Outdoors
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Evansville where swimming is allowed on public land.
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
50 mi east · USDA Forest Service
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.
62 mi southeast · US Army Corps of Engineers
The 5,100 acre Rough River Lake provides a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The U.S.
Map of 13 places loads as you scroll.
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.
The 5,100 acre Rough River Lake provides a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The U.S.
Axtel Campground is located on the shore of Rough River Lake in south central Kentucky.
Laurel Branch Campground is located on the shore of Rough River Lake in south central Kentucky.
North Fork Campground is located on the shore of Rough River Lake in south central Kentucky.
Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, provides a wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy.
Old Kuttawa Recreation Area is on the northern shores of Lake Barkley, near the narrow canal linking it to Kentucky Lake. Together, these two reservoirs combine to create one of the greatest freshwater recreation areas in the country.
Eureka Campground sits on Lake Barkley among wooded rolling hills and abundant wildlife. Fishing is a well-loved sport here; Kentucky's largest yellow bass was caught in these waters, and anglers flock with hopes of breaking the record.
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.
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.
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…
Water-oriented outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hunting. Expecially attractive to sailboaters. Illinois' largest lake.
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.
A WALK AROUND TOWN
Walking Tour Evansville Indiana USA. A film shared by Roadside Perspectives.
Watch on YouTube ↗Tipsaw Lake (USDA Forest Service), about 50 miles east of Evansville as the crow flies. Next are Shawnee National Forest (58 mi) and Rough River Lake (62 mi).
Based on Evansville’s average highs, May–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.