Located about an hour from downtown Indianapolis, Hidden Paradise Campground in St. Paul gives families a quarry-swimming day trip with the option to turn it into a full camping weekend. The campground sits along Dream Lake and the Flat Rock River, with swimming, inflatables, paddle boating, kayaking, fishing, RV sites and cabin rentals all on the property.
The main draw is Dream Lake, a spring-fed quarry lake surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is not a polished water park with lazy rivers and locker-room tile. It is lake swimming with inflatables, life jackets, a dock and plenty of room for kids who want to bounce, climb, jump and ask for snacks 11 minutes after arriving.
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Quarry Swimming and Inflatable Fun at Dream Lake
Hidden Paradise Campground’s water park centers on a designated swimming area in Dream Lake, with inflatables on the lake and open swim space. Swimming is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with water activities available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
All swimmers must complete a waiver before swimming, and life jackets must be worn at all times. Families can bring their own life jackets or use the ones available at the campground.
The old parent warning still applies: cliff jumping is not part of the plan. This is a swim-and-play quarry, not a place to let anyone test their personal relationship with gravity.
Swimming Day Pass Pricing at Hidden Paradise Campground
Hidden Paradise lists separate swim rates for day visitors and overnight campers.
Day Pass Rates
- Ages 13 and older: $20
- Ages 4-12: $15
- Ages 3 and younger: Free
- Non-swimming adults: $10
Camper Swim Rates
- Ages 13 and older: $7
- Ages 4-12: $5
- Ages 3 and younger: Free
Swimming check-in is located inside the campground’s main office.
Flat Rock River Activities
The Flat Rock River runs along the campground’s north side, giving families another way to spend time on the water. Hidden Paradise rents kayaks for exploring the river and paddle boats for Dream Lake. The campground also lists river fishing as an activity.
Visitors who plan to paddle, fish or spend time near the river should check with the campground office for current rental availability and rules before heading out.
Overnight Camping and Cabin Rentals
Hidden Paradise Campground covers 80 acres and lists 183 RV sites and six cabin rentals. RV sites start at $55 per night for two adults and include kids. Additional adults are $16 per night. Sites include electricity, water and access to a dump station at departure, with limited sewer hookups available by phone.
RV check-in is at 2 p.m., and check-out is at 11 a.m. A two-night minimum stay is required on weekends, and a three-night minimum stay is required on holiday weekends. Payments are nonrefundable, but reservation dates may be changed up to 14 days in advance.
Cabin options include several one-bedroom cabins that start at $150 per night for two adults, plus the Hideaway Cabin at $175 per night for two adults. Additional adults are $10 per night for cabin stays. Cabins are air-conditioned, but families should check individual cabin details before booking because layouts, bathrooms, kitchens and linen requirements vary. Pets are welcome at the campground, but not inside cabin rentals.
Other Amenities at Hidden Paradise Campground
Beyond the lake and river, Hidden Paradise lists picnic areas, a playground, volleyball, basketball, hiking trails, a camp store and a pavilion. The campground also allows golf carts with proof of insurance, but does not allow dirt bikes, four-wheelers or electric bikes.
The pavilion near the main office is available to rent, though the campground notes that it is not available on holidays or after 5:30 p.m. Saturdays. Families can also ask at the main office about reserving a picnic table overlooking the swimming area.
Plan Your Visit to Hidden Paradise Campground
- Address: 802 E. Jefferson St., St. Paul, IN 47272
- Phone: 765-525-6582
- Office hours: Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Swimming season: Memorial Day to Labor Day
- Water activities: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Website: hiddenparadisecampground.com
Hidden Paradise is close enough for a long day trip from Indianapolis, but the campground setup makes more sense for families who want to swim, paddle, eat, sleep and do it again the next morning. Before driving over, check the official site or call the campground to confirm swim conditions, rental availability and any weather-related changes.
