Outdoors
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Carmel where swimming is allowed on public land.
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
68 mi south · USDA Forest Service
Hardin Ridge is a 1,200-acre recreational complex located on the shores of Monroe Reservoir in Hooiser National Forest. The complex includes six shady campground loops, two picnic areas with shelters, and two rental cabins.
104 mi south · USDA Forest Service
Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, provides a wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy.
126 mi north · National Park Service
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer.
Map of 7 places loads as you scroll.
Hardin Ridge is a 1,200-acre recreational complex located on the shores of Monroe Reservoir in Hooiser National Forest. The complex includes six shady campground loops, two picnic areas with shelters, and two rental cabins.
Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, provides a wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy.
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer.
Lake Michigan's might has influenced Indiana Dunes for millennia. Wind and waves have shaped the land, leaving a rich mosaic of habitats along these 15 miles of Indiana coast.
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer.
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer.
The Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area is located on the shores of its namesake lake in south-central Indiana's Hoosier National Forest. It offers camping, picnic areas, boating, swimming, hiking, biking and educational programs.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Carmel. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity video shared by City of Carmel, Indiana.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity video shared by Landscape Structures.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Hardin Ridge (USDA Forest Service), about 68 miles south of Carmel as the crow flies. Next are Hoosier National Forest (104 mi) and Dunewood Campground (126 mi).
Based on Carmel’s average highs, June–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including National Park Service, USDA Forest Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.