Officially recognized as the largest lake in Indiana, Monroe Lake has everything needed for you to enjoy yourself on your next RV getaway. Located only around 10 miles southeast of Bloomington and in the counties of Monroe and Brown, Monroe Lake was developed to be the main water source for the City of Bloomington and also to prevent flood damage downstream. Construction of the lake started 1960 when Salt Creek was dammed south of Bloomington, and it was completed in 1965.
The lake is still operated by COE, and it has 10,750 acres of water surface area, along with 13,202 acres of protected forest and multiple recreation areas. It is also home to Indiana's only federally protected U.S. Wilderness Area (known as the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area) on the south shore. Those wanting to enjoy some recreational activities whilst they are on their RV vacation will be happy to know that the lake is excellent for boating, fishing, water-skiing, and swimming. There is also an Interpretive Nature Center at the Paynetown State Recreation Area where you can learn more about the lake and the nature surrounding it and many trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
There is plenty of room for you and your RV (whether it is rented or your own) at Monroe Lake thanks to the 320 RV friendly sites at Paynetown Campground. Here you will find both electric and non-electric sites with great amenities that weave in and around the lake. Camping reservations are available all year round and peak season is during the summer and fall months.
Getting to and from Monroe Lake State Park is quite easy to access thanks to its location being only six miles from the city of Bloomington. While there are roads that give you access to all sides of the lake, the most common road to take to the popular locations is South Chapel Hill Road. From here you will be able to get to most of the recreation areas that are on the west side of the lake.
Since you are so close to Bloomington we recommend that you pick up all of your supplies and amenities from stores there before you get to the park. Looking to explore other places near Monroe Lake? Check out Harrodsburg (around three miles away), Oolitic (around 11 miles away) and Bedford (around 15 miles away).
There are no driving restrictions for trailers and RVs on the roads in and around the lake, so you will be able to maneuver around without having to worry about damaging your rig. During the winter months there can be snowfall, so if you are thinking about coming to the lake during this time we recommend you call ahead to the park office.
There is plenty of parking available for visitors to Monroe Lake.
Paynetown Campground is the only COE-run campground within the Monroe Lake area, and it is the best place for you to set up camp and enjoy your stay. The sites are known to be level, nicely wooded and very roomy, and some sites can support RVs that are nearly 100 feet in length.
There are a total of 320 RV friendly sites available for you to enjoy, including 226 electric sites and 94 non-electric primitive sites. The sites are contained within different sections of the campground, and all sites also have a picnic table, grill, and fire ring. Other amenities at the campground include showers, restrooms, and two dump stations close by (one at the campground and one at the private marina). Pets are also allowed within the campground, and you should be able to get cell phone service on all of the major networks.
While there are hundreds of sites at Paynetown Campground, we still recommend that you reserve a site in advance to ensure that you will have a place to stay. This is especially true if you are visiting during the summer months when the campground is a hub of activity. Paynetown Campground is open all year round.
There is no better way to cool off during your stay near Monroe Lake than by taking a dip in the lake. There are two sandy beaches that are available for you to enjoy on the east side of the lake at Fairfax State Recreation Area and on the northeast side at Paynetown State Recreation Area. Please note that there are no lifeguards stationed at either of the beaches, so remember to swim to your abilities.
Along with being a great swimming destination, Monroe Lake is also perfect for getting out on the lake and doing some boating. There are no restrictions on what types of boats you can use on the lake and you will regularly see motorboats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboats. If you don't have your own boat there are plenty of places along the banks of the lake that will offer you a variety of rentals.
Thanks to the numerous recreational areas along the banks of Monroe Lake there are some fantastic places available for you to picnic. The picnic areas throughout the lake area are very well maintained and often come equipped with BBQs, water collection points, toilets, and shade shelter. If you have a larger group there are eight shelters available for you to reserve online, which we recommend you do so. If you are overwhelmed with the choice we recommend picnicking either at the Fairfax or Paynetown State Recreation Areas.
There are no public transport options that will take you to Monroe Lake.
Nestled amongst Paynetown State Recreation Area is the perfect place for you to learn more about the critters that call the area in and around the lake home. The Nature Center has some great displays and information that will provide you with the natural history and geology of the park. The staff at the center will also be happy to help with any questions that you have and be sure to ask them if any special events are happening in the area during your stay.
If you love to hike you will be very happy to know that there are four different trails that are ready for you to check out. The trails range in length from half a mile to nearly two miles and they are suitable for hikers of all ages. If you are looking for a relaxing hike, check out the Tree Trek Trail. This half-mile trail will guide you through fields that demonstrate the local ecosystem, along with interpretive signs providing information along it. If you want a more difficult trek, head over to the nearly two-mile Turkey Foot Trail, which is a hike and boat-in area that provides access to the camping areas.
The large body of water and surrounding wilderness areas at Monroe Lake provides birders with some great environments to explore. Known as an important birding area, the lake attracts many waterfowls species that are well worth your time and attention. Along with waterfowls you will also get the chance to ducks, hawks and bluebirds. Away from the lake we recommend that you explore the trails that offer great viewing of hooded warblers, northern pintails, red-headed woodpecker, Louisiana waterthrush and chuck-wills-widow.
