Dog barking echoes through the night at Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground, where "quiet time hours are not enforced" according to multiple campers. This Indiana DNR-managed facility sits within 1,300 acres of forested terrain surrounding a 194-acre lake restricted to electric motors only. The campground operates year-round with full hookups available at $26-$64 per night.
Site quality varies considerably across the property's multiple loops. The F loop draws consistent praise for better lake views, though some sites feature steep inclines that challenge RV setup. Tom J. notes that "some can be short and a bit uneven, so be prepared." Campers report good spacing between sites in most areas, reducing the feeling of crowding except during peak summer weekends.
Trail access represents a major draw here. Most of the park's acreage connects through hiking paths, including the southern terminus of the 60-mile Knobstone Trail for serious backpackers. The Lake Vista Trail climbs steeply to rock outcrops, though recent visitors encountered frequent downed trees. Horse camping areas add variety, and campers often spot equestrians on shared trails. The beach area sees heavy use during warm weather, leading some to avoid it entirely on busy weekends.
Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews depending on timing and location. Chelsea M. found "shower house bathrooms were very clean," while others report inconsistent maintenance during peak periods. The lake allows kayaking and fishing, though recent reports suggest poor fishing conditions during cooler months. A boat launch provides water access, but the fishing pier remains closed due to structural issues.
Campers seeking quieter alternatives can explore campgrounds around Borden or the nearby Knobstone Trail for backcountry options.
Description
The Kentucky Derby is the first Saturday in May.
There is a Forest Education Center on property with a full-time Naturalist to provide interpretive programming during the season. Please check with property for details upon your arrival.
Horseshoe Casino - 26 Miles;
Louisville Fairgrounds - 24 Miles
- You must be 18 to rent a site, have no more than 6 people, 1 main camping unit, 1 additional tent and 1 dining fly per site, but subject to Property Manager's discretion. Leasing and subleasing are prohibited.
- Minimum age to rent a cabin is 21 years old.
- Check in/out time is 2:00 P.M. Monday to Saturday and 5:00 P.M. on Sundays and Holidays.
- Quiet Hours are in effect from 11:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.
- Pets must be on a leash of 6 feet or less and attended to at all times.
- NO alcoholic beverages permitted on or around the beach area.
- Site has electrical hook-up. Water hook-up is not available on the site, but water is available in the area. Modern restrooms and shower houses available.
- Generators are not allowed.
- No wagons allowed on Deam Lake roads or on Deam/Clark Horse Trails. No Horses allowed on Main Road. Horses are not allowed in the regular campground consisting of sections D, E and F.
- Stall sites include rental of two stalls. Most barns are within 100 yards of stall sites, but maximum distance could be 1/2 mile. No horses are allowed to be on any stall site at any time.
- Horse campers with stalls are responsible for providing their own bedding. Each stall has coarse lime provided as a ground cover. Upon departure campers are responsible to clean each stall that they rented. Dumpsters are provided for manure disposal.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Comfort Station #2 (serves Section E in the family campground) is currently **CLOSED** due to long-term foundational repairs that are needed. There are two other modern showers / restrooms facilities to use in family campgrounds. We apologize for the inconvenience these closures may cause. Please check back for updates.
Found in lakes year-round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundDeam Lake State Recreation Area Campground is located in Indiana
Directions
I-65 to exit #7 (Salem-Hamburg) turn onto Hwy 60 West. Proceed for approximately 9 miles on Highway 60 West. The park is located on the right-hand side of the road.
Address
1217 DEAM LAKE ROAD
Borden, IN 47106
Coordinates
38.46000032 N
85.86500036 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 26 min from Louisville, KY
- 1 hr 1 min from Elizabethtown, KY
- 1 hr 5 min from Columbus, IN
- 1 hr 22 min from Bloomington, IN




























