Lake Lenape (IN): Motor and Boating Rules
Greene County · near Jasonville · managed by Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- Gas outboard NO
- Electric trolling YES
- PWC / jet ski NO
- Greene County, IN
- Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Quick answer
Leave the gas outboard at home for Lake Lenape. Electric motors are the only propulsion allowed besides paddle and oar. Lake Lenape in IN is restricted to electric motors only — gasoline engines are prohibited under Indiana Department of Natural Resources regulations (verified July 26, 2026). Size the motor to your hull, and check the notes below for any lake-specific conditions. Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Indiana Department of Natural Resources before you launch.
Rules at a glance
What this means in practice
Battery math decides your day on Lake Lenape. Divide the battery's amp-hours by your motor's draw: a 100 Ah battery on a motor pulling 25 A at half speed gives about four hours continuous — more with intermittent use, less in wind and cold water. A second battery or a paddle backup is cheap insurance.
Electric-only waters in Indiana tend to be managed fishing lakes, and it shows: no wake chop, no fuel sheen, and quiet banks. If you fish from a kayak, a bow- or transom-mount conversion makes you a legal motorboat here — registration rules for motorized craft then apply, so check your paperwork before launch.
Worth knowing about Lake Lenape: Largest of the three lakes at Shakamak State Park; the park spans Clay, Greene and Sullivan counties. Park map: privately owned boats may be launched on any of the three lakes; only electric trolling motors powered by no more than two 12-volt batteries allowed. Launch permit required..
Planning options around Indiana? The neighboring pages in our database cover J.C. Murphey Lake (Electric only, Newton County) and Loon Lake (No wake, Warrick County), and the state hub lists all verified Indiana lake motor rules with the official source behind each.
Common mistakes on Electric only water
Leaving the gas outboard mounted "just in case." Depending on the agency, an attached combustion engine can be a violation even when it stays off. Confirm with Indiana Department of Natural Resources or leave it home.
Undersizing the battery. Wind is the tax on electric water — a battery that lasts four calm hours lasts two windy ones. Bring reserve capacity or a paddle backup.
Before you launch — verify
- The live rulebook is here: Indiana Department of Natural Resources
- For edge cases — mounted-but-unused motors, tournaments, temporary orders — phone the Indiana Department of Natural Resources office covering Greene County.
- Our most recent source check for this page: .
Rules change and local ordinances may add restrictions — always confirm with Indiana Department of Natural Resources before you launch.
Frequently asked questions
Are gas motors allowed on Lake Lenape?
No — Lake Lenape is electric-only. Combustion engines of any size are banned; trolling motors are the legal alternative. Verified July 26, 2026.
Can I use an electric trolling motor on Lake Lenape?
You can. Electric propulsion is permitted on Lake Lenape; most boats here run a 12 V transom-mount trolling motor. Pack a paddle as backup for when the battery fades.
Are jet skis (PWC) allowed on Lake Lenape?
Jet skis are out on Lake Lenape. The lake's motor rule leaves no room for personal watercraft.
Who enforces boating rules on Lake Lenape?
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (state department of natural resources) sets and enforces the motor rules on Lake Lenape, with possible additional ordinances from Greene County or local municipalities. State boating officers and local law enforcement both patrol restricted waters.
Where do I verify the current rules for Lake Lenape?
Use the official document linked in the Sources section of this page — it is what this summary is based on — or go to Indiana Department of Natural Resources directly. We last verified this page against the source on July 26, 2026.