Salamonie Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Salamonie Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir with state-run and COE recreational areas. The lake name has its roots in the Native American word meaning yellow paint, which comes from the plentiful bloodroot plants that grow in the area from which the Miami and Osage native peoples made a yellow dye. The COE project provides flood control for the downstream settlements, developments, and agricultural land along the Wabash River Basin. Salamonie Lake is located between nearby Huntington Lake and Mississinewa Lake and between the cities of Wabash, Indiana and Huntington, Indiana.
Several nearby historical sites and an interpretive nature center at Salamonie provide visitors with valuable information on the natural and human history of the lake and surrounding area.
The recreational lands around the project and the lake provide 12000 acres of recreational land for RV campers to enjoy. Overnight camping for RVs and equestrians is available at the Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area. And the Corps of Engineers manages the Observation Mound and Tailwater areas where picnic shelters, a playground, hiking trails, fishing areas, and public restrooms are situated. The Salamonie River State Forest is located on the northwest side of the lake and offers additional horse camping and equestrian trails. Fantastic scenic trails near and around the lake are popular for both hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, hiking, mountain biking.
The lake occupies 2665 acres of water during the summer season and creates an ideal lake for fishing, boating, and swimming. Beaches, boat ramps, docks, and a marina provide services and allow access to the lake.
RV rentals in Indiana are available for visitors or locals looking to explore the recreation areas and nearby historical sites at Corps of Engineers Salamonie Lake.
RV Rentals in Salamonie Lake
Transportation
Driving
The COE dam and office are located on the north side of the lake along E Salamonie Dam Road.
From the nearby city of Wabash, head south on Highway 15, east on Highway 124, and north on Highway 105 to reach the Lost Bridge Recreation Sites.
From the City of Fort Wayne, Salamonie Lake is under an hour drive, around 45 miles. From Indianapolis, Salamonie Lake is just under 100 miles and takes about an hour and 45 minutes to get to.
If approaching Salamonie Lake from the north or south, take Indiana State highway 69 to exit 78 then take State Route 5 north to State Route 124. Go west on State Route 124 to Route 105 then turn north for 2 miles to the entrance for the Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area.
If approaching from the east or west, take US Highway 24 to state route 105, then head south for eight miles to the entrance for Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area.
All routes are paved, including access to the campground. RV campers do not need to concern themselves with muddy or dusty conditions.
There are paved parking lots at the interpretive center with room for RVs. The parking lot at the COE office and visitor center is smaller, with less room for RV units. Some of the roads within the campground are narrower, and the campground has heavily wooded areas with reduced sightlines. Go slow in the campground and take corners wide enough to accommodate your RV unit.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Salamonie Lake
Campsites in Salamonie Lake
Reservations camping
Lost Bridge West
While visiting Salamonie Lake RV campers will find an excellent overnight campground with many amenities and facilities. There are 335 sites, 245 which are serviced by electricity, and the campground is open all year round. There are also 50 unserviced equestrian sites, 37 primitive camping sites, three shelters, and seven youth tenting sites. Some sites are ADA accessible. The electric RV sites can accommodate RVs up to 75 feet in length, and the equestrian sites can accommodate units up to 170 feet in length. RV campers will find two dump stations and four comfort stations. Amenities and facilities at or adjacent to the campground include an amphitheater, basketball court, beach, and boat launches.
Seasonal activities in Salamonie Lake
In-Season
Historical and Natural Sightseeing
The IDNR Interpretive center at the campground provides information on lake operation, local history, wildlife, and wildlife management. The center is located at the Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area. The Upper Wabash Area COE office located at the northeast end of the dam across from Observation Mound provides displays and outlines the operation of the lake, construction of the dam, and natural features and wildlife in the area. A short trip northeast to Huntington makes a great day trip for RV visitors to the lake. The city of Huntington features the Forks of the Wabash Historic Park and the United States Vice Presidential Museum at the Dan Quayle Centre.
Boating
A marina, overnight boat mooring, piers, and boat ramps provide excellent access and services for recreational boaters, watersport activities, and fishing enthusiasts visiting Salamonie Lake. The lake has 2665 acres of water surface, and there is no limit on horsepower or speed for motorized boats. Just watch out for marked zones and the water 200 feet from the shore which is considered an idle zone.
There are also five ramps for car top watercraft such as kayaks and canoes. Ensure you follow all rules and regulations, have life preservers on board for all passengers, and watch for wind or human-powered craft that may not be moving as fast, or be as maneuverable.
Horseback Riding
With 19 miles of equestrian trails, horse riders can enjoy the natural scenery wooded and open areas and views of the lake from the back of their animal companions. There is overnight horse camping at Lost Bridge West SRA and equestrian trailheads from the primitive horse camping area at both Lost Bridge West SRA and the Salamonie River State Forest where additional equestrian camping is available. The trails are shared with other users including cyclists and hikers, so observe caution and speed to ensure the trails are safe for everyone.
Off-Season
Hiking
There are multiple trails in and around Salamonie Lake. The Bloodroot Trail is one of the most well known and most popular. This 13-mile loop trail starts at the Interpretive Center at The Lost Bridge West SRA. The trail winds through open fields and forested areas to the Mount Etna SRA and then returns to Salamonie Lake along bluffs that provide beautiful views of the lake. The trail is rated as moderate in difficulty with some elevation changes.
Other shorter and beautiful trails in the recreation areas include Tree Trail, a mile-long woodland trail from the Lost Bridge West SRA that starts at the boat ramp parking lot. There's Birdhouse Trail, an easy one-mile hike with a trailhead at the nature center. Or Marsh Trail, an easy 1.25-mile trail through wetlands which is excellent for bird watchers and can be accessed near Apple Orchard Campground. In the fall, autumn colors make the wooded areas spectacular, and there are fewer insects, cooler temperatures, and fewer trail users, making this an ideal time of year for a great hike.
Fishing
Fishing is a favorite pastime at Salamonie Lake with fishing sites available both on the lake and on the river below the dam. The COE run Tailwater site can be accessed below the dam via County Road 600. The upper parking lots provide access to the basin while the lower parking lot allows easy access to the river. Early spring fishing during March and April at the COE Tailwater site enables fishing enthusiasts to intercept the walleye spawning run, making this a very popular time for fishing with great catch opportunities. Other species available in the lake are crappie, catfish, bluegill, and bass.
Winter Sports
When the cold winds blow and the snow piles up, there is no need to put recreational activities on hold. Salamonie Lake recreation areas are open all year round, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy the winter months. Try Cross Country Skiing where three ski trails connect to provide 8.25 miles of easy to difficult marked ski trails at Lost Bridge West SRA. There are also 22 miles of snowmobile trails in the area with trailheads at Lost Bridge East SRA and the Mount Etna SRA.
