Deer's Mill Inc

For many Indiana locals, the call of the outdoors leads to the serene and adventurous waters of Sugar Creek. Nestled at 8295 IN-234, Waveland, IN 47989, USA, you'll find Deer's Mill Inc., a beloved local institution operating as Clements Canoes Outdoor Center. This destination isn't just a campground; it’s a comprehensive outdoor center that has been serving the community for over 60 years, dedicated to providing "the finest on Sugar Creek." It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of West Central Indiana, offering a perfect blend of rustic charm and exciting recreational activities.

Deer's Mill Inc. is primarily known for its incredible access to Sugar Creek, making it a prime spot for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing adventures. But beyond the water, it offers various overnight accommodations, including primitive tent camping and cabin rentals, catering to different preferences for an outdoor stay. What sets this location apart, as customer reviews attest, is the guaranteed "awesome time" and the friendly, knowledgeable staff who ensure a safe and memorable experience. It's a place where families have made traditions for decades, enjoying the natural environment and the convenience of being "home" right after their river excursions. Whether you're planning a thrilling day on the water or a peaceful night under the stars, Deer's Mill Inc. provides a welcoming and well-regarded base for your Indiana outdoor pursuits.

Deer's Mill Inc. is conveniently located at 8295 IN-234, Waveland, IN 47989, USA. This address places it in the heart of Parke County, a region famously known as the "Covered Bridge Capital of the World," and directly on the banks of the scenic Sugar Creek. The property is uniquely situated next to the historic Deer's Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1878, adding a picturesque and historical element to your visit.

For Indiana residents, the location is remarkably accessible. Waveland is a small, charming town, but its proximity to major state roads makes reaching Deer's Mill Inc. straightforward. It's an easy drive from larger cities in Indiana, such as Indianapolis (approximately an hour's drive west) and Terre Haute (about a 45-minute drive northeast). State Road 234 provides direct access to the facility, and ample signage guides visitors to the entrance. The center's prime spot allows for seamless transitions between land and water activities, with the camping area, known as "The Canyon," located just across Sugar Creek from the Deer's Mill Livery. This means after a day of tubing or canoeing, you can simply walk across the bridge back to your campsite or cabin, eliminating the need for further driving. While cell phone service and Wi-Fi might be limited in this natural setting (requiring a short drive for better signal), this contributes to the desired "unplugged" experience. The excellent accessibility and its natural beauty make Deer's Mill Inc. an ideal local destination for Hoosiers seeking adventure and tranquility.

• Primitive Tent Camping: Deer's Mill Inc. offers primitive tent campsites within "The Canyon" campground. These sites are located on ten wooded acres facing a spectacular 150-foot rock bluff along Sugar Creek. They are designed for a rustic experience, but include essential amenities. Campsites are available for various group sizes.
• Cabin Rentals: For those who prefer more comfort, two styles of cabins are available: rustic camp cabins in The Canyon campground and log camp cabins located on the ridge above the Deer's Mill Livery. These provide an alternative to tent camping, with some offering amenities like air conditioning (in modern restrooms for primitive camping) and basic furnishings.
• Canoe, Kayak, and Tube Rentals: As Clements Canoes Outdoor Center, their primary service is providing equipment rentals and shuttle services for trips on Sugar Creek. Options include full-day 10 or 15-mile trips, shorter 4 and 5-mile trips, and even overnight 20, 25, and 30-mile excursions.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Despite being a primitive campground, The Canyon provides air-conditioned modern restrooms with showers, ensuring comfort for campers.
• Camp Store: A well-stocked camp store is located at The Canyon campground. It offers a variety of grocery items, ice, firewood, camp supplies, souvenirs, and even fishing licenses.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Shuttle Service: For water excursions, Clements Canoes Outdoor Center provides convenient shuttle services to various put-in and take-out points along Sugar Creek.
• Designated Parking: Parking is available in designated areas, ensuring convenience for campers and day visitors.
• After-Hours Check-in: While reservations are recommended, specific after-hours check-in procedures are typically communicated upon booking.

• Prime Sugar Creek Access: Deer's Mill Inc. boasts direct and unparalleled access to Sugar Creek, renowned for its scenic beauty and ideal conditions for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. This is the core highlight, offering various trip lengths to suit all preferences.
• Historic Deer's Mill Covered Bridge: The campground is situated adjacent to the iconic Deer's Mill Covered Bridge, a historic structure built in 1878. This provides a picturesque backdrop and easy access for photos and exploration, adding a touch of Indiana history to your visit.
• Proximity to Shades State Park: Located very close to Shades State Park, campers can easily access its rugged hiking trails, deep ravines, and stunning natural formations, expanding their outdoor adventure options beyond Sugar Creek.
• Scenic "The Canyon" Campground: The primitive tent campsites are nestled within "The Canyon," a ten-acre wooded area facing a spectacular 150-foot rock bluff above Sugar Creek, offering unique and breathtaking views directly from your campsite.
• Variety of Accommodations: From rustic tent camping to two styles of comfortable cabin rentals, Deer's Mill Inc. caters to different preferences and budgets, ensuring a suitable overnight option for almost everyone.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With a long-standing reputation (over 61 years) for providing quality outdoor experiences, the center is a popular choice for families and groups, fostering a welcoming and safe environment for all ages, as noted by long-time customers.
• Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: Reviews consistently highlight the very friendly and knowledgeable staff who are dedicated to helping visitors have the "best vacation" and are often willing to go the extra mile (e.g., helping with locked keys or dead batteries).
• Camp Store Convenience: The on-site camp store ensures campers have ready access to essential supplies like groceries, ice, firewood, and even fishing licenses, reducing the need to leave the park for necessities.
• Group-Friendly Facilities: The availability of campsites for all sizes of groups and the general atmosphere make it an excellent choice for family reunions, scout trips, or "girls' weekends," as one reviewer noted.

While Deer's Mill Inc., operating as Clements Canoes Outdoor Center, doesn't typically advertise widespread, publicly listed discount codes, they do have several policies and offerings that act as practical benefits and incentives for campers and adventurers. Since they focus on personalized service and direct bookings, inquiries about special rates are often best made by contacting them directly. Here's what is generally known:

• Reservation Requirements and Benefits: Reservations are required for all October dates, and holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day) typically require a two-night minimum stay. While this isn't a "promotion," it ensures a guaranteed spot during peak times and suggests that pre-payment for reservations is a standard practice, which can sometimes lead to smoother check-in processes.
• Pricing Structure: Camping rates are set per person per night, with different rates for those aged 13 and over versus those aged 12 and under. There is also a slight price difference between "With Reservation" and "Without Reservation" rates, encouraging advance booking. For example, "With Reservation: Age 13 and over: $14.00 + tax per person per night. Age 12 and under: $8.00 + tax per person per night." whereas "Without Reservation: Any age: $17.00 + tax per person per night." This built-in incentive encourages planning ahead.
• Group Accommodations: While not a specific discount, the availability of sites for "all sizes of groups" suggests flexibility and the ability to accommodate larger parties efficiently, which can be a valuable offering for group organizers.
• Cabin Rental Options: The choice between rustic camp cabins and log camp cabins caters to different budgets and preferences, offering a spectrum of comfort levels without necessarily being a promotional "offer" but providing options that fit various needs.
• Return Customer Focus: The center's stated goal is to "be our customer for life!" and many reviews attest to families returning for decades. This emphasis on customer loyalty implies that a consistently positive experience is their primary "promotion," encouraging repeat visits rather than one-off discounts.

For any specific inquiries about potential group rates, off-season specials, or deals on multi-day packages combining camping and river trips, it is always best to directly contact Deer's Mill Inc. / Clements Canoes Outdoor Center via phone.

To plan your visit, make reservations for camping or cabin stays, or book a canoe/kayak/tubing trip on Sugar Creek, you can reach Deer's Mill Inc. (Clements Canoes Outdoor Center) using the following contact details:

• Address: 8295 IN-234, Waveland, IN 47989, USA
• Phone: (765) 435-7270 (This is the primary listed phone number for Deer's Mill Inc.)
• Alternatively, another number associated with Clements Canoes Outdoor Center is: (765) 435-2070
• Website: You can find more information and possibly make reservations through their official website, which is typically clementscanoes.com or deersmill.com (which redirects to clementscanoes.com).

Given the popularity of Sugar Creek recreation and the limited season for camping and water activities (typically May to October), it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.

For Indiana locals, Deer's Mill Inc. (Clements Canoes Outdoor Center) at 8295 IN-234 in Waveland represents an ideal and cherished outdoor escape that embodies the spirit of Hoosier recreation. Its strategic location directly on Sugar Creek and adjacent to the historic Deer's Mill Covered Bridge offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventurous activities, and historical charm, all within a convenient drive for most residents across the state.

What makes this destination exceptionally suitable for locals is its deep-rooted history of serving the community. Generations of Indiana families have made annual traditions of tubing, canoeing, and camping here, drawn by the promise of "awesome time" and the consistently friendly and helpful staff. This long-standing commitment to customer satisfaction creates a welcoming and familiar atmosphere, where visitors feel like part of the family, as many long-term customers attest. The primitive tent camping options provide an authentic back-to-nature experience for those looking to truly unplug, while the cabin rentals offer a comfortable alternative for those who prefer a bit more amenity.

The immediate access to Sugar Creek for various water sports, coupled with the close proximity to iconic Indiana State Parks like Shades and Turkey Run, means there's an endless array of outdoor activities to enjoy, from exhilarating paddles to challenging hikes. This makes Deer's Mill Inc. a versatile destination that can cater to a range of interests, from thrill-seekers to those simply looking for peaceful relaxation amidst scenic beauty. In essence, Deer's Mill Inc. is more than just a campground; it’s a living testament to Indiana's outdoor heritage, providing a reliable, fun, and memorable local escape that allows Hoosiers to reconnect with nature and create cherished memories close to home.