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LakeQuality
Sunset over the pine treeline on Slim Lake, the sun reflected on light chop

Best Lakes Near Indianapolis, IN

2 lakes within 50 miles of Indianapolis, ranked on agency water-quality readings.

2 lakes within 50 miles of Indianapolis have nutrient and algae readings on record. Lamb Lake in Johnson County leads the set on measured water quality, with about 7.2 ft of clarity. 0 of the 2 have a recorded public access point.

Indianapolis is not lake-dense: only 2 measured lakes are within easy reach. The cleanest of those measured is Lamb Lake.

The lakes below are sorted on measured water quality. If you have a specific activity in mind, swimming, kayaking, ice-fishing, family-fishing, the activity-specific sub-pages will filter further.

2
Lakes Within 50 mi
2
With Clarity Readings
0
With Fish Data
0
Public Access
LakeDistanceCountyClarityDepthFish
Lamb Lake28.3 miJohnson7.2 ft-0
Lake Lemon37.4 miMonroe2.1 ft-0

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New clarity and algae readings for lakes within driving distance. Unsubscribe anytime.

Cleanest Lakes Near Indianapolis

Lamb Lake

28.3 mi · Johnson County · 7.2 ft clarity

Lake Lemon

37.4 mi · Monroe County · 2.1 ft clarity

Lakes Near Other Cities

Minneapolis, MNSt. Paul, MNDuluth, MNRochester, MNBrainerd, MNSt. Cloud, MNMankato, MNBemidji, MNGrand Rapids, MNAlexandria, MNMoorhead, MNWillmar, MNPark Rapids, MNDetroit Lakes, MNEly, MNMilwaukee, WIMadison, WIGreen Bay, WIEau Claire, WIWausau, WILa Crosse, WIAppleton, WIOshkosh, WIStevens Point, WIRhinelander, WIMinocqua, WIHayward, WIEagle River, WIWisconsin Dells, WIChicago, ILRockford, ILDetroit, MIGrand Rapids, MITraverse City, MIDes Moines, IACedar Rapids, IAColumbus, OHCleveland, OHPittsburgh, PAErie, PASyracuse, NYRochester, NYAlbany, NYSt. Louis, MOKansas City, MOSpringfield, MOFort Wayne, INFargo, NDBismarck, NDDevils Lake, NDSioux Falls, SD

Plan a lake trip in Indiana

The State of Indiana's Lakes

Indiana's cleanest lakes, ranked on agency measurements

Lake Fishing Forecast

Species activity outlook by water temperature and season

Indiana Lake Trips

Where to stay at Indiana's top lakes, each with its readings

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lakes are near Indianapolis?

There are 2 lakes with water-quality readings on record within 50 miles of Indianapolis, Indiana. 0 of them have a recorded public access point and 2 have a clarity reading.

What are the best lakes near Indianapolis for fishing?

0 lakes near Indianapolis have documented fish species data. The best fishing lakes combine favourable water-quality readings with diverse fish populations. 0 lakes within 50 miles have 5 or more documented fish species.

Where to stay near Indianapolis

Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Indianapolis — book a place close to the cleanest lakes in the area.

Top-rated places to stay near Indianapolis

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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.