It's no secret that Indiana is a big fan of lakes. After all, there are more than 80 of them scattered throughout the state. Some are very large (looking at you, Lake Michigan) and some are quite small. Sometimes, you find one just like Goldilocks: it's just right. Raccoon Lake, a shimmering lake at the heart of Indiana's Raccoon State Recreation Area, is perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and definitely kayaking. In fact, if you're on the search for the best kayaking in Indiana, you're definitely going to want to give this gorgeous lake a shot.
If you're not a local in the area, you might have never heard of Raccoon Lake.
But, you might have heard it called by another name, like Mansfield Lake, or Cecil M. Harden Lake. No matter what you decide to call it, it's a brilliantly beautiful little spot for outdoor recreation.
One of the first things you'll notice is just how blue it is.
The endless blue skies reflect off the surface of the crisp, cool water, and the surrounding landscape of lush, green trees and woods greatly complement the lake's natural beauty.
Needless to say, it's the perfect place to hop into a kayak and start paddling.
Though the lake is known among those who are familiar with it for its excellent boating and fishing, the kayaking is no slouch, either. If you don't have your own kayak, that's perfectly okay - you can always rent one.
Explore every nook and cranny of the 2,110-acre lake.
You'll find pristine beaches, relaxing woodlands, and so much more. Some days are more crowded than others, so we suggest visiting bright and early in the middle of the week - that's your best shot at getting the lake all to, or mostly to, yourself.
Make sure to disembark from the kayak and explore the surrounding landscapes, too.
Bring a camera, because the area is quite photogenic. Some days, it's quite busy, but on others...
...it's quiet and still, affording you the best possible atmosphere for taking some great pictures.
If you end up loving it so much you don't want to leave, we get it. The great news is that you can camp here, too! In fact, there are more than 300 available campsites on the grounds of Raccoon Lake State Recreation Area.
Come by yourself, or bring the family - no matter what you decide, you're in for a treat.
To reserve your campsite in advance (we strongly recommend you do), visit this website to do so.
Have you ever heard of Raccoon Lake? What about its other names? Where are your favorite places to go camping, boating, or kayaking in Indiana? Tell us all about them by filling out this handy-dandy form - you might see yours featured in the future!
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