Monroe Lake
Open for the 2026 season from March 27 through November 4. Blue-green algae can be present year-round; do not drink lake water. Reservations available through ReserveAmerica up to 6 months in advance for campsites.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued August 11 at 6:37PM EDT until August 11 at 7:30PM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
At 636 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from 7 miles southeast of Mooresville to 8 miles northwest of Nashville to near Bloomfield, moving southeast at 50 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include... Bloomington, Columbus, Seymour, Bedford, Franklin, Linton, Brownstown, Bloomfield, Nashville, New Whiteland, Edinburgh, Mitchell, Whiteland, Bargersville, Hope, Flat Rock, Milford, Odon, Princes Lakes, and Geneva. This includes the following highways... Interstate 65 between mile markers 47 and 93. Interstate 74 near mile marker 127.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued August 11 at 5:45PM EDT until August 11 at 7:00PM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 565 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN INDIANA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 25 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL INDIANA BARTHOLOMEW DECATUR HENDRICKS JOHNSON MARION MORGAN RUSH SHELBY IN SOUTH CENTRAL INDIANA BROWN JACKSON LAWRENCE MONROE IN SOUTHEAST INDIANA JENNINGS IN SOUTHWEST INDIANA DAVIESS GREENE MARTIN SULLIVAN IN WEST CENTRAL INDIANA CLAY FOUNTAIN MONTGOMERY OWEN PARKE PUTNAM VERMILLION VIGO THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ATTICA, BEDFORD, BLOOMFIELD, BLOOMINGTON, BRAZIL, BROWNSBURG, CARLISLE, CLINTON, COLUMBUS, COVINGTON, CRAWFORDSVILLE, DANVILLE, FAIRVIEW PARK, FARMERSBURG, FRANKLIN, GOSPORT, GREENCASTLE, GREENSBURG, GREENWOOD, INDIANAPOLIS, JASONVILLE, LINTON, LOOGOOTEE, MARTINSVILLE, MITCHELL, MONTEZUMA, MOORESVILLE, NASHVILLE, NORTH VERNON, PLAINFIELD, ROCKVILLE, ROSEDALE, RUSHVILLE, SEYMOUR, SHELBURN, SHELBYVILLE, SHOALS, SPENCER, SULLIVAN, TERRE HAUTE, VEEDERSBURG, WASHINGTON, AND WORTHINGTON.
About
Monroe Lake sits 6 miles south of Bloomington in the heart of southern Indiana's rolling hardwood forests. As the state's largest reservoir at 10,750 acres, it anchors a popular recreation destination managed jointly by Indiana DNR and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Paynetown State Recreation Area serves as the primary camping hub, offering 318 sites across electric, non-electric, shelter, and tent-only categories. The campground caters to a wide range of camping styles. Electric sites feature 30-amp hookups with both pull-through and back-in configurations, accommodating RVs from 32 to 60 feet depending on the specific site. Modern comfort stations provide hot showers and flush toilets, while dump stations serve RV campers. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Water recreation dominates activity here. The full-service marina offers boat rentals, fuel, and supplies. Multiple boat ramps and fishing docks provide easy lake access. A swim beach, nature center, hiking trails, and an amphitheater round out the amenities. The surrounding 13,000+ acres of protected forest support excellent wildlife viewing, including notable bald eagle populations during winter months.
Directions
From Bloomington, take IN-37 south to the Smithville Road or Harrodsburg exits, or head east on IN-46 then south on IN-446. The campground entrance is at 4850 South State Road 446, Bloomington, IN 47401.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $20 - $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 92ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 60ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (812) 837-9546 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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