Who says a beach can’t be a car ride away? There are plenty of lakes and reservoirs with beaches near Indianapolis that are perfect day trip destinations. Some include boat rentals, water parks or even campgrounds. Use our guide below to find your family’s perfect nearby beach destination.
Related Article: 100 Things to do this Summer around Indy
Beaches Near Indianapolis:
Saxony Beach
Address: 13288 Pennington Road, Fishers
Phone: 317-595-3150
Cost: Free for Fishers residents; $5 for nonresidents and kids under 2 are free
The 300′ sandy beach is situated on beautiful 20-acre Saxony Lake. Outside food and coolers are permitted. Guests can swim, build sandcastles, rent kayaks or paddle boards, fish and more.
Morse Beach
Address: 19777 Morse Park Lane, Noblesville
Phone: 317-770-4403
Cost: $4.00 per person; kids 2 and under are free
Pool noodles, life jackets and floaties are allowed at the beach. Coolers are also allowed for an additional $4.
Related Article: A Day at Morse Beach and Park
Eagle Creek Park
Address: 7800 Eagle Beach Dr.
Phone: 317-327-7132
Cost: Youth ages 3–17, Seniors 55+: $4 weekday/$5 weekend, Adults ages 18–54: $5 weekday/$6 weekend
Believe it or not, there is a beach right here in central Indiana! On the east side of the park, you’ll find a small sandy beach with lifeguards on duty. A portion of the swimming area is 5-feet deep and another closed off area for children is nearly 3-feet. On land you can head over to the nearby playground, start a game of beach volleyball, visit the concession stand, or opt for your own picnic lunch. A large beach shelter is also available for rent to accommodate gatherings for up to 200 people.
Paynetown State Recreational Area
Address: 4850 S. State Road 446, Bloomington
Phone: 812-837-9546
Cost: $7 for in-state license plates; $9 for out-of-state license plates
This state-operated recreational area on the northeast side of Monroe Lake offers electric and non-electric camping, a beach, boat rental service, a marina with gas sales and a camp store.
Hidden Paradise Campgrounds
Address: 802 E Jefferson St, St Paul, IN 47272
Phone: 765-525-6582
Cost: Rates vary depending on activity. More info here.
Truly the water lovers paradise, Hidden Paradise Campground surrounds Dream Lake, offering tons of water fun in a designated swimming area within the quarry, including a floating trampoline, climbing rock, large slide and a series of lounging devices. Kayaks and canoes are available for exploring the Flat Rock River, or rent a paddle boat to explore the lake.
Hardin Ridge Recreation
Address: 6464 Hardin Ridge Rd, Heltonville
Phone: 812-837-9453
Cost: $5 per car
A 300-foot swimming beach on Lake Monroe offers a place for children to play and swimmers to sunbathe and enjoy the water. The beach offers a combination of sand and sun, with a shady grass-covered hillside above.
Cagles Mill Lake
Address: 1317 W. Lieber Road, Cloverdale
Phone: 765-795-4576
Cost: $7 for in-state cars; $9 for out-of-state cars
The pool at Cagles Mill Lake is closed for the summer, but there’s plenty more for families to enjoy. Enjoy the beach, go hiking, use the volleyball courts, go camping and more.
Tropicanoe Cove
Address: 1915 Scott Street Lafayette
Phone: 765-807-1531
Cost: $7 for guests under 48 inches; $9 for guests over 48; kids 2 and under are free
Kick off your shoes, grab your swimming suit and come experience a taste of the tropics in the heart of Indiana. Only Tropicanoe Cove offers the perfect blend of Hoosier hospitality with the pleasure of a watery paradise. From the spiraling Banana Peel tube slide to the leisurely Cattail Crik, you’re sure to find plenty of cool summertime fun for the entire family! Currently open at 50% capacity.
Mounds State Park
Address: 4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson
Phone: 765-642-6627
Cost: Dependent upon activity.
This summer, the outdoor pool at Mounds State Park will remain closed through 2021. However, beaches, big lakes, and state forest properties are open, and have adequate space for guests to practice social distancing on the sand and in grassy areas in most locations. Property and concession operated boat rentals are available that can get you out on the water in many locations as well.
Related Article: Hidden Gems: Mounds State Park
