The best camping in Salamonie Lake, IN

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Salamonie Lake: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Campers Alike.  

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Top-rated campgrounds

Creekside Acres / N. Manchester

96%
(39)
17mi from Salamonie Lake · 1 site · Lodging · North Manchester, IN
We moved to our 3 1/2 acre property in 2012 to escape town life and to enjoy a more simple family life. Nestled among the trees, our home is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy what God created - singing birds, fragrant flowers, colorful sunsets, gigantic ancient sycamores, and rushing creek waters. We're excited to share this beautiful area, especially the adorable shed and gardens we created for others to experience the peace of God. It's our hope that many will discover the tranquility we have come to appreciate here.Learn more about this land:The Shed Retreat is a sacred space for anyone looking to shed their worries, fears, and busy schedules. Once a home for goats located in a secluded area on our property, it is now a peaceful garden oasis among the trees for those seeking a break from the norm. Inside, you can enjoy a cozy and relaxing place to lounge or rest.  Outside, you can spend time around the fire pit, collect fresh eggs for breakfast, kayak on a nearby river, bike to local ice cream shops, or take a nap in a hammock.
Potable water
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from 
$63
 / night

Camp Ames

100%
(69)
20mi from Salamonie Lake · 4 sites · RVs · Peru, IN
We established this homestead in 1981. The original 10 acres grew to 15 after acquiring our neighbors smaller lots. With one of those properties we used the well and septic and built camp sites to entertain our friends and family. We have opened this up to some outside travelers to attract interest in our local community. Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, and Class C RVs allowed. All campers must be self contained with your own Learn more about this land: Camp Ames is located on the scenic Mississinewa River 3.5 miles outside of Peru, Indiana. We have full service camp sites. The camp shack is appointed with a picnic table and TV to catch up on the latest news. Bald eagles are a huge attraction in this area. Acres Trust Nature Preserve is a short walk away. We have our own 4 acre wildflower meadow that attracts many butterflies and birds during the summer months. It's just a peaceful, quiet place to visit. Cell phone service is not great here but not totally absent if you stand in the right place. Wi-Fi is available. This is our private camp ground and not a for public use unless arrangements are made with us. We will assign your site before your arrival. A vacancy on this site does not mean we have availability as our friends and family may be visiting. When requesting a site please include a description of your camper, the number of people and how many amps your camper requires. This help us place you on a site if one is available. Suggested Local Attractions:The World's Greatest Amateur Circus: Peru, Indiana, is also known as the "Circus City". In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Peru was home to the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and others. Even the Ringling Brothers Circus wintered there for a while. For 10 days each July, Peru celebrates the Circus City Festival with rides, crafts, food, games, and more. The highlight, however, is the live amateur circus that has performances throughout the festival. A unique and authentic experience that echoes the early heyday of the circus, this is a fun event not to be missed. Performers are locals, some of whom are direct descendants of professional performers in the earlier shows. Even if a visit is timed to occur outside of July, a visit to the small but impressive International Circus Hall of Fame might be worth the trip. Circus Hall of Fame is located 1.8 miles from Camp Ames. Grissom Air Museum: Located 7.6 miles from Camp Ames There are some great interactive displays inside the museum for the kids to sit inside the cockpits of mock ups for pictures and the planes throughout the grounds are well maintained and offer interesting facts. Great Air Museum Celebrating the Aviation History of Grissom Air Force Base. Miami County Museum: Located 3.6 miles from Camp Ames Cole Porter's custom 1955 Cadillac, circus carvings, a stagecoach, the World's Tallest Man's overalls, a fantastic collection of rifles, Clyde Beatty's lion tamer's outfit, lots of farm and pioneer items, Miami Indian relics. Mississinewa Resevoir: Located 3 miles from Camp Ames Mississinewa Lake is a seasonal resevoir designed for flood control. That said, depending on rainfall during the summer, many recreational activities are available. Swimming at the beach, boating, and fishing. A nice campground and hiking are also on site. Nickel Plate Trail: Located 2.9 miles from Camp Ames This asphalt trail is one of the best in the State to ride or walk on!!! It keeps getting better because the trail keeps getting extended with more pathway added. The volunteers do a superb job up keeping this 50 mile path. Make this a to do for a beautiful Fall ride once the leaves begin to change. You'll be immersed in intense colors and wonderful woodsy sights and smells. Seven Pillars: Located 0.8 miles from Camp Ames This breathtaking formation along the Mississinewa River was created over the centuries as wind and water eroded the limestone, carving rounded buttresses and alcoves into the north bluff of the river. Seven Pillars Nature Preserve - Acres Land Trust - Located 0.3 miles from Camp Ames! This preserve on the south side of the Mississinewa River is named after the landmark 25-foot limestone pillars, also owned by ACRES, which are located on the north side of the river. On top of the bluff grow red cedar, Juneberry and shadbush. In the preserve are beech, maple and other trees, as well as open meadow. The Miami Nation continues to gather at the pillars. The preserve is 148 acres of woods open to the public to walk the woods. There is 1.8 miles of trail. PRESERVE RULES: As a preserve visitor, you are responsible for keeping these habitats undisturbed. Follow these rules to allow the preserve’s plants, wildlife and natural formations to thrive here, in place, for generations: Open Dawn til Dusk, Foot Traffic Only, Dogs Allowed, Always On Leash,Take Nothing, Leave Nothing, Stay On The Trails McClure’s Orchard/Winery: Located 9.8 miles from Camp Ames A small, family-owned and operated apple farm nestled in the rolling hills of northern Indiana, located an hour from Indianapolis. Currently growing 125 varieties of apples, which throughout the season are available for u-pick or already picked. Beginning Labor Day Weekend, ride the tractor and trolley through the Orchard, for tours and apple picking. Toward the end of September through October, the trolley will stop in the pumpkin patch for u-pick. There is no parking or admission fee, and no charge for the ride through the Orchard. More than apples and pumpkins, there’s a playground area and petting zoo for the kids (and the kiddos at heart). During September and October, saddle up a horse, and take a horse ride on the weekends for $1. On most weekends, there’s live music; so, be sure to check the website to see who is playing and which day. McClure’s has a café serving delicious food, made fresh daily. The apple dumplings are amazing! The adults in the group can also sample or enjoy a glass of McClure’s award-winning wine and hard cider. In 2019 a down town location was opened on the Wabash River featuring Wine Tasting just 3.4 miles from Camp Ames. Preslie Meadow: Located at Camp Ames Preslie Meadow is a acre wildflower habitat. Established in 2018. Paths are provided to walk and enjoy the beauty. An array of wildflowers can be seen at different times in the spring and summer months. Birds, butterflies, bunnies and deer benefit from the meadow. Photographers and admirers walk the paths and drive by all season. Visitors are welcome and ask not to pick the flowers. Named after the daughter of JR and Marla Dennis of Kokomo. Preslie Lynn Dennis passed from injuries sustained in a car accident on June 22, 2018. She was just short of her 18th birthday and ready to leave for boot camp to serve our country in the United States Army having already served in the National Guard. This multi-talented young lady left us all heart broken. Preslie Meadow lets her memory and beauty live on.
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$50
 / night

Blue Water Lake

94%
(58)
24mi from Salamonie Lake · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · Montpelier, IN
Blue Water Lake is located next to the Salamonie River with fishing access in the lake or the river. Blue Water Lake was previously Baltes Stone Quarry deepest point 30 ft. Lime stone edged with a straight drop off in most places. Beach area available for swimming access. No lifeguards on duty, swim at your own risk. Primitive camping available. Out house available. Less than a mile from Montpelier, a golf cart community. Small town still host Montpelier Speedway one of the last dirt tracks in Indiana. Races on most Saturday nights. You can also get a round of golf in at Bluewater Golf course 9 hole course located across the road from the lake. The land now covered by Montpelier used to be a part of the Native American Miami Nation's Godfroy Reserve. Giant Indian statue at our town center featured on Parks and Reaction TV Show.
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$35
 / night

River Camp Fort Wayne

98%
(216)
30mi from Salamonie Lake · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fort Wayne, IN
Each site is in a wooded, shaded area with a flat area on the ground to place a single large tent. Each site has its own fire ring and a small wooden table. There is wood on the ground you may use for firewood, and ample twigs etc on the ground for kindling (do not cut any trees or branches off trees). There is a covered firewood shed with dry firewood as well. There are maintained trails with river access for kayaks. There are 2 porta potties near the campsites with a handwashing station, that is open year round. There is a single bathroom with flush toilet and sink with running water that is a short walk away (open May-Oct depending on weather) There is an outdoor on-demand hot-water shower at bathroom, with a water hose available as well. On-demand hot water heaters provide hotter water at a low water pressure, and cooler water at full blast. We do provide a large trash bin near the porta potties for trash disposal. DO NOT throw trash into fire pits or burn barrels in the woods. Campsites are a short walk (100-200 feet) away from parking area (you CANNOT drive directly to or park at your campsite). Foster Park is a short bike ride away where you will find greenway trails that run throughout Fort Wayne (ride your bike to downtown!!) Our property backs up to the St Mary's River, bring you kayaks and fishing poles! (We reserve the right to assign you to a different (but equally beautiful) campsite in the case of property maintenance concerns, recent rain or weather conditions etc). All guests must be part of a registered group! Link to Trails Maps fwtrails.org Need to rent a bike or kayak: (we do not rent or provide kayaks, canoes or bikes onsite) fwoutfitters.com/#
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$33
 / night

Country Bungalow

100%
(22)
33mi from Salamonie Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Fort Wayne, IN
We bought this one acre property tucked in the corner of the woods a little more than 2 years ago from the family who built it and lived here for 69 years. It was all original since 1946! The dairy and the farmland around us has been family-owned for over 100 years! Our little acre has become a sweet little hidden secret to all who visit. Quiet and beautiful, yet close to all the quaintness Fort Wayne has to offer. The sunrises are amazing! For nature lovers, there are so many different birds that frequent our trees, even an occasional Bald Eagle! We have renovated the tiny shed into an occasional repurpose shop and now are opening it up for a comfortable glamping spot! We continue to work on renovating our home to eventually welcome more guests. We feel like God saved this sweet spot just for us, so we can't help but share it with others! We hope all who stay, feel the same!
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from 
$88
 / night

The Fun Farm

97%
(55)
37mi from Salamonie Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Fort Wayne, IN
Learn more about this land: Our location is also home to our fantasy destination, The Fun Farm. Not only is the scenery replete with natural beauty - the pond, the fields, the sledding hill, the nature trail through the forest - but also a setting to engage the imagination!   Additional services may be arranged on-site. For example, who would you like to have breakfast with? A superhero? A princess? Or perhaps a souvenir caricature of you and your group is in order to commemorate the experience? Maybe an experiential art, dance, drama or music lesson? Guided tours of the grounds can also be arranged to learn more about the history of the farm and it's originality. If you're interested in a "day trip" or even a limited event, we have the facilities to accommodate your birthday or holiday, engage in art Classes, raise funds for your good cause or enjoy "something different" for this year's corporate party. We're also open to your ideas for a custom school, festival or carnival event. We can accommodate groups from 1 to 400 (maybe more, if we send a few enchanted creatures on vacation!) MORE NOTES ABOUT THE CAMPSITE: We're flexible with wherever you would like to pitch your tent, but the spots we have established are next to our cabin (where the lighting is best and the ground is flattest.) Parking is most easily found next to these sites as well (and the lighting is also excellent.)  Also, in the near vicinity, a shared firepit is readily available and can accommodate at least 12 people. Check out the additional options (like firewood bundles) below and let us know how we can help you make great memories!
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from 
$39
 / night

Gravel's End

90%
(10)
39mi from Salamonie Lake · 1 site · RV · Muncie, IN
Bare-bones camping! This secluded spot allows dry camping in a beautiful 9-acre woods. A winding gravel drive takes you to the heart of the forest and away from civilization. Fully self-contained RVs/camper vans can park level and find a large clearing to enjoy the sounds and sites of native Hoosier flora and fauna. This is a single lane with no turn-around for lengthy vehicles. Our family’s desire is to eventually live on the site and some signs of development can be found, but our first priority is the tedious but rewarding task of removing the non-native species (Burning Bush, Winter Creeper, Asian Honeysuckle, Garlic Mustard, Multiflora Rose) to allow for the native woods and understory to thrive. We are a few years into this process and have already seen major gains in the health of the woods, thanks to the guidance we received from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Limited use of the site ensures the native animal presence is not overly disturbed and preserves a true experience for campers to enjoy. Fill your fresh water tank before arriving and dump your black water tank at a dump station when you’re done. Gray water may be dumped onsite ONLY if you are using earth friendly soaps/ cleaners. Pre-cut and dried firewood for your enjoyment can be arranged ahead of time for a fee. Kindling can be gathered in the cleared areas and along the trails, but we ask that you do not enter non-cleared areas of the woods as this is disruptive to the plant and animal life. There is a one party limit so you may enjoy your nature experience in privacy. With two connecting trails carefully carved into the woods, you are sure to spot signs of creatures like red squirrels, chipmunks, possum, rabbits, garter snakes, frogs, toads, and deer. This property is a bird watchers delight! In the past year, we have observed Blue Jays, Cardinals, Goldfinches, Carolina Wrens, Baltimore Orioles, Cedar Waxwings, American Robins, Sparrows, Tufted Titmice, Finches, Downy Woodpeckers, Northern Flickers, and Pileated Woodpeckers. Black Vultures and Red-Tailed Hawks are a common sight, and you may hear Owls during your overnight stay. Despite the feeling of total privacy, this site is minutes from Muncie, a mid-sized city in Delaware county. Muncie is home to Ball State University, which hosts concerts, speakers, and other programs. Muncie boasts an active downtown with shops, restaurants and breweries. IU Ball Hospital, an award-winning medical facility, is a 15-minute drive. Ruoff Music Center, a beloved outdoor music venue that provides live entertainment throughout the concert season, is less than an hour from the site. Indianapolis, a little over an hour drive, offers vast entertainment opportunities.
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$25
 / night

Camp David

100%
(102)
40mi from Salamonie Lake · 1 site · Lodging · Rochester, IN
🛶 Camp David – A Peaceful Riverside Hideaway 🛶 Fulton County, Indiana Welcome to Camp David, a quiet riverside cabin tucked away on an old family farm along the banks of the Tippecanoe River. This simple, off-the-grid retreat is made for those looking to fish, float, or just watch the water drift by while soaking up the sounds of the woods. Wildlife is your neighbor here—you might spot deer wandering the fields, otters slipping through the water, or turkeys and songbirds calling through the trees. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the deck, casting a line in the river, or building a campfire as the sun sets, nature is always nearby. ☕️ 🪵 The Cabin: 🛶 Rustic cabin with generator-ready power for light and phone charging 🛶 No traditional bed—air mattresses available upon request 🛶 Firewood available: $25 per 75 cubic feet (let us know if you'd like some) Good to Know: Easily accessible from the road Close to town, but far enough to feel like your own little world No plumbing or running water, I will have plenty of fresh water waiting for you at the cabin and more available upon request. (come prepared to unplug and embrace the simplicity) Composting toilet Pier is seasonal Things to Do: Fishing, kayaking, or floating down the Tippecanoe River Wildlife watching and birding Stargazing and evening campfires Just being in the quiet Whether you're here for a solo escape, a couples' unplugged weekend, or a peaceful basecamp for outdoor adventures, Camp David invites you to slow down and reconnect—with yourself, with nature, and with the river. Browse our photos to get a closer look at this serene hideaway. We hope to welcome you soon! Far enough away but easy to get to. Come relax and spend some time at Camp David.
Pets
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from 
$85
 / night

The best camping in Salamonie Lake, IN guide

Overview

About

Salamonie Lake was curated for the sophisticated socialite in you. Take part in one of the many festivals that are thrown throughout the year, and we have a feeling you'll capture some awesome memories—and Instagram pics! Consider going on a sunrise eagle watch, or attending the Taste of Spring, where a wildflower stroll turns into treats made with local flora. If you're more likely to go rogue, worry not: Salamonie Lake has plenty up its sleeve for you as well. Explore the waters in your kayak or bike the trails with fervor. Even out that farmer's tan on the beach and go for a cool-off dip. With snowmobile trails come winter, this area knows no limits.

Notable campgrounds

  • Lost Bridge West SRA - Modern Electric Campground: With 245 sites, this campground offers modern amenities for a comfortable stay.
  • Lost Bridge West SRA - Horsemen's Campground: Ideal for equestrian enthusiasts, this campground features 50 primitive sites.
  • Salamonie River State Forest - Family Primitive Campground: Enjoy a rustic camping experience with 21 sites amid the forest.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak seasons, to ensure you secure a spot at this popular destination.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellations, as last-minute openings can be your ticket to a spontaneous getaway.
  • Explore nearby camping options to have a backup plan in case Salamonie Lake campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Salamonie Lake is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winter brings a quiet, frosty charm, but be prepared for cold temperatures and limited services.

Know before you go

  • Check the USACE website for water level updates before planning water-related activities.
  • Be aware of blue-green algae advisories and follow safety guidelines for swimming.
  • Wear hunter orange during hunting seasons to ensure visibility and safety.
  • Review the property map for trail locations and stay on marked trails to protect the environment.
  • Facilities such as fishing piers and comfort stations are available, but their accessibility may vary with water levels.
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