Lake Waveland

Are you an Indiana local looking for a spacious lakeside retreat where you can enjoy a variety of water activities and the simple pleasures of camping? Lake Waveland, nestled in the scenic southwest of Montgomery County at 11677 IN-47, Waveland, IN 47989, offers a sprawling recreational oasis that has been cherished by locals and visitors alike. Spanning 360 acres, this beautiful lake is the centerpiece of the 248-acre Lake Waveland Park, creating over 600 acres of outdoor enjoyment. It’s a place where the water is open for adventure, and the natural surroundings invite you to unwind and reconnect with the Hoosier outdoors.

Lake Waveland was conceived and created by a dedicated group of residents and nature enthusiasts, born from a vision to fulfill the need for a tranquil waterbody in the area. Today, it stands as a testament to collaborative efforts, with the conservancy district, park board, and state wildlife division working harmoniously to maintain and enhance this recreational haven. Whether you’re a passionate angler, a water sports enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil escape to camp and relax by the water, Lake Waveland promises a fulfilling experience amidst nature’s bounty. While some past reviews may highlight areas for improvement, newer perspectives suggest a positive trajectory and ongoing enhancements, making it a place to watch for future developments.

Lake Waveland is conveniently located at 11677 IN-47, Waveland, IN 47989, USA. This address places it directly off a major state road, IN-47, making it easily accessible for Indiana residents from various parts of the state. Its position in the scenic southwest of Montgomery County, close to the Parke County line, means it’s within a reasonable driving distance for many Hoosiers seeking a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

The park’s location offers a balanced experience of natural immersion and practical convenience. While it provides ample space for outdoor activities and a sense of escape, the nearby town of Waveland complements the lakeside experience by offering essential camping supplies. Furthermore, the charming town of Crawfordsville is a short distance away, boasting a rich historical legacy with sites like the General Lew Wallace Study & Museum and the unique Rotary Jail Museum, offering opportunities for cultural exploration beyond the park. The well-maintained roads leading to Lake Waveland contribute to a smooth journey, ensuring that your arrival is as relaxing as your stay.

Lake Waveland and its park facilities aim to provide a wide range of services to enhance the visitor experience. While specific details can evolve, the park traditionally offers the following amenities based on available public information:

• Campsites: The park offers a mix of camping options, including both modern (with electric hookups) and primitive campsites. Some sources indicate there are over 150 campsites in total, with intentions to build additional rental cabins in the future.

• Boat Ramp: A dedicated boat ramp provides easy access to the 360-acre lake for personal watercraft.

• Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach allows visitors to cool off and enjoy the lake safely during warm weather.

• Shower Houses and Restrooms: The park has historically maintained two shower houses and restroom facilities for campers' convenience, though upkeep can vary over time.

• On-site Bait Shop and Camp Store: Traditionally, a bait shop and camp store were available for essential needs, though one recent review suggested the camp store might be closed. It's advisable to verify current operational status.

• Dump Station: For RV users, a sanitary dump station is available for waste disposal.

• Picnic Areas: Various picnic areas are available throughout the park, often equipped with picnic tables and fire rings.

• Playground Facilities: While one review mentioned a rundown playground, historical information indicates playground equipment, offering a designated area for children's recreation. Recent positive updates suggest potential improvements in park infrastructure are underway.

• Sports Courts: The park has offered sports courts for activities such as tennis and basketball, providing opportunities for active recreation.

Lake Waveland boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Indiana. Despite some mixed reviews regarding maintenance in the past, positive recent feedback and ongoing efforts suggest an improving experience:

• Unrestricted Boating on a Large Lake: A significant highlight is the 360-acre lake itself, which allows unrestricted boating. This means visitors can enjoy a wide array of water activities including power boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and pontooning. Its irregular shoreline is ideal for exploring nature from the water.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lake Waveland is renowned as a fishing haven, boasting abundant populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, muskie, crappie, sunfish, and catfish. It's considered one of the best bass fishing lakes in the state, with bass fishing tournaments being a regular affair. The lake's diverse structure, including flats, deep banks, and fallen trees, provides a rich fishing experience from both shore and boat.

• Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach offers a safe and enjoyable spot for families to cool off during the warmer months, providing a classic lakeside recreation experience.

• Diverse Camping Options: With over 150 campsites, including both modern (with electric hookups) and primitive sites, Lake Waveland caters to a variety of camping styles. There are also plans for additional rental cabins.

• Wildlife and Birdlife Viewing: The wooded areas surrounding the lake attract a diverse array of birdlife and waterfowl, including bald eagles, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and birding.

• Proximity to Other State Parks: Lake Waveland is conveniently located close to both Turkey Run and Shades State Park, allowing visitors to easily extend their outdoor adventures to explore more of Indiana's renowned natural attractions.

• Ongoing Improvements and Future Plans: While some older reviews highlight areas needing attention, newer feedback indicates that "They're starting to do some really cool stuff there!!! 2025 is gonna be great for this place to Fish!!!" This suggests active efforts to enhance the park's facilities and offerings, including plans for a proposed "frisbee golf" course and refurbished ATV facilities.

• Family-Friendly Events: The 600-acre property hosts various family-friendly events throughout the year, such as an Easter Egg Hunt, Hot Air Balloon & Touch a Truck Show, Classic Car Show, and Haunted Halloween Celebration, adding extra appeal for local families.

As a public park, Lake Waveland typically offers standardized rates for its camping and recreational services. While specific, ongoing promotions are not widely advertised, locals looking to visit should be aware of general park policies and potential ways to save:

• Daily Entrance Fees: Visitors typically pay a vehicle entrance fee to access Lake Waveland Park. Inquiring about annual passes or frequent visitor programs might be beneficial if you plan multiple visits throughout the year.

• Camping Rates: Camping fees are set by the park management and can vary based on the type of site (primitive, electric, full hookup) and the season. It’s always best to call ahead for current rates.

• Group Rates: For larger groups, it might be worth inquiring if any group camping rates or discounts are available, though this is not consistently offered.

• Seasonal Events: Keep an eye on the park's official social media pages or website for announcements of special events that might include discounted activities or specific promotions tied to festivals, fishing tournaments, or other gatherings.

Given the mixed feedback in some older reviews, it is strongly advised for potential visitors to contact the park directly for the most up-to-date information on facilities, services, and any current conditions or ongoing improvements. This will help manage expectations and ensure a pleasant visit.

To inquire about camping, boating, or any other amenities at Lake Waveland, please use the following contact information:

• Address: 11677 IN-47, Waveland, IN 47989, USA

• Phone: (765) 435-2073

• Mobile Phone: +1 765-435-2073

Calling ahead is highly recommended, especially to confirm campsite availability, current operating hours for facilities (like the camp store or shower houses), and any specific park rules or conditions. The staff can provide the most current information, which is particularly useful given the indication of ongoing improvements and developments at the park. This direct communication will help ensure your trip to Lake Waveland is as enjoyable and prepared as possible.

Lake Waveland presents a compelling opportunity for Indiana locals seeking a diverse outdoor experience right in their own state. Despite some older, concerning reviews regarding maintenance and safety, more recent feedback points towards positive developments and ongoing improvements, with one reviewer enthusiastically stating, "They're starting to do some really cool stuff there!!! 2025 is gonna be great for this place to Fish!!!!" This suggests a renewed focus on enhancing the park's facilities and overall visitor experience.

The core appeal for Hoosiers lies in the expansive 360-acre lake with its unrestricted boating, making it a fantastic destination for all types of water sports, from powerboating to peaceful kayaking. Its reputation as an excellent fishing lake, particularly for bass, provides a significant draw for anglers. The availability of both modern and primitive campsites, along with a swimming beach, means there's something for every type of camper. While past issues like unmarked sites and rundown amenities were noted, the emphasis on current and future improvements, alongside the existing natural beauty and recreational offerings, signals a promising trajectory for Lake Waveland.

For Indiana residents who are flexible and willing to explore a park that is actively working towards improvement, Lake Waveland offers a valuable and accessible lakeside escape. Its proximity to other major state parks and local attractions also provides additional recreational opportunities. Ultimately, Lake Waveland is suitable for locals seeking a robust outdoor experience with a focus on water activities and fishing, especially those who appreciate a destination that is evolving and investing in its future.