lakes

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. Note: Most Beaches in Indiana open on Memorial Day weekend. Make sure to check with the location for exact dates and hours. Related Article: 100+ Things to do this Summer around Indy Beaches Near Indianapolis: Discover the best beaches close to Indianapolis for the perfect summer day. 1. Eagle Creek Park Beach Address: 7840 W 56th St, Indianapolis Cost: Marion County vehicle: $6, Non-Marion County vehicle: $7 Eagle Creek Park Beach in Indianapolis features a 1,400-foot sandy shoreline for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding, with rentals available. For 2025, Marion County vehicles pay $6, non-county vehicles $7, and the beach is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM during its Memorial Day to Labor Day peak season. Note that pets are not allowed in the beach area. 2. Morse Beach Address: 19777 Morse Park Lane, Noblesville Phone: 317-770-4403 Cost: $6.00 per person; kids 2 and under are free Morse Beach in Noblesville opens for the 2025 season on May 31st, operating daily from 12 PM to 6 PM. Admission is $6 per person (kids 2 and under free), with an additional $3 fee for coolers. Visitors can enjoy swimming, disc golf, fishing, and volleyball, but only Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are permitted. Related Article: A Day at Morse Beach and Park 3. Geist Waterfront Park Address: 10811 Olio Road, Fishers Cost: Free for Fishers residents. Non-residents will need a day parking pass, which is $25. Geist Waterfront Park, Indy's newest beach, offers sandy shores, a pirate-themed playground, and a non-motorized boat launch for kayaks and paddleboards. For 2025, Fishers residents enter free, while non-residents pay a $25 parking pass during peak hours (Saturdays/Sundays 1-6 PM, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day). The beach is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM during the seasonal period (Memorial Day-Labor Day), and it is a cashless facility. 4. Pine Lake Water Park Address: 4640 Indiana Highway 218, Berne, Indiana 46711 Phone: (260) 334-5649 Cost: Ages 10+ $10, Ages 4-9 $8, Under 4 FREE Pine Lake Water Park, a family-run business since 1922, opens for 2025 on May 24th, offering a large beach area and attractions like slides, jumps, and a splash pad. Admission is $10 for ages 10+, $8 for ages 4-9, and free for under 4, with hours generally 10 AM - 8 PM (Mon-Sat) and 12 PM - 8 PM (Sun). Note that some attractions and concessions begin closing around 6 PM. Pine Lake 5. 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 Situated on the northeast side of Monroe Lake, this state-operated recreational area provides both electric and non-electric camping options along with a beach. Additionally, visitors can enjoy boat rental services, a marina with gas sales, and a camp store for their convenience. Monroe Lake. Photo credit: www.facebook.com/monroelake 6. 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. Hidden Paradise Campground is truly a water lover's paradise, as it surrounds Dream Lake and offers a plethora of aquatic activities. Guests can enjoy a floating trampoline, climbing rock, large slide, and various lounging devices within the quarry's designated swimming area. Kayaks and canoes are available for exploring the Flat Rock River, or rent a paddle boat to explore the lake. Related Article: 5 Best Places to go Camping near Indianapolis 7. Hardin Ridge Recreation Address: 6464 Hardin Ridge Rd, Heltonville Phone: 812-837-9453 Cost: $8 per car A 300-foot sandy 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. As of May 20, 2025, the beach is closed until further notice due to high water levels; visitors should call (812) 837-9453 for updates. Hardin Ridge at Lake Monroe 8. 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 Enjoy the beach, go hiking, use the volleyball courts, go camping and more. Cagles Mill Lake. Photo credit: www.facebook.com/caglesmilllake 9. Indiana Dunes Location: Porter, IN Cost: National Park: $25/car; State Park: $7/car with with Indiana license plates; $12 - noncommercial vehicles with out-of-state license plates Indiana Dunes, encompassing both National and State Parks, offers 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline for swimming and sunbathing, alongside towering dunes and diverse ecosystems for hiking. National Park fees are $25/vehicle, while State Park fees are $7 for in-state and $12 for out-of-state vehicles. Both parks have varying hours, and dogs are not allowed on the State Park beach. indiana dunes

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Top 9 Beaches Near Indianapolis for Summer Fun (2025)

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