Patoka Lake Campground accommodates RVs up to 65 feet with electric, water, and sewer hookups across multiple sections spanning a large area near the lake. Sites range from $14-$45 per night with reservations available year-round. The campground features dispersed camping options alongside developed sites, with some locations offering direct lake access.
Site layouts vary considerably throughout the property. "The lots are huge giving you plenty of room for activities," notes Tyler M.. Some sites sit closer to the beach while others provide more wooded settings with natural windbreaks. Sites 197 and 200 on one loop offer trail access directly to rocky shoreline areas, though these locations require longer walks to shower facilities.
A paved bike trail runs through the park, connecting to hiking trails that extend into the surrounding area. The lake provides fishing opportunities, though several campers report challenging conditions. Boat launches operate within the campground, creating regular trailer traffic that parents with small children should note. A nature center, marina with rentals, and seasonal activities like Halloween festivities add programming options.
Water access varies by season - spigots throughout the campground shut off after October 31st, requiring campers to fill tanks at the camp store during winter months. Shower houses remain heated and operational year-round with timed warm water systems. Cell service with Verizon works intermittently for hotspot use, though some areas experience weak coverage. The four-lane dump station handles RV needs efficiently.
Wildlife encounters include raccoons and occasional skunks, making proper food storage essential. For additional camping options in the region, see campgrounds around Birdseye. The Newton-Stewart recreation area sits just 0.2 miles south for those exploring multiple locations.
Description
With 26,000 acres of land and water, Patoka Lake campground 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. Camping: -Electric / 455 sites -Primitive / 45 sites -Dumping Station
Reservation Info
WARNING: 4/14/22 - BLUE-GREEN ALGAE is dangerous for humans and pets:
Blue-green algae is at the ADVISORY alert level for the beach at PATOKA LAKE: Swimming and boating are permitted. Avoid contact with algae. Avoid swallowing water while swimming. Take a bath or shower with warm soapy water after coming in contact with lake water. Do not use lake water for cooking or bathing. Do not allow your pets to swim or drink water where algae are present. Check back for updates. Learn more about blue-green algae.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Found in lakes year-round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPatoka Lake Campground is located in Indiana
Directions
FROM THE NORTH: STATE ROAD 37 SOUTH TO PAOLI, FROM PAOLI TAKE STATE ROAD 150/56 WEST TO WEST BADEN SPRINGS AND FRENCH LICK, FROM FRENCH LICK GO SOUTH ON STATE ROAD 145 TO STATE ROAD 164. WEST ON STATE ROAD 164 ONE MILE TO DILLARD ROAD AND TURN NORTH. FROM THE SOUTH, EAST AND WEST USE INTERSTATE 64, GO TO EXIT 79, TAKE STATE ROAD 37 NORTH TO STATE ROAD 64 TO STATE ROAD 145, THEN TO STATE ROAD 164.
Address
3084 N Dillard Rd
Birdseye, IN 47513
Coordinates
38.40598009 N
86.65350928 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
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
- 1 hr 12 min from Louisville, KY
- 1 hr 15 min from Owensboro, KY
- 1 hr 18 min from Evansville, IN
- 1 hr 27 min from Bloomington, IN
















































