon phone/data service is good; can't confirm others.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night
Our new Tree Web. Hang out 15 feet up in the trees

7. Happy Hollow Homestead

99%
(906)
27mi from Deam Lake State Recreation Area · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Marengo, IN
- Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana for 7 years. - Listed on Rachael Ray Magazine's "8 of America's Coolest Campgrounds" We offer a "Camping Cabin", The "Cozy Camping Cottage" or tent camping in Black Walnut Grove, in an open field, in the woods, or a shady grove. We like to interact with people or you can keep to yourself and have a quiet getaway in the woods. Sorry, but the tree house isn't available to rent since it is my home. I may rent it out in the future. Also in progress is the "Dome" We are on a solar powered, off the grid 30 acre homestead that has 24 acres of wooded land and 6 acres of groomed land. Come explore our land and relax in the "Tree Web", see the 2 story tree house that I live in, have fun on the tire swing, or just sit and enjoy all that nature has to offer. You can explore our interesting topography that has close to 100 foot of elevation changes, our (mostly) dry creek system that starts with 2 springs that drain into 3 sinkholes or walk 3 miles of trails (if you follow each trail from end to end). We love groups - Host your event here or have a group gathering with all your friends and family. We have spaces large enough to host hundreds of people. We welcome pets for camping, but no pets allow in the Camping Cabin. Also be aware that we have 2 friendly dogs on the land that roam freely. - 3.5 miles to Marengo Cave - 7 miles to the Blue River (canoes, rafting and swimming) - 30 minutes to Patoka Lake - 37 miles west of Louisville - 13 miles north of Interstate 64
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Camp Escape

8. Camp Escape

95%
(121)
28mi from Deam Lake State Recreation Area · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Louisville, KY
Rustic Camping Near Jefferson County Forestry & Tom Wallace Park Welcome to our 5-acre corner lot, a unique mix of rural charm and city convenience. This primitive campsite is perfect for those looking to disconnect and experience nature while still being close to modern amenities. What to Expect: 🌿 Scenic & Secluded – Our property borders Jefferson County Forestry, with an entrance just 1 mile away, offering miles of trails and outdoor adventures. We’re also near Tom Wallace Park, a great spot for hiking and fishing. 🔥 True Off-Grid Camping – This is a bring-your-own-gear site. No water, electricity, or showers—just you, your supplies, and the great outdoors. A fire pit is provided, and there’s a shared porta potty for convenience. 🚜 A Working Farm Community – Expect to see and hear a mix of country and city life. You may hear wildlife, passing trains, tractors, gunfire from Knob Creek Range, and nearby neighbors working their land. It’s all part of the experience of staying in an authentic rural setting. 🏡 Tiny Home Retreat – Escape to your cozy tiny home retreat nestled on 15 private acres just outside Louisville. This 200 sq ft camper-to-tiny home conversion blends rustic charm with modern convenience. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers, this cozy space offers a peaceful and unique retreat. 🏙️ Convenient Location – Though it feels like a getaway, we’re just 5 minutes from Kroger, Walmart, and a variety of restaurants. Downtown Louisville is a 30-minute drive, and we’re 15 minutes from Fort Knox. If you’re looking for an authentic, off-grid camping adventure close to both nature and the city, this is the spot for you! 🌲🏕️
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$15
 / night
whispering moonbeam acres

13. whispering moonbeam acres

100%
(13)
35mi from Deam Lake State Recreation Area · 16 sites · RVs · Paoli, IN
Learn more about this land: If your interested in camping there is 20 acres and ample space for you to decide where to put up your tent. We provide a firepit or ring. Wood can be purchased or foraged yourself for your fire.Hoosier National Forest is across street so hiking is unlimited. This is a quiet destination in the woods with abundant wildlife.There is a small farm here where produce and flowers even eggs can be purchased. Chickens,guineas,ducks,turkeyand geese are free range so all about near house. This is also a cat sanctuary with disabled cats mostly wobbly, you probably won't see any of them as they are afraid of strangers. Please understand, you will be in the woods. We have coyotes,bobcat,mountain lion,fox,deer,skunk racoons, opossums etc... Keep food contained and be aware of surroundings! We now have kune kune pigs. And recently added 2 mini cows, 1 is an 11 year old rescue and 1 is a heifer calf as well as a standard heifer calf. I do have 2 honey bee hives on property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Fairhaven Farm Campground

14. Fairhaven Farm Campground

94%
(50)
36mi from Deam Lake State Recreation Area · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · English, IN
Until 2019, this farm was in the same family since 1889. It has been a working farm since that time. In 2019, our family purchased the farm and continue to operate it much the same way. Our family is devoted to history and preserving the essence of the past. You may very well see us pull up in one of our antique cars to greet you! Our neighbors are friendly and many are also small farmers. You can't see their farms from camp, but don't be surprised to hear roosters crowing, cattle mooing, and donkeys braying in the distance. Our farm is surrounded by the Hoosier National Forest, so you'll see and hear plenty of wildlife too. At various times during the summer, you may find wild blackberries, elderberries, and black raspberries growing right in camp!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
100% (3)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Deam Lake State Recreation Area adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Rockytop Family Farms

96%
(42)
7.2mi from Deam Lake State Recreation Area · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Henryville, IN
**25 Minutes north of Louisville, KY** ________________________________________ RV Site on our family land. 30 AND 50 amp electric, water, sewer. Fire-pit with seating, free firewood provided. Trash can provided. Next-door to Yankeetown Area/indoor roping arena. If you participate in the rodeo at Yankeetown, utilize our site with hookups for your horse trailer! Nearby access to the Knobstone trail access point. Just a few miles away from LM Sugarbush; Indiana's largest annual Maple Syrup Festival. Long gravel driveway; 1/4 mile or more off of State Rd 160. We border the Clark-State Forestry. We have a small farm pond that's full of fish; no license required. Bring your fishing pole and have fun! Expect to hear chickens, guineas, pigs, dogs barking, kids playing. You may hear a tractor, lawn mower, or gator ATV go by as we are always busy doing something. Your pets are welcome, but keep in mind that this property is patrolled by two large Great Pyrenees dogs, and while they are friendly to people, they are territorial and have been aggressive towards other dogs until they become friends. For the safety of all the dogs, your pets must be contained/on a leash at least until all of the dogs can get to know each other. We are 5 miles from I-65, and 19 miles north of Louisville, KY. Verizon phone/data service is good; can't confirm others.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$26
 / night

Happy Hollow Homestead

99%
(906)
27mi from Deam Lake State Recreation Area · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Marengo, IN
- Voted best Hipcamp in Indiana for 7 years. - Listed on Rachael Ray Magazine's "8 of America's Coolest Campgrounds" We offer a "Camping Cabin", The "Cozy Camping Cottage" or tent camping in Black Walnut Grove, in an open field, in the woods, or a shady grove. We like to interact with people or you can keep to yourself and have a quiet getaway in the woods. Sorry, but the tree house isn't available to rent since it is my home. I may rent it out in the future. Also in progress is the "Dome" We are on a solar powered, off the grid 30 acre homestead that has 24 acres of wooded land and 6 acres of groomed land. Come explore our land and relax in the "Tree Web", see the 2 story tree house that I live in, have fun on the tire swing, or just sit and enjoy all that nature has to offer. You can explore our interesting topography that has close to 100 foot of elevation changes, our (mostly) dry creek system that starts with 2 springs that drain into 3 sinkholes or walk 3 miles of trails (if you follow each trail from end to end). We love groups - Host your event here or have a group gathering with all your friends and family. We have spaces large enough to host hundreds of people. We welcome pets for camping, but no pets allow in the Camping Cabin. Also be aware that we have 2 friendly dogs on the land that roam freely. - 3.5 miles to Marengo Cave - 7 miles to the Blue River (canoes, rafting and swimming) - 30 minutes to Patoka Lake - 37 miles west of Louisville - 13 miles north of Interstate 64
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

Camp Escape

95%
(121)
28mi from Deam Lake State Recreation Area · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Louisville, KY
Rustic Camping Near Jefferson County Forestry & Tom Wallace Park Welcome to our 5-acre corner lot, a unique mix of rural charm and city convenience. This primitive campsite is perfect for those looking to disconnect and experience nature while still being close to modern amenities. What to Expect: 🌿 Scenic & Secluded – Our property borders Jefferson County Forestry, with an entrance just 1 mile away, offering miles of trails and outdoor adventures. We’re also near Tom Wallace Park, a great spot for hiking and fishing. 🔥 True Off-Grid Camping – This is a bring-your-own-gear site. No water, electricity, or showers—just you, your supplies, and the great outdoors. A fire pit is provided, and there’s a shared porta potty for convenience. 🚜 A Working Farm Community – Expect to see and hear a mix of country and city life. You may hear wildlife, passing trains, tractors, gunfire from Knob Creek Range, and nearby neighbors working their land. It’s all part of the experience of staying in an authentic rural setting. 🏡 Tiny Home Retreat – Escape to your cozy tiny home retreat nestled on 15 private acres just outside Louisville. This 200 sq ft camper-to-tiny home conversion blends rustic charm with modern convenience. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers, this cozy space offers a peaceful and unique retreat. 🏙️ Convenient Location – Though it feels like a getaway, we’re just 5 minutes from Kroger, Walmart, and a variety of restaurants. Downtown Louisville is a 30-minute drive, and we’re 15 minutes from Fort Knox. If you’re looking for an authentic, off-grid camping adventure close to both nature and the city, this is the spot for you! 🌲🏕️
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$15
 / night

whispering moonbeam acres

100%
(13)
35mi from Deam Lake State Recreation Area · 16 sites · RVs · Paoli, IN
Learn more about this land: If your interested in camping there is 20 acres and ample space for you to decide where to put up your tent. We provide a firepit or ring. Wood can be purchased or foraged yourself for your fire.Hoosier National Forest is across street so hiking is unlimited. This is a quiet destination in the woods with abundant wildlife.There is a small farm here where produce and flowers even eggs can be purchased. Chickens,guineas,ducks,turkeyand geese are free range so all about near house. This is also a cat sanctuary with disabled cats mostly wobbly, you probably won't see any of them as they are afraid of strangers. Please understand, you will be in the woods. We have coyotes,bobcat,mountain lion,fox,deer,skunk racoons, opossums etc... Keep food contained and be aware of surroundings! We now have kune kune pigs. And recently added 2 mini cows, 1 is an 11 year old rescue and 1 is a heifer calf as well as a standard heifer calf. I do have 2 honey bee hives on property.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

Other options near Deam Lake State Recreation Area

The best camping in Deam Lake State Recreation Area, IN guide

Overview

About

Dreaming of the lake life? Hit the beach and waters of Deam Lake State Recreation Area in southern Indiana. The 194-acre lake serves as a backdrop—or focal point—for a range of outdoor activities. Paddle around quiet coves or hit the open waters in a larger boat (electric motors are allowed). Relax in the sands on the swim beach. Not far from the waters, the campground has over 100 campsites for RVs and tents and 19 Rent-a-Camp cabins. This place is a horse-lover’s dream (appropriate for its location just outside of Louisville, Kentucky), offering equestrian campsites with facilities for your horses to camp, too.

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Campsites may be reserved up to six months in advance through Reserve America or the Indiana State Park website or by phoning 1-866-622-6746.
  2. All sites have electric hookups. Water is not available at individual campsites, but spigots are located in the campground.
  3. The campground is open year round, with limited services from November through April. Water spigots may be shut off and modern restrooms closed during these months. Water service resumes in the spring based on weather forecasts.
  4. Advanced reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays.

When to go

Though Deam Lake State Recreation Area is located in Indiana, the park is fewer than 20 miles from Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby brings a lot of excitement to the region the first Saturday each May, which might make it a great time to come to Deam Lake or a bad time, depending on your preferences. Summer is the primary peak season, thanks to plentiful lake activities. Expect hot and humid weather. Temperatures are cooler in spring and fall, with winter bringing freezing weather and the chance for snow.

Know before you go

  • Rowboats and kayaks may be rented onsite between Memorial Day and Labor Day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
  • The swim beach is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
  • Camping cabins rentals are also available in the park.
  • RVers should come prepared for leveling, as campsites may be sloped.
100%
3 ratings · 1 review

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