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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Indiana state parks free?
Indiana state parks charge a gate fee of $7 per in-state vehicle and $9 per out-of-state vehicle. An annual pass costs $50 for residents and $70 for non-residents and covers all sites year-round.
What are the best state parks in Indiana?
Top parks include Turkey Run (deep sandstone canyons), Brown County (southern Indiana hills), Indiana Dunes (Lake Michigan beach), McCormick’s Creek (Indiana’s first state park), and Clifty Falls (waterfalls and gorges).
Can I hike in canyons at Indiana state parks?
Yes, Turkey Run and Shades State Parks feature dramatic sandstone canyons with ladder trails and stream crossings. These parks are often called Indiana’s hidden gems for canyon hiking. Waterproof shoes are recommended.
What is the best time to visit Indiana state parks?
Fall (mid-October) brings spectacular foliage to Brown County and southern Indiana. Spring offers wildflowers and waterfall views. Summer is peak for camping. Winter provides quiet, uncrowded trails.
Explore More Indiana State Parks
Salamonie Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Indiana. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Indiana guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
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