Mississinewa Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Located nine miles southeast of Peru, Indiana, Mississinewa Lake is a 3180-acre reservoir created by the U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Dam that provides flood reduction for the region. The reservoir operates as part of a flood control system for the Wabash River Basin and Ohio River. The dam creating the lake was completed in 1967 and has been successful in preventing flooding in towns and on agricultural lands downstream.
The name of the lake is derived from a Miami Indian word meaning “water on a slope,” and the region has a rich Native American history. Historical sites and interpretive programs are available at the local state recreation areas.
The recreational areas around the lake are open year round and provide plenty of activities for visitors to this COE park area of Indiana. Opportunities include great RV camping, hiking, cycling, fishing, and boating.
The lands around the lake provide an ample variety of wildlife habitat with rolling prairie, woodlands, and open agricultural land. The abundance of wildlife in the area provides an opportunity for wildlife watchers, nature photographers, and hunters.
With Summit Lake and Ouabache State Park nearby, Indiana has plenty to offer for an RV vacation.
RV Rentals in Mississinewa Lake
Transportation
Driving
Mississinewa Lake is approximately 85 miles from Indianapolis and spans the Indiana counties of Wabash, Miami, and Grant, just nine miles southeast of Peru, Indiana.
From Peru, head south on Indiana State Highway 19 and east on Indiana State Highway 500, then go north on Route 625. The large paved parking area and boat launch can be accessed on the left. There are pull-through sites that can accommodate trees and large RVs.
From Indianapolis, follow State Highway 31 north for 67 miles, to Highway 500, and turn right to head east. Turn left at Route 625 to reach the parking area and boat launch on the left.
To reach the campground, turn right off of Route 625 just past the Mississinewa Lake Office onto the campground access road. Access roads to the campground are wide and paved to accommodate RV travel with no dusty or muddy conditions.
Services and amenities can be accessed in the city of Peru a short distance away. There is also a convenience store located just before the junction of 625 on route 500 that RVers can stop at just minutes before arriving at the lake for last-minute supplies. Salamonie Lake is just over 20 miles away, and Ouabache State Park is just over 50 miles away from the Corps of Engineers, Mississinewa Lake Recreation Area.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Mississinewa Lake
Campsites in Mississinewa Lake
Reservations camping
Miami State Recreation Area
Camping on Mississinewa Lake is provided at the Miami State Recreation Area, a short distance south, along the shore from the parking lot and boat launch at the COE site. The campground and state recreation area is open year-round, although some services are limited during the winter months. The campground provides 314 electric sites, 79 full hookup sites, 39 non-electric sites, and eight rental cabins. Pets are allowed at the campground, and there are also ADA accessible and waterfront sites that can be reserved. Detailed information on the campground and amenities can be found at Mississinewa Lake. Amenities and facilities at the campground include an amphitheater, shower house, boat ramp, campground host, and comfort station. You'll also find a disc golf course, dump station, first aid supplies, fishing pier, boat fuel, hiking trails, and a horseshoe pit. There's even a marina with boat rentals. Musical performances, festivals, and interpretive programs are regularly held at the campground throughout the year. Check local websites for event scheduling and plan your trip to coincide with unique events in the area.
Seasonal activities in Mississinewa Lake
Spring
Swimming
The swimming beach at Mississinewa Lake opens on Memorial Day weekend and closes after the Labor Day weekend. The swimming area is open from sunrise to sunset. There are no lifeguards on duty, so it is important to keep small children within arms reach. Swimmers should ensure they swim in areas appropriate to their ability level and wear life preservers if necessary. Check the Mississinewa Lake website for water level information and blue-green algae advisories that can affect the swimability of the lake.
In-Season
Boating
There are four boat launches and a marina on Mississinewa Lake providing amenities and access to the lake for boaters. Watersports such as waterskiing and wakeboarding are popular activities here. Many fishing enthusiasts enjoy exploring the best fishing spots from their boats. There are two fishing stations and two piers to accommodate fishing at the lake in season. Boat rentals are available at the marina located at the Miami state recreation area. Sailing, kayaking, and canoeing are also popular activities.
Games/Sports
The nearby campground has a basketball court, volleyball court, and horseshoe pit, so get together with some friends and family and organize a spirited game during your stay. Other interesting activities near Mississinewa Lake include a disc Golf course and a radio control flying field a few miles to the northwest towards the city of Peru. Open areas in the recreation areas and campgrounds are great for a game of catch or a quick informal game of soccer. Take along your favorite equipment and have some fun!
Off-Season
Ice Fishing
When the lake surface freezes sufficiently to allow vehicles to drive out on the lake, ice -fishing becomes a popular activity. Several species are available during the summer and winter months including perch and northern pike which are considered excellent winter catches. Make sure you have a valid state fishing license for the state of Indiana and observe all rules and regulations. Ice fishing requires an auger or axe to create a hole in the ice to fish through. Fishing poles are usually shorter, and many ice fishers have portable shelters and stoves to beat the cold.
Hiking
Head out on a hike from the campground or recreation areas around the lake. Keep an eye out for interesting wildlife and take in the beautiful natural scenery and the views over the lake. There are several trails in the recreation area around the lake that accommodate hikers of varying ability. The Blue Heron Trail is ideal for hikers who want to take it easy, and the Lost Sister Trail is more appropriate for those looking for more of a challenge. The trails feature stairs and bridges to help hikers navigate steep inclines and streams. Take a hike in the fall to really enjoy the autumn colors and watch the migrating birds heading south.
Hunting
Mississinewa Lake’s 14386 acres of wooded lands, open fields, prairie, and lake surface, (3210 acres of water), provide a variety of habitat for hunting game. Hunters in the area can harvest squirrel, rabbit, deer, quail, mourning dove, woodcock, fox, and coyote. Hunting for waterfowl on the lake and adjoining water surfaces is available with appropriate permits. Raccoon, opossum, fox, and coyote can be hunted at night in the area.
There is a spring hunting draw for turkey, and fall turkey hunting is unreserved. The Mississinewa Lake Office can provide hunters with detailed information on seasons, licensing, and limits. There are designated safety zones around the recreation areas where hunting is not permitted. If you are hurting in the area, you must register and sign a waiver at one of the hunting stations on the property.
