Brown County State Park Pool: What to Know Before You Go
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If you’re looking for a place to cool off during the summer in Brown County, the State Park pool is your only public, outdoor swimming pool option, and it’s a solid one, especially for families.
Open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Olympic-sized pool includes a deep end with diving boards, a snack bar, and locker facilities. It’s located right inside the park, so it’s easy to build into a day of hiking or picnicking.
One of my favorite features is the unusual pool layout. Instead of running shallow-to-deep along the length of the pool like most places, it runs that gradient across the width. This means there’s a long stretch of shallow water that’s ideal for younger swimmers. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference if you have little kids with you.
That said, there are some things to know before you go—from limited shade and seasonal hours to admission fees and rules around flotation devices. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to decide if the Brown County State Park pool is a good fit for your visit, and how to make the most of it if you go.
Brown County State Park Pool Overview
The swimming pool at Brown County State Park is located near the Abe Martin Lodge and is open seasonally during the summer months. While it’s not a waterpark-style setup, it’s the only public outdoor pool in the area, and it’s a reliable option for a low-key swim surrounded by nature.
Location, Season, and Hours
The pool typically opens the Saturday before Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day weekend. During peak summer, it’s usually open daily from noon to 7 pm, though hours can change based on weather and staffing.
Once local schools are back in session (usually early August), the pool shifts to weekends only due to limited lifeguard availability. If you’re planning a late-season visit, it’s a good idea to call ahead at (812) 988-6406 to confirm current hours.
The pool is located right inside the north gate entrance of the State Park, so it’s super easy to access.
Admission Fees and What’s Included
There are two costs to consider:
- Park entrance fee (charged per vehicle at the gate)
- Pool admission: $3 per person (kids 2 and under are free)
Pool entry includes access to the pool itself, seating, locker facilities, restrooms, and the small snack bar. Lockers are available for $0.25 each (bring quarters).
Pool Layout and Features
This is a full Olympic-sized pool with a unique shallow-to-deep layout that runs across the width of the pool, not the length. That means the entire length includes shallow zones—ideal for younger kids or anyone who prefers to stay in the lower depths.
- Olympic-sized swimming area
- Shallowest depth: 2.5 feet
- Deepest depth: 5 feet
- Two diving boards are located at the deep end (12 feet)
- No separate baby pool. The previous wading pool has been filled in and is no longer in use.
Facilities: Snack Bar, Lockers, and Restrooms
The pool area includes a snack bar and small grill selling basic concessions like chips, drinks, and swim gear. It’s convenient for a quick bite or if you forgot swim diapers.
Locker rooms include restrooms, showers, and changing areas. They’re basic but functional and generally kept clean. While most people come and go in their swim gear, having a place to rinse off or stash valuables can be helpful if you’re planning to stay a while.
What to Expect When You Visit
The Brown County State Park pool is straightforward, clean, and great for families, but it’s essential to understand what to expect so you can plan accordingly.
It’s Not Connected to the Campgrounds
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors—especially campers—is that the pool and campgrounds are nowhere near each other. Unlike many campgrounds where the pool is within easy walking or biking distance, here they’re on opposite ends of the park.
It’s at least a 15-minute drive from the campground to the pool, and it’s a winding, hilly route. You’ll also still need to pay the $3 pool fee, even if you’re already camping in the park.
If you’re camping and want to use the pool, it’s absolutely doable, just plan on driving, and don’t assume that it’s easy to just pop over for a quick swim.
Seating, Shade, and Setup
The pool area has plenty of lounge chairs, and most days it’s not hard to find an open spot, even during busy weekends. That said, shade is limited. There are a couple of shared canopy tents and some afternoon shade along the back fence line near the woods, but otherwise, the area stays full sun most of the day.
If you’re sensitive to heat or bringing small kids, plan accordingly:
- Bring sunscreen and sun hats
- Consider a small personal umbrella or pop-up shade if allowed
- Hydrate and take breaks, it gets hot fast
Water Depth and Safety
The pool’s shallow-to-deep layout across its width creates an unusually large shallow area (min 2.5 feet), which makes it easier for younger kids to enjoy the water. This is especially important since the old kiddie wading pool area has been filled in and is no longer an option to use.
Confident swimmers still have access to the deeper section (5 feet), including two diving boards in a deep end (12 feet).
Lifeguards are on duty during open hours, and pool rules are clearly posted and enforced. Kids under 12 must be supervised by someone age 16 or older, and swim diapers are required for non-potty-trained children.
Rules and Reminders
A few other things to keep in mind:
- Large floats and pool noodles are not allowed, but small flotation devices like arm floaties and puddle jumpers are commonly used. (As always, check posted signage or ask a lifeguard if you’re unsure what’s allowed.)
- No outside food or drink
- No running, pushing, or rough play
- Smoking is not permitted in the pool area
- All swimmers should shower before entering
Is the Brown County State Park Pool Worth It? Here’s My Take
If you’re visiting Brown County State Park during the summer, yes—the pool is a fun option, especially if you’ve got kids or just need a break from the trails and heat.
It’s not a splash pad or water park, and it doesn’t try to be. What it is is a clean, lifeguarded outdoor pool with tons of space to swim, plenty of seating, and just enough amenities to make it convenient without feeling overrun.
It’s also the only public outdoor pool in the county, so if you’re staying nearby and craving a real swim, this is your only option without driving to another town.
That said, it’s important to set expectations:
- It’s not walkable from the campground
- You’ll pay a separate fee even if you’re already inside the park
- Shade is limited, so plan accordingly
- The vibe is low-key and old-school—no slides, fountains, or fancy features
For what it is, it delivers. And if you’re planning to be in the park for the day anyway, it’s a great way to cool off between hikes or after lunch. I wouldn’t plan an entire vacation around it, but I wouldn’t skip it either.
If you do plan to go, be sure to double-check the seasonal hours, bring a few basics like quarters for lockers, sun protection, and swim diapers if you’ve got little ones, and be ready for a short drive from wherever you’re staying.
Want more tips to plan your visit?
Check out my [Ultimate Guide to Brown County State Park], or browse more posts on [hiking trails], [shelter rentals], [overlook stops], and other local insights to help you make the most of your time here.
