Deam Lake Family Campground

For many Hoosiers across Indiana, the call of the great outdoors is a powerful one. Our state offers a diverse range of natural landscapes, from rolling farmlands to forested hills, providing ample opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing, and reconnecting with nature. If you're looking for a campground experience in Southern Indiana, Deam Lake Family Campground, nestled in Borden, is a well-known destination that draws many visitors. This article aims to provide a clear and factual overview of what you can expect at Deam Lake, drawing from publicly available information and real customer experiences, to help local users in Indiana plan their next outdoor adventure.

Deam Lake Family Campground is situated within the expansive Clark State Forest, offering a natural setting for camping and outdoor recreation in Borden, Indiana. The campground is centered around Deam Lake, a picturesque body of water that is a focal point for many of the park's activities. As a "Family Campground," it is designed to cater to a wide range of visitors, from solo campers to families with children, providing a structured environment for enjoying Indiana's natural beauty.

However, it's important for prospective campers to consider recent feedback from visitors. While some express a strong liking for the campground, mentioning its potential for a peaceful experience, others have highlighted specific concerns. These include ongoing maintenance issues with some restroom facilities (specifically, one near the playground remaining unfixed), the visual impact of an older, tarp-covered trailer that some find "trashy," and noise disruptions from early morning mowing or leaf blowing. Furthermore, the proximity to a shooting range has been noted, leading to gun noises that some find unrelaxing, especially for pets. While individual site experiences vary, with some offering full exposure to the sun, the presence of a pleasant staff member at the entrance booth is a consistent positive note. This blend of appealing natural surroundings and some operational challenges provides a realistic picture for those planning a visit.

Deam Lake Family Campground is located at Deam Lake Family Campground, Borden, IN 47106, USA. This address places the campground within the heart of Clark State Forest in Southern Indiana, offering a truly immersive natural experience. Borden is a small community in Clark County, providing a tranquil backdrop for outdoor activities.

The park's location offers a sense of seclusion while remaining reasonably accessible to major transportation routes and nearby towns. Borden itself offers limited local amenities, but for more comprehensive services, residents and visitors can easily travel to larger population centers. The city of New Albany, a bustling community along the Ohio River, is a relatively short drive south, offering a wide array of grocery stores, retail options, dining establishments, and medical facilities. Jeffersonville, another significant city in Southern Indiana, is also easily reachable.

Furthermore, the campground benefits from its proximity to major interstate highways. Interstate 65, a crucial north-south corridor, is accessible, facilitating travel to Louisville, Kentucky, which is just across the Ohio River, offering extensive urban amenities, attractions, and employment opportunities. Indianapolis is also reachable via I-65 for those traveling from further north. While the campground provides a deep connection to nature, its accessibility means campers are never too far from necessary supplies or urban conveniences, making it a practical choice for both local Indiana residents and those visiting from neighboring states.

Deam Lake Family Campground provides a range of services designed to support a traditional camping experience, though some specific aspects have drawn mixed feedback from visitors.

• Campsite Rentals: The primary service is the rental of individual campsites, accommodating both tents and RVs. The park offers a variety of site types, with some having tree cover and others being more exposed.
• Restroom Facilities: The campground offers restrooms, including shower houses, for campers' convenience. Reviews indicate that while showers provide warm water, some campers found them to be "a bit cramped," and one specific bathroom next to the playground has been noted as consistently unfixed.
• Playground Area: A playground is available, indicating the campground's family-friendly orientation, though the proximity and condition of the nearby restroom are a point of concern.
• Lake Access: Deam Lake itself is a central feature, offering opportunities for fishing and potentially non-motorized boating, though the specific services related to rentals or access points are not detailed in reviews.
• Staff Assistance: Feedback mentions a "pleasant man at front entrance booth," suggesting that staff are available at check-in points to provide information and assistance to campers.
• Grounds Maintenance: While mowing occurs, as noted by reviewers, it implies a service to keep the grass short. However, the timing and potential noise of this activity have been points of contention for some guests.
• Shelter in Storms (Concern): A review highlights a concern that the unfixed bathroom next to the playground would not provide adequate shelter during a bad storm, implying a lack of designated storm shelters as a readily available service.

Deam Lake Family Campground offers several features that attract campers, alongside some aspects that prospective visitors should be aware of.

• Picturesque Lake Setting: The presence of Deam Lake itself is a major highlight, offering scenic views and opportunities for water-based recreation like fishing and potentially non-motorized boating.
• Natural Forest Environment: Being situated within Clark State Forest, the campground provides a heavily wooded environment, appealing to nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
• Family-Friendly Focus: The inclusion of a playground area specifically caters to families with children, making it a suitable destination for a family camping trip.
• Accessibility to Southern Indiana Attractions: Its location allows for easy day trips to other Southern Indiana attractions, including additional state parks, historic sites, and potentially the larger cities along the Ohio River like New Albany and Jeffersonville.
• Pleasant Front Gate Staff: One consistent positive highlight is the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff at the front entrance, which contributes to a welcoming first impression for campers.
• Varied Campsite Options: The availability of different site types, from exposed to treed, offers some flexibility for campers based on their preferences for sun or shade.
• Proximity to Shooting Range (Note): A unique feature (though a drawback for some) is the nearby shooting range, which means gun noises can be heard, sometimes late into the evening. This is a point of consideration for those sensitive to noise or with pets.
• Maintenance and Aesthetic Concerns (Note): Visitors have noted specific issues like an unfixed bathroom near the playground and a "trashy" old trailer with a tarp, which detract from the overall aesthetic and functionality for some.

As a state park campground managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Deam Lake Family Campground typically operates on a standardized rate system rather than frequent commercial promotions or special offers. State parks generally focus on providing affordable access to natural resources.

However, campers should be aware of the standard pricing structure and any specific policies that might indirectly affect their cost or booking.

• Standard Site Fees: Camping fees are set by the IDNR and vary based on the type of site (e.g., electric hookup, non-electric) and potentially the season. These rates are generally published on the IDNR website.
• Reservation System: Booking sites in advance, especially during peak seasons (summer, holidays, weekends), is often recommended. While not a promotion, securing a desired site ensures availability.
• Annual Passes: For frequent visitors to Indiana State Parks, purchasing an Indiana State Parks Annual Pass can offer significant savings on entrance fees throughout the year, though it does not cover camping fees.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: Some campgrounds might have a limited number of first-come, first-served sites, which can be an option if reservations are full, but this is not a discount.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on camping fees, availability, and reservation procedures for Deam Lake Family Campground, prospective campers should always consult the official Indiana DNR website or contact the park directly. Any changes in pricing or specific offerings would be communicated through these official channels.

For all inquiries regarding reservations, availability, specific campsite features, or any other questions about Deam Lake Family Campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: Deam Lake Family Campground, Borden, IN 47106, USA

Given it is a state park property, the most reliable way to obtain specific information and make reservations is often through the official state park system.

Official Indiana DNR Website: (Search for "Deam Lake State Recreation Area" or "Clark State Forest")

Park Office Phone: While a direct phone number for the campground manager isn't publicly listed, the main phone number for Clark State Forest, under which Deam Lake falls, would be the primary contact. A search for "Clark State Forest Office" typically yields: (812) 294-4306.

It is highly recommended to call the park office directly, especially before your trip, to confirm specific details about campsite conditions, restroom functionality, or any noise concerns, particularly if these are important factors for your comfort.

For Hoosiers across Indiana, Deam Lake Family Campground in Borden offers a suitable and accessible option for enjoying the state's natural beauty, particularly for those seeking a tranquil lake setting. While some aspects warrant careful consideration, its core offerings align well with the desires of many local campers.

The primary appeal lies in its immersive natural environment within Clark State Forest and around the beautiful Deam Lake. This provides excellent opportunities for classic outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and simply enjoying the peace of the woods. For families, the presence of a playground underscores its suitability for a family-friendly getaway, allowing children to enjoy outdoor play. The campground's location in Southern Indiana, with relatively easy access to major interstate highways, makes it a convenient destination for residents from across the state and especially those in the southern counties.

It's important for locals to set expectations based on recent feedback. While general cleanliness is noted, being aware of specific ongoing maintenance issues in certain facilities and the potential for noise from ground maintenance or a distant shooting range allows campers to choose sites accordingly (e.g., opting for more treed sites if available for shade or noise buffering). Despite these points, the pleasant interaction with staff at the entrance suggests a welcoming atmosphere, which is always a plus. For Indiana residents seeking an affordable, nature-focused camping experience with activities centered around a lake, Deam Lake Family Campground remains a viable and enjoyable option, provided they consider all aspects for a well-prepared visit.