Who says a beach can’t be a car ride away? All around Indy are local “beaches”- aka lakes and reservoirs with shores- that are perfect day trip destinations. Some include boat rentals, waterparks, or even campgrounds. Use the IC guide below to pick out the perfect beach destination.
Beaches near Indianapolis:
Morse Beach
Address: 19777 Morse Park Ln Noblesville, Indiana
Phone: 317-770-4403
Cost: 2 & under free, $4 for beach and shallow access, and $8 for beach and AquaAdventure Access.
Description: Morse Beach, IN is an aquatic adventure park with swimming, inflatable water activities, special programs and much more.
Morse Beach; Photo Credit: Facebook.com/morsebeachaquaadventurepark
Eagle Creek Park
Address: 5901 Delong Rd Indianapolis, IN 46254
Phone: (317)327-7148
Cost: Park admission is $5/car for Marion County residents ($6/car for out of county) and $15/bus. $3 for biker or hiker.
Description: Eagle Creek has a wide variety of facilities and programs, including two nature centers (the Earth Discovery Center and the Ornithology Center), a swimming beach, a marina, hiking trails, playgrounds, canine companion zone, picnic shelters, and much more!
Saxony Beach
Address: 13288 Pennington Rd. Fishers, IN
Phone: 317-770-1818
Cost: Free for Fishers residents and $1 for nonresidents
Description: From swimming to sand castle building, there is fun for the entire family at Saxony Lake & Beach. Feeling adventurous? Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board. Looking for something a little more leisurely? Saxony Lake is fully stocked and welcomes anglers. Need some time to decide? Clear your mind by taking a stroll on the trail around the lake.
Saxony Beach; Photo Credit: saxony-indiana.com/lake-beach.html
Paynetown State Recreational Area
Address: 4850 IN-446, Bloomington, IN 47401
Phone: (812) 837-9546
Cost: $7 for instate cars and $9 for out of state cars.
Description: 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: Kids 4-12 are $7 and 13 and older are $10. Rates vary depending on activity.
Description: Truly the water lovers paradise, Hidden Paradise Campground surrounds Dream Lake, offering “Water Fun” in a designated swimming area within the Quarry with a Floating Trampoline, Climbing Rock, Large Slide and a series of lounging devices; Along with Swimming of course! Fun for the whole family!Kayaks and Canoes are available for exploring the Flat Rock River, or rent a Paddle Boat to explore the lake.
Hidden Paradise Campgrounds; Photo Credit: hiddenparadise.info
Hardin Ridge Recreation
Address: 6464 Hardin Ridge Rd, Heltonville, IN 47436
Phone: (812)837-9453
Cost: $5 per car
Description: 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, Suite 1 Cloverdale, IN 46120
Phone: (765) 795-4576
Cost: $5 per car
Description: The state of the art Aquatic Center is open during the Memorial Day to Labor Day recreation season. The Aquatic Center has a zero entrance pool, water bubblers and a tornado water slide. There are also shelters, a volleyball court and a playground. Other family fun opportunities include hiking trails, boat access to Cagles Mill Lake and a campground.
Tropicanoe Cove
Address: 1915 Scott Street Lafayette, IN 47904
Phone: (765) 807-1531
Cost: Guests under 48 inches are $6 and guests over 48 inches are $7. $2 for people who are “just watching”.
Description: 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!
Mounds State Park
Address: 4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson, IN 46017
Phone: (765) 642-6627
Cost: Dependent upon activity.
Description: Mounds State Park, located off I-69 east of Anderson, features 10 unique earthworks built by prehistoric Indians known as the Adena-Hopewell people. The largest earthwork, the Great Mound, is believed to have been constructed around 160 B.C. Archaeological surveys indicate the mounds were used as gathering places for religious ceremonies, from where astronomical alignments could be viewed.
