Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area
26 mi northeast · Fish and Wildlife Service
The Patoka River in Southwest Indiana had long been recognized for its wetland and wildlife values on a local, statewide and regional basis.
Outdoors
Hiking near Evansville
National forests, parks, lakes and recreation areas with hiking trails near Evansville, closest first.
26places to hike
26 mito the closest
1within 30 miles
February–May, September–Decemberbest months
Good to know: Carry more water than you think you need, check the managing agency’s page for trail closures and fire restrictions, and start early on hot days.
Closest picks
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
31 mi east · National Park Service
Abraham Lincoln grew from youth to manhood on this southern Indiana soil. Many character and moral traits of one of the world's most respected leaders was formed and nurtured here.
Camp Cadiz Campground
48 mi southwest · USDA Forest Service
This campground is the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp. Somewhat off the beaten path Camp Cadiz is usually quiet and rarely do the campsites fill up; with the exception of turkey and deer hunting seasons.
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Within 30 miles (1)
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area
The Patoka River in Southwest Indiana had long been recognized for its wetland and wildlife values on a local, statewide and regional basis.
- Birding
- Boating
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
- Non-Motorized Boating
30 to 75 miles (13)
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Abraham Lincoln grew from youth to manhood on this southern Indiana soil. Many character and moral traits of one of the world's most respected leaders was formed and nurtured here.
- Hiking
- History
Camp Cadiz Campground
This campground is the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp. Somewhat off the beaten path Camp Cadiz is usually quiet and rarely do the campsites fill up; with the exception of turkey and deer hunting seasons.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
Saddle Lake Campground
The Saddle Lake Recreation Area was one of four that was associated with flood control lakes built along the Middle Fork of the Anderson River. Saddle Lake has a primitive campground, a boat ramp, and a hiking trail.
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Non-Motorized Boating
Tipsaw Lake
The Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area is located on the shores of its namesake lake in south-central Indiana's Hoosier National Forest. It offers camping, picnic areas, boating, swimming, hiking, biking and educational programs.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Swimming
German Ridge Campground
The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a 20 site campground, a 24-mile multiple use trail, a short hiking trail around a scenic lake and cliff area, a seasonal day use area for swimming and picnicking, and several historic buildings.
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
- Picnicking
Indian Celina Lake
The Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area is a tranquil getaway in the midst of the Hoosier National Forest.
- Boating
- Camping
- Hiking
- History
- Hunting
Patoka Lake
Patoka Lake: two pairs of bald eagles established nests during the spring of 1992 through 1997.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Shawnee National Forest
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Swimming
Buzzard Roost Campground
A scenic location for hiking and camping. Parking areas are available at the first trailhead access and at the picnic/camping spur. Tables, grills, garbage can, info board and a vault toilet are available at the camping area.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Observation Site
Rough River Lake
The 5,100 acre Rough River Lake provides a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The U.S.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Swimming
Hoosier National Forest
Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, provides a wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
Shirley Creek Campground
Shirley Creek is a primitive campground. There is no use fee at this site. Recreation Shirley Creek Campground offers access to the Shirley Creek Trail system for horseback riding, mountain bike riding, and hiking Facilities A primitive…
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
Youngs Creek Campground
A primitive campground with vault toilets, hitching racks, and a picnic shelter is available. Around 12 and half miles of trails are available for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.
- Backpacking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Mountain Biking
- Picnicking
75 miles and farther (12)
Barkley Lake
Lake Barkley was named for former Vice-President Alben Barkley. Land Between the Lakes (US Forest Service) and Fort Donelson National Military Park are on Lake Barkley?s western shore.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
North Marcum Day Use Area
North Marcum Day Use Area— the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events, and nature at its best. Rend Lake is made up of 20,633 acres of water and 19,523 acres of land.
- Archery
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
Rend Lake
Rend Lake, IL, located in the heart of southern Illinois, is a natural haven for wildlife and a recreational haven for visitors. Rend Lake consists of 18,900 acres of water and 20,000 acres of land.
- Boating
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established on August 5, 1947. The refuge is made up of 44,000 acres of land with a great diversity of flora and fauna.
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
Nolin River Lake
Nolin River Lake has an average annual visitation of over two million and maintains one of the lowest drowning rates in the State.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge
In 1998, Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge became the 549th National Wildlife Refuge in the Country. Located in far western Kentucky, the refuge encompasses of one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood forest in the region.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Nature education
Mammoth Cave National Park
Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World…
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
- Paddling
- Swimming
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge was authorized on June 26, 1990 under the Emergency Wetland Resources Act of 1986. The refuge will eventually encompass 35,000 acres.
- Archery
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
- Non-Motorized Boating
Ohio River - McAlpine Pool
Provides a navigational channel between Louisville and Cincinnati that is an integral part of Ohio River navigation.
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
"Fort Donelson will hereafter be marked in Capitals on the maps of our United Country..." Brigadier General Ulysses S.
- Biking
- Hiking
- History
- Wildlife viewing
Barren River Lake
The Barren River was the historic route for westward traveling pioneers. They would travel down the Barren River to a trading post at present-day Bowling Green, Kentucky, where their journey would proceed by land.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
- Water sports
Carlyle Lake
Water-oriented outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hunting. Expecially attractive to sailboaters. Illinois' largest lake.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Hotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
- Nature education
- Picnicking
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Evansville. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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Questions
Where is the closest place for hiking near Evansville?
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area (Fish and Wildlife Service), about 26 miles northeast of Evansville as the crow flies. Next are Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (31 mi) and Camp Cadiz Campground (48 mi).
When is the best time for hiking near Evansville?
Based on Evansville’s average highs, February–May, September–December. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.