Panfish are a great choice to get young anglers hooked on fishing. After all, bluegills and other sunfish are (most times) eager to bite -- and keeping stringers full is usually good for the resource as well as one's diet. It's all a part of outdoor vacation fun! Photo by Tom Berg

Each year, Indiana Game & Fish publishes a family vacation guide that details several great places where your entire family can relax and have fun. Since fishing is always high on the list of outdoor activities for many families, we have kept that in mind when researching likely vacation hotspots.

For those family members with interests other than angling, however, many of these properties also offer camping, hiking, horseback riding, swimming and sightseeing (just to name a few). The whole family can enjoy the great outdoors without getting burnt out on just one activity. There is literally something for everyone.

In today's computerized world, it is not surprising that camping reservations may now be made in advance and online for most of Indiana's state parks, reservoirs and state forests. On the Internet, check the state's Web site at www.camp.IN.gov. It is active 24 hours per day, every day. If you prefer to call, the toll-free phone number is (866) 622-6746.

There are plenty of state-owned properties, lakes and historical sites to please the entire family, so read on and start making your summertime plans. Here are our choices for this year:

JUNE
Deam Lake Bluegills
The Deam Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) in Clark County is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life -- and relax in the great outdoors. Located at the south end of Clark State Forest (SF) and nine miles northwest of Sellersburg, Deam Lake SRA is surrounded by trees and wildlife. Families will find this forested property very attractive, whether they enjoy fishing, boating, camping, hiking or biking.

Fishing on 194-acre Deam Lake can be very good for panfish (mostly bluegills and redear sunfish), so it is the ideal place for youngsters to wet a line. Channel catfish are also stocked here, so there is always a good chance that the kids can hook and catch a bigger fish. Although the lake is more than 30 feet deep, most people fish around the shoreline edges where there is good weed growth and more fish activity.

There is a public boat ramp on the lake, along with a boat dock and rowboats available for rent. You may bring your own boat, but keep in mind that only electric trolling motors are allowed. Some visitors bring their own canoes and take a quiet float trip around the lake to photograph birds and other wildlife.

After a relaxing morning on the lake, the entire family can go on a nature hike on one of the nearby trails. Hiking trails range from one-half mile or so up to six miles in length, so choose one that suits you. The Lake Vista trail is three miles long and is one of the more popular trails.

A variety of birds can be seen here, so bring along a pair of binoculars. Deam Lake SRA and Clark SF also offer five miles of mountain bike trails for those who bring their own bikes, but be sure to keep the bikes on designated trails.

On those days when you feel like being lazy, there is nothing better than having a leisurely picnic and going for a swim. The beach area is even accessible to wheelchairs. Picnic tables and grills are available at the picnic sites, and there is a picnic shelter for rainy days. Head for the nature center in the afternoon or let the kids run off some energy at one of the two playgrounds on the property.

Campers will find 275 Class A sites in the campground, so there are electric hookups, modern restrooms and showers, picnic tables, fire rings and drinking water. A dump station is also provided. Be sure to make reservations early so that you get a good site.

For more information about Deam Lake SRA, contact the property office at (812) 246-5421 or send them an e-mail at DeamLakeSRA@dnr.state.in.us.