Salamonie Lake State Park

12,000 Acres of Reservoir Recreation in Indiana’s Heartland

Salamonie Lake State Park encompasses over 12,000 acres of forested hills, wetlands, and scenic shoreline surrounding a 2,855-acre Army Corps of Engineers reservoir in northeastern Indiana. Named from a Native American word meaning “yellow paint” — a reference to the bloodroot plants found throughout the area — this park offers outstanding fishing, extensive trail networks, and diverse camping that serves as a year-round outdoor recreation hub.

Fishing

Salamonie Lake is a productive warm-water fishery with excellent structure from its many coves, creek channels, and submerged timber.

• Crappie: The star species — excellent year-round, including exceptional ice fishing late December through February
• White Bass: Outstanding spring runs in the tailwater and upriver
• Walleye: Best in spring and fall in the tailwater area
• Channel Catfish: Abundant near Pirates Cove Marina and deep river pools
• Largemouth Bass & Bluegill: Excellent fishing in the 40+ property ponds

Five boat ramps and a full-service marina provide easy lake access.

Trails

• Bloodroot Trail (13 miles): A moderate multi-use loop for hiking and biking, starting from the Interpretive Center
• Tree Trail (1.25 miles): A moderate interpretive walk identifying native tree species
• Marsh Trail (1.5 miles): Easy wetland loop — excellent for birding
• Kin-Ti-On-Ki Bike Trail (5.5 miles): Beginner-friendly cycling through woods and meadows
• Winter: Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing on designated trails

Camping

• Lost Bridge West (245 electric sites): The main campground with modern comfort stations, showers, and dump station. Open year-round.
• Horsemen’s Campground (50 sites): Primitive equestrian sites with trail access
• Apple Orchard Campground (38 sites): Unique primitive camping in a historic apple orchard
• Swimming Beach: Open Memorial Day to Labor Day

Visitor Tips

• Best Time: Spring for white bass runs; summer for swimming and camping; fall for foliage; winter for ice fishing.
• Interpretive Center: Learn about the lake’s natural and human history. Ranger-led programs available.
• Hunting: Parts of the property are open for hunting — wear orange during season.
• Location: Between Wabash, Huntington, and Marion — about 90 minutes north of Indianapolis.

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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