THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
State Park · IN

Whitewater Memorial State Park

Whitewater Memorial State Park offers diverse outdoor recreation across forested hills and a large reservoir, attracting visitors for hiking, camping, fishing, and water activities in southeastern Indiana.

State Park2,7504+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

2,750

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Whitewater Memorial State Park

Whitewater Memorial State Park offers diverse outdoor recreation across forested hills and a large reservoir, attracting visitors for hiking, camping, fishing, and water activities in southeastern Indiana.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in southeastern Indiana near the Ohio border, Whitewater Memorial State Park protects over 2,600 acres of mixed hardwood forests, rolling hills, and open water on Brookville Lake, one of the largest reservoirs in the state. Created in the 1940s alongside the construction of Brookville Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the park serves as both a recreational hub and a habitat for native wildlife, including deer, wild turkey, and bald eagles during winter months. Visitors enjoy a variety of year-round activities including hiking more than 20 miles of trails that wind through forests and along the lake shore, multiple campgrounds offering tent and RV sites, and a large marina providing access for boating and fishing. The park is notable for its scenic overlooks of the lake and forested valleys, as well as its historical ties to the Miami and Delaware tribes who inhabited the region before European settlement. Anglers target species like bass, crappie, and catfish, while bird watchers appreciate the diverse species especially during spring and fall migrations. Winter offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities on maintained trails. Its proximity to the nearby towns of Brookville and Liberty makes it accessible for day trips as well as extended stays. The combination of lake-based recreation, forested trails, and developed campgrounds make Whitewater Memorial State Park a popular destination for families, anglers, hikers, and paddlers alike.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Whitewater Memorial State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Indian Boundary Campground Near Knoxville★ 7.8⌖ 19 miCamping
Knoxville

Indian Boundary Campground Near Knoxville

Indian Boundary Campground, located 30 miles from Knoxville, features 100 campsites and a picturesque lake. Enjoy easy hiking trails, fishing, and serene mountain views. Ideal for family camping in spring and fall.

Elkmont Campground in Knoxville★ 7.8⌖ 19 miCamping
Knoxville

Elkmont Campground in Knoxville

Elkmont Campground, near Knoxville, Tennessee, offers family-friendly camping amidst historic structures and wildlife. Explore easy hikes like the Laurel Falls Trail. Best visited in spring and fall for blooming wildflowers and colorful leaves.

Stroll Through Hamilton's Urban Artistry★ 1.0⌖ 27 miWalking Tour
The Walking Tour Company

Stroll Through Hamilton's Urban Artistry

Explore Hamilton's vibrant downtown on this walking tour highlighting diverse public art and historic architecture. A popular spot for art enthusiasts to enjoy sculptures and murals year-round, offering a unique blend of creativity and history. Easy urban stroll accessible by drive-in.

Walking TourView Details→
The Cascading Beauty of Elkhorn Falls★ 7.2⌖ 27 miHiking
Elkhorn Falls

The Cascading Beauty of Elkhorn Falls

Explore Elkhorn Falls in Indiana, perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. Located near Richmond, this easy trail is ideal for families. Enjoy spring and fall visits with chances to spot deer and birds. Drive-in access makes it convenient for a peaceful retreat.

Waterfall Wonders: Thistlethwaite Falls★ 7.0⌖ 31 miWaterfall
Thistlethwaite Falls

Waterfall Wonders: Thistlethwaite Falls

Experience the scenic Thistlethwaite Falls near Richmond, IN. A quiet destination for nature walks and photography, it's best visited in spring. Enjoy a peaceful visit amidst historical and natural beauty.

Unearthing Cincinnati's Underground Secrets★ 8.0⌖ 36 miGuided Underground Tour
American Legacy Tours

Unearthing Cincinnati's Underground Secrets

Explore Cincinnati's historic underground with American Legacy Tours. These guided tours through 19th-century tunnels and breweries offer a fascinating look into the past. Best visited in spring or fall, it's a moderate adventure for those interested in history and culture.

Guided Underground TourView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Brookville Lake - a large reservoir with excellent fishing and boating✦ Forest Loop Trail - a scenic multi-use hiking and biking route✦ Park's marina offering boat rentals and lakeside facilities✦ Seasonal bald eagle sightings during winter months
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Whitewater Memorial State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Whitewater Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Whitewater Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Whitewater Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Whitewater Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Whitewater Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Whitewater Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Whitewater Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Whitewater Memorial State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Whitewater Memorial State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Whitewater Memorial State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Daily vehicle entrance fees apply; Indiana state park passes accepted; no special permits required for day use.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Whitewater Memorial State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Brookville Lake Campground

Largest campground within the park, offering full hook-up sites, access to the lake shore, and modern amenities.

Raccoon Ridge Campground

Wooded campsites near hiking trails with picnic tables and fire rings, suitable for tents and RVs.

Old Road Campground

A quieter, more rustic campground tucked away from the main areas, ideal for visitors seeking solitude.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Whitewater Memorial State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Brookville
⌖ 2.67 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Brookville, Indiana

A quiet, scenic town offering peaceful outdoor activities centered around water recreation and gentle trails near the southeastern Indiana hills.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Metamora
⌖ 4.31 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Metamora, Indiana

A charming historic canal town offering relaxed water and trail adventures in a scenic rural setting.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Batesville
⌖ 12.01 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Batesville, Indiana

A quiet Midwestern town offering easy access to nature with peaceful parks, waterways, and nearby state forests ideal for relaxed outdoor exploration.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Connersville
⌖ 15.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Connersville, Indiana

A quiet Midwest town offering peaceful river paddling, scenic trails, and nearby state parks for outdoor enthusiasts seeking less crowded nature escapes.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Liberty
⌖ 16.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Liberty, Indiana

A quiet small town offering access to rural landscapes, gentle trails, and nearby waterways perfect for relaxed outdoor activities.

Spring through FallExplore Town
College Corner
⌖ 16.73 miles
Gateway Basecamp

College Corner, Ohio

A small, quiet border town with close access to outdoor activities in nearby state parks and countryside, ideal for low-key nature exploration and paddling.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Whitewater Memorial State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.