Deam Lake State Recreation Area

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Deam Lake State Recreation Area
Deam Lake is a 194-acre lake. Named after Charles C. Deam, the facility has a swimming beach with shower and bathhouse facilities, a handicap ramp and a food concession stand. There is lake access for boating via a boat ramp. Motor boats are limited to the use of an electric trolling motor. Rowboat rentals are available during the summer season.
Charles Deam (August 30, 1865 - May 29, 1953)
Charles Deam entered life on a farm near Bluffton in Wells County, Indiana. His father taught him about plants as he grew up, spurring his lifelong interest in botany. He attended DePauw University, but had to leave after his second year because he could not afford the tuition. He got a job as clerk in a pharmacy where the long hours led to exhaustion and high stress. His doctor recommended long walks in the forest to relieve the stress. On these walks, Deam studied the plants and collected specimens. His interest and collection grew and his collection soared to over 78,000 plants. Indiana University acquired his plant collection and Deam joined the Academy of Sciences in Indiana. Indiana Governor Harold W. Handley became aware of Deam’s work and appointed him as Indiana's first State Forester in 1909. He moved to Clark State Forest to create an experimental forest laboratory. It was at his insistence that the State add an additional 2000 acres to the park. His work had lasting consequences on forestry in Indiana and visitors can still see many of his experimental plantings. The Charles C. Deam Wilderness and Deam Lake State Recreation Area are named in his honor.
Multi-Use Facility
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has classified Deam Lake as a multi-use property. This means that a multitude of outdoor activities can be going on at the same time. These activities include swimming, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, boating, picnicking, fishing and camping. There are designated hunting areas in the facility, away from the other recreational activities. A visit to this Indiana State place is rich with outdoor experiences.
Hiking Trails
There are a number of different kinds of forest trails at Deam Lake. The four hiking trails cover a variety of terrain and total almost seven miles. There are almost eighty miles of horse trails and five miles of mountain bike trails.
Camping
Camping facilities include a horseman's camp and 116 Class A campsites. Class "A" facilities include electrical hookup, modern restrooms/showers (at least one shower station wheelchair accessible), picnic table, fire ring and parking spur. Drinking water and a dump station are also available in the area.
Picnicking
There are several picnic areas located around the facility, many with shelters. This southern Indiana Park is a great place to visit.
Deam Lake State Recreation Area
1217 Deam Lake Road
Borden, IN 47106
(812) 246-5421