Patoka Lake

Newton-Stewart SRA, Jackson SRA, Lick Fork SRA, Little Patoka SRA, Painter Creek SRA, Walls Lake SRA, South Lick Fork SRA.

25,800 acres - 8,800-acre lake

With 26,000 acres of land and water, Patoka Lake is a fine example of lake ecology. An 8,800-acre lake provides habitat for freshwater jellyfish and bald eagle nesting sites. River otters and osprey were reintroduced at Patoka by the DNR.

The property is home to one of only two resident, non-releasable bald eagles at a DNR state park or reservoir. The eagle was acquired in 2013. An earlier eagle called C52 lived at Patoka Lake from 1988 until he died in 2009.

The property’s Interpretive Services staff presents programs and special events featuring the reconstructed Moery Cabin, a non-releasable red-tailed hawk, bald eagle, Eastern screech owl and other natural and cultural history features of the area. Programs on kayaking, Dutch oven cooking and other outdoor skills are also offered.

The lake is located just south of the historic towns of French Lick and West Baden, and just east of historic Jasper.

ACTIVITIES

Archery Range
Boating / 10 Launch Ramps
Cross-country skiing
Fishing / Ice Fishing
Disc Golf Course
Hiking / Fitness / Biking Trails
Hunting
Interpretive / Recreational Programs
Picnicking / Shelterhouse
Swimming / Beach
Waterskiing

Camping
Electric / 455 sites
Primitive / 45 sites
Dumping Station