Deam Lake State Recreation Area
1,300 acres
Clark County
Borden, IN
Deam Lake is forest property designed for recreational activities. Under the multiple use concept, a variety of compatible activities are available. These include fishing, boating, swimming, camping, picnicking, hiking and hunting in designated areas. The 194-acre lake was constructed in 1965 and was named in honor of Charles Deam, Indiana's first state forester. Deam is best known for his book, Trees of Indiana, a comprehensive study of trees throughout the state. He was also instrumental in getting land set aside for what is now the Department of Natural Resources.
Deam's books Trees of Indiana and Shrubs of Indiana are available from the Historic Hoosier Hills RC & D. Books are $16 plus $3 shipping. To order, contact:
Historic Hoosier Hills Woodland Committee
P.O. Box 407
Versailles, IN 47042
Camping
Deam Lake has 116 class "A" campsites and an additional 68 class "A" sites in the horsemen's campground. The horsemen's campground has two short lead-outs to connect to the 80 miles of horse trails in Clark State Forest. Class "A" facilities include electrical hookup, modern restrooms/showers (at least one shower station wheelchair accessible), picnic table, fire ring and parking spur. Drinking water and a dump station are also available in the area.
Class A campsites will be available for reservation up to six months in advance by simply calling a toll-free telephone number or logging onto the Internet. Campers will be able to make reservations by calling, toll free, 1-866-6CAMPIN (1-866-622-6746) Monday through Thursday from Noon to 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday between 8 a.m. and noon E.S.T. They may also log onto the Internet 24 hours a day at http://www.camp.in.gov/.
Fishing/Boating/Swimming
194 acre lake; a valid Indiana fishing license is required. Boat launch ramp; boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only. Rowboat rental is available from mid-April through October. The swimming beach is available from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Restrooms, dressing facilities, showers and food concessions are available to visitors. A wheelchair ramp allows access to beach area. Rowboat rental is available.
Picnicking
There are picnic areas and a picnic shelterhouse available for day use. Picnic tables and grills are located at the picnic sites. Two playgrounds are located on the property: one near the nature center and one near the campground.
Hiking
Lake Vista Trail - 3 miles
Trail 1 - .6 mile
Trail 3 - 6 miles
Hikers are advised to wear hunter orange or other bright clothing while on trails during hunting season.
Mountain Bike Trails
Deam Lake S.R.A./Clark S.F. offers 5 miles of mountain bike trails. Mountain bikes are only permitted on those designated trails. View our publications page for further details and a trail map.
Nature Center
The Nature Center is now open year-round and operated by a full-time Naturalist. The Center is wheelchair accessible. There are Weekend Nature Walks on weekends through Labor Day.
The times are:
Saturday: 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Hunting
Whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, turkey, squirrel, fox and raccoon. A valid hunting license is required.
Address & Directions
Walt Zak, Property Manager
Jana Gold, Assistant Property Manager
Deam Lake State Recreation Area
1217 Deam Lake Road
Borden, IN 47106
(812) 246-5421
DeamLakeSRA@dnr.IN.gov
Located five miles southeast of New Providence (also known as Borden) on State Road 60; or nine miles northwest of Sellersburg on State Road 60.
