Salamonie River State Forest

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Salamonie River State Forest sits within Salamonie State Forest, managed by the Indiana DNR Forestry Division, and its 21-site campground draws a mix of tent campers, equestrians, and hikers looking for a low-key base in northeast Indiana. Sites are spacious and fairly wooded, with pit toilets on-site and two water sources, though reviews conflict on water quality: one camper praises the spring-fed spigot as cold and reliable, while another recommends skipping it in favor of the stainless steel fill stations at the Army Corps of Engineers dam a few minutes away. Firewood is available, but only Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The campground connects directly to horse, hiking, and biking trails, and Geoffrey F. notes "three waterfalls and lots of trails with horses walking around." The crowd here tends to be local and light, even on summer weekends, and the campground quiets down considerably by Sunday. Sites accommodate small campers with electric hookups available, and pets are welcome. Reservations are accepted, though walk-in access is also an option.

Nightly rates run $13 to $15, and the campground stays open year-round. Campers wanting more amenities or a larger facility can look at Lost Bridge West to the southeast. This campground suits hikers, equestrian campers, and anyone who wants a no-frills site with trail access and room to spread out.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsSalamonie River State Forest is located in Indiana near Lagro

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From jct US-24 & Hwy-524: Go 3 mi SE on Hwy-524.

Address

9214 West-Lost Bridge West
Andrews, IN 46702

Coordinates

40.81227065 N
85.71738067 W

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Connectivity

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    Excellent Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time


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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Salamonie River State Forest

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Campers frequently mentioned spacious, wooded sites at $13 with basic facilities but no electric or showers. Multiple guests pointed out the secluded atmosphere and easy availability without reservations.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed May. 28, 2026

Small Gem, Big Shine!

I return to Salamonie River State Forest year after year because it truly feels like Northeast Indiana’s best-kept secret. This 21‑site primitive campground offers peaceful seclusion, 4 pit toilets, and two water sources—including a spring‑fed spigot with crisp, cold, delicious drinking water. I’ve stayed at several sites, with Site 18 and Site 20 as favorites. Tent‑friendly, small camper-friendly, pet‑friendly, and just $15/night, it sits beside horse trails, hiking routes, and great fishing. A small campground with big shine—highly recommended.

Site13
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Salamonie River State Forest by Susan W., May 28, 2026
  • Review photo of Salamonie River State Forest by Susan W., May 28, 2026
  • Review photo of Salamonie River State Forest by Susan W., May 28, 2026
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Apr. 26, 2026

Amazing place

This place is really nice, especially on Sundays because everyone is gone. Mostly local people camping. I stayed two days. It was originally supposed to be one. People here are very friendly. I was even given a whole brand new tent in the package plus dinner and breakfast the next day🤯 It’s a smaller campground. The trails can get extreme.. if you’re really into hiking this is a great place. Three waterfalls and lots of trails with horses walking around. :Update the water source in the picture I posted is the only one available, I would not recommend drinking it. Go to the Army Corps of Engineers Dam location 3 min away and they have fresh water constantly running out of stainless steel stations that’s pure.

Siteprimitive with vehicle on tent site
Month of VisitApril
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Salamonie River State Forest by Geoffrey F., April 26, 2026
  • Review photo of Salamonie River State Forest by Geoffrey F., April 26, 2026
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2024

Primitive sites

Small campground. 13$. No reservations, but sites seem readily available, even on weekends in the summer. Spacious sites. Fairly wooded. Firewood only available Mon - Friday 8-3.

Site1
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Salamonie River State Forest by Fern B., August 17, 2024
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2022

Fun trails, small waterfalls, good fishing.

As far as Indiana parks goes, this is a hidden gem. We have camped here many times. Even the trails we frequent always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty.

Sitemany
Month of VisitOctober

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Salamonie Lake State Park located in Indiana?

Salamonie River State Forest is located in northern Indiana. It's situated near the Salamonie River and Salamonie Lake, forming part of the state's natural recreational areas. While specific address details aren't outlined, the forest is considered a hidden gem among Indiana's parks. The area offers beautiful seasonal landscapes and trail systems that showcase different aspects of Indiana's natural environment throughout the year.

What camping options are available at Salamonie River State Forest?

Salamonie River State Forest offers primitive camping with spacious, wooded sites. The campground is small but provides a genuine nature experience without modern amenities. Sites cost $13 (self-pay system) and do not have electricity or showers, though basic bathroom facilities are available. The primitive setting creates a secluded atmosphere that's perfect for those seeking a more traditional outdoor camping experience in a forested environment.

Is there a map available of Salamonie State Park campground?

While specific map availability isn't detailed, visitors can likely obtain campground maps from the forest office during operating hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-3:00 PM), which is when other services like firewood sales are available. For detailed layout information and trail maps, contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources or check their official website before your visit. The small campground has multiple sites distributed throughout a wooded area, with trails that visitors report are worth exploring in different seasons.

How do I make reservations for Salamonie State Park campground?

No reservations are accepted at Salamonie River State Forest campground. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration. Sites are generally available even during summer weekends, so finding a spot isn't typically difficult. The self-pay fee of $13 can be deposited on-site. For the most current information on availability and registration procedures, contact the Indiana DNR or the forest office directly.