Salamonie Lake
4.7(95)google
3.3(3)yelp
LakeBoatingFishingCampingOutdoor
Overview
Salamonie Dam (National ID # IN03005) is a dam in Wabash County, Indiana. The earthen and rockfill dam was constructed in 1966 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, with a height of 133 feet (41 m) and 6,100 feet (1,900 m) long at its crest. It impounds the Salamonie River for flood control and storm water management, is owned by the Corps of Engineers, and is operated by the Corps and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-1 day
Best TimeSummer from June through August for active jet-skiing and primitive pontoon camping, or early October for eagle-watching amid changing leaves. Position yourself at the massive Salamonie Dam Overlook between 4:00 PM and sunset; the setting sun completely blankets the vast 13,000-acre water reserve, offering exceptional opportunities to photograph wild bald eagles hunting over the glowing water.
Getting ThereTucked deep inside northeastern Indiana at 9214 Lost Bridge West, Andrews. Personal vehicle travel is the exclusive transport option. Drive north from Indianapolis on I-69 N for 80 miles to Exit 278 for IN-5 North toward Warren, then cut west onto State Road 124 W for 15 miles straight to the property boundary. Paved lots with extensive boat trailer bays sit adjacent to the ramps.
Travel Tips
- Seasonal flood control shifts reservoir depths by dozens of vertical feet. Secondary boat ramps and low-lying perimeter loops (Trail 4) submerge entirely in spring; monitor active USACE pool levels online.
- The remote pioneer cemetery ruins deep in the timber block feature zero path illumination. Coyote packs actively hunt the shorelines post-dusk; night camping with pets along unpatrolled tree lines is banned.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Controlled by the US Army Corps of Engineers, parking or stopping on the dam crest roadway for photography is illegal. Vehicles slowing down over the spillway run face immediate military-grade federal citations.
Reviews
Positive
- The vast lake and forested cliffs offer gorgeous views, perfect for peaceful boating, fishing, and beach relaxation.
- Campsites are massive with reliable electric/water hookups, and ample waste bins keep the loop loops highly sanitary.
- The Salamonie Interpretive Center features great live exhibits and passionate staff hosting wild safety programs.
- Given the diverse equestrian and snowmobile trails, the gate admission delivers fantastic year-round value.
Heads up
- During mid-summer heatwaves, toxic blue-green algae blooms can trigger sudden beach closures, ruining swim plans.
- Boat rentals near the marina carry high price markups, and slow queue management leads to long wait times on hot days.
- Without a private automobile, reaching this rustic reservoir is impossible due to a complete lack of transit options.
- The massive waterbody fosters aggressive mosquitoes and horseflies, especially along shaded wetland boardwalk paths.