Ohio River - Newburgh Pool
10 mi southeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
One of the projects essential in maintaining the Ohio River navigational channel. This area is along the Lewis and Clark route.
Outdoors
Picnic spots near Evansville
Day-use and picnic areas near Evansville on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
23picnic areas
10 mito the closest
3within 30 miles
April–June, August–Octoberbest months
Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.
Closest picks
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.
Ohio River - John T. Myers Lock and Dam
28 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
Located on the Ohio River about 3 miles downstream from Uniontown, Kentucky, at mile 846.0 below Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The navigation locks are located on the right bank or Indiana side of the river.
Map of all 23 places
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Within 30 miles (3)
Ohio River - Newburgh Pool
One of the projects essential in maintaining the Ohio River navigational channel. This area is along the Lewis and Clark route.
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Water sports
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
Ohio River - John T. Myers Lock and Dam
Located on the Ohio River about 3 miles downstream from Uniontown, Kentucky, at mile 846.0 below Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The navigation locks are located on the right bank or Indiana side of the river.
- Boating
- Picnicking
- Water sports
30 to 75 miles (9)
Ohio River - Cannelton Pool
Provides a usable pool for commercial boat traffic on the Ohio, and is popular with recreational boaters. This area is along the Lewis and Clark route.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
The British flag would not be raised above Fort Sackville Feb. 25, 1779. At 10 A.M., the garrison surrendered to American Colonel George Rogers Clark.
- History
- Picnicking
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
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
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
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
Ohio River - Smithland Pool
The Smithland Navigation Project is located on the Ohio River 918.5 River Miles below Point Bridge, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 62.5 miles upstream of the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.
- Fishing
- Picnicking
75 miles and farther (11)
Gun Creek
Gun Creek Campground is located on the eastern shore of Rend Lake— 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.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Water Access
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
Ohio River - McAlpine Pool
Provides a navigational channel between Louisville and Cincinnati that is an integral part of Ohio River navigation.
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
For over a century people from around the world have come to rural Central Kentucky to honor the humble beginnings of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.
- History
- Picnicking
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.
Get outside around Evansville
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Walking Tour Evansville Indiana USA
Walking Tour Evansville Indiana USA. A film shared by Roadside Perspectives.
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Questions
Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Evansville?
Ohio River - Newburgh Pool (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 10 miles southeast of Evansville as the crow flies. Next are Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area (26 mi) and Ohio River - John T. Myers Lock and Dam (28 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Evansville?
Based on Evansville’s average highs, April–June, August–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.