Potato Creek State Park Rules

Potato Creek State Park Rules

Potato Creek State Park is for the public. All visitors are expected to observe the following rules which are designed to fulfill the purpose for which state parks were established, namely, to preserve a primitive landscape in its natural condition for the use and enjoyment of the people.

potato creek state park rules
  • Do not injure or damage any structure, rock, tree, flower, bird or wild animal. Do NOT gather limbs, brush or trees (either dead or alive) for firewood because they rebuild the natural humus.
  • Any firearm (except lawfully possessed handguns), BB gun, air gun, CO2 gun, bow and arrow, paint gun or spear gun in possession in a state park must be unloaded or un-nocked and stored in a case or locked within a vehicle, except when owner is participating in an activity authorized by written permit.
  • Dogs and cats must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and attended at all times.
  • Vending or advertising without permission of the Department of Natural Resources is prohibited.
  • Camping is permitted only in the campground. No youth groups permitted in the family campground.
  • Fires shall be built only in designated places.
  • Please comply with the Carry In/Carry Out trash policy in all day use areas. Overnight guests must put waste in receptacles provided for that purpose.
  • Motorists will observe speed limits as posted, and park only in designated areas, not on grass.
  • Swimming is limited to places and times designated by the Department of Natural Resources.
  • Drinking water should be taken only from pumps, hydrants or fountains provided for that purpose. This water is tested regularly for purity.
  • Report lost or found articles to the park office.
  • All motorized vehicles must remain on paved roadway. Do no park on grass. Snowmobiles are prohibited.
  • Metal detectors are allowed on main beach between Labor Day and Memorial Day with written permission from the property manager.
  • Park is closed from 11:00 PM until 7:00 AM. No one is allowed in the park, except for campers and cabin guests using their sites between these hours.
  • Please let wild animals remain wild. Feeding deer is prohibited. Feeding of all wild animals can result in harm to both animals and people. Animals that depend on handouts become a nuisance to park visitors and a danger to themselves. Please lock up all food and coolers inside cars or campers.
  • Please stay on marked trails.
  • Gold prospecting is not permitted.
  • Commercial filming and photography allowed with permit. Instructions <link to http://www.in.gov/dnr/files/Instructions_for_Commercial_Film-Photography_on_IDNR_Lands.pdf and have it open in a new window>
  • Motor-driven airborne devices (RC airplanes) should be operated in designated areas only or with clearance from property management. Drones are not currently permitted on DNR properties.
  • Use of DNR Property by Private Organizations: Special Events Permit/License. If an individual, business or other group wishes to host an event such as a public meeting, parade, contest, competition, sporting activity or other special event or activity on a DNR property, that individual or organization must obtain a Special Events Permit/License as required by 312 IAC 8-2-15. The application for a license/permit can be obtained by contacting the property manager of Potato Creek State Park. The application should be completed and submitted for review at least 30 days prior to the event, and must be approved prior to any publicity for the event. An application fee of $25 is required, and additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the event.