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.
Flood Warning issued August 21 at 8:34PM EDT until August 24 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
...The Flood Warning is extended for the following rivers in Indiana... White River at Ravenswood. White River at Edwardsport. White River at Newberry. White River at Elliston. ...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Indiana... White River at Hazleton. White River at Petersburg. White River at Spencer. .Minor flooding is occurring on the White River at Ravenswood and then from Spencer downstream to the confluence with the Wabash. Ravenswood should drop back below flood stage tonight. The main crest on the White is approaching Elliston as of Friday evening and should reach down to Petersburg and Hazleton over the weekend. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...White River at Spencer. * WHEN...Until Monday morning. * IMPACTS...At 17.0 feet, A few mobile homes located downstream of Spencer are isolated because their driveway lanes flood. County Line Road on north side of river has one foot of water and begins to flood in a second place. Spencer Public Access extensively floods. North Moon Road in very rural northwest Monroe County is flooded by the White River. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:30 PM EDT Friday the stage was 16.8 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 7:30 PM EDT Friday was 19.5 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage Sunday evening and continue falling and remain below flood stage. - Flood stage is 14.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!