What is Patoka Lake State Rec Area like?
Set in Birdseye, Patoka Lake State Rec Area has been on the PDGA course list since 2004. The layout runs 18 holes to a par of 54 over 4,122 ft, averaging roughly 229 feet per hole. That is short enough that a putter and a mid-range will cover most of the round.
The terrain is flat/open — flat, open fairways, which puts the emphasis on pure distance and accuracy. Flat ground makes distances honest and landing zones predictable, which makes this a good place to learn what your discs actually do.
ThrowSpot rates the course moderately demanding overall, making it players who have their form mostly sorted. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on. Most groups finish in about 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Patoka Lake State Rec Area?
For a course like this, a putter and one or two mid-ranges covers the majority of shots. Leave the high-speed drivers in the car. There is rarely room to use them, and a controlled mid-range will out-score a driver you cannot place.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. Because the fairways are open here, it is also worth checking the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Patoka Lake State Rec Area
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near Patoka Lake State Rec Area
More disc golf near Birdseye
Patoka Lake State Rec Area is the only PDGA-listed course in Birdseye, but Indiana has 188 in total. See the nearby courses above, or browse every course in Indiana.
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Patoka Lake State Rec Area?
Patoka Lake State Rec Area has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 4,122 ft, averaging about 229 feet per hole.
Is Patoka Lake State Rec Area free to play?
Yes. Patoka Lake State Rec Area is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Patoka Lake State Rec Area good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on.
How long does it take to play Patoka Lake State Rec Area?
About 110 minutes for a typical group on 18 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Patoka Lake State Rec Area located?
Patoka Lake State Rec Area is in Birdseye, Indiana, at coordinates 38.38370, -86.64400. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Patoka Lake State Rec Area?
For this layout, a putter and one or two mid-ranges covers most shots. Leave the high-speed drivers in the car. There is rarely room to use them, and a controlled mid-range will out-score a driver you cannot place.