Mississinewa Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Mississinewa Lake is a state recreation area in northeastern Indiana. The 14,000-acre recreation area surrounds a 3,200-acre flood control reservoir. The lake and surrounding wilderness areas provide ample boating, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities. The park's proximity to Chicago, IL, and Indianapolis, IN, makes it an ideal destination for relaxation while being close to civilization.
Spring 32 - 72 F
Summer 61 - 82 F
Fall 35 - 75 F
Winter 20 - 38 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Mississinewa Lake State Park
You’ll find two campgrounds in Mississinewa Lake State Park. The Seasonal Campground is open from May 1 through October 31. It is close to the beach and offers concrete pads with a patio, fire rings, water and sewage hookups, metered electricity, picnic areas, a playground, and a fishing pier. The Modern Campground is open year-round, though some amenities are unavailable in winter. Sites range from rustic to full hookups, and amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, fire rings, grills, picnic areas, a volleyball court, a disc golf course, and a playground. Parking is limited to one vehicle at most campsites, though some sites do have space for a second vehicle. The maximum vehicle length in the campground is 67 feet, and there are both back-in and pull-through sites to choose from. All areas are pet friendly, but pets must be on a 6-foot or less leash and attended at all times. Wi-Fi is available throughout the park.
What to Do at
Mississinewa Lake State Park
The lake provides several waterspout activities, including swimming, fishing, and water skiing. The surrounding forest, prairies, and farmland create an extensive wilderness and habitat for wildlife. As a result, there are ample hiking and bird-watching opportunities in addition to water sports. The park's playgrounds, ball fields, and even an RC flying field are just a few other attractions.
Fishing
The lake offers a variety of angling opportunities. Fish from the campground's fishing pier or your boat. Crappie, large-mouth bass, white bass, small-mouth bass, and two species of catfish are common in these waters.
Geocaching
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources welcomes geocaching within its parks. As a matter of fact, the DNR has placed a cache of its own within the park. If you wish to place a cache, there are guidelines and an application available on the Indiana DNR web page.
Nature Watching
The park is ideal for viewing waterfowl and raptors. Eagles and gulls fish in the tailwaters of the Lake Mississinewa dam. Various duck species make the ponds within the park their nesting sites. Birders will see Belted Kingfishers, woodpeckers, and orioles. The lucky ones may spot an American woodcock or migrating pelican. The east end of the lake is an excellent spot to look for herons and egrets. Mammals include squirrels, rabbits, deer, fox, raccoon, opossum, and the occasional coyote.
Hiking
The park has five designated hiking trails and a Wildlife Hiking Area. The trails range in length and difficulty. The paved Easy Access Trail is only 0.4 miles long. The Lost Sister and Blue Heron trails are both 2. 5 miles long and moderately difficult. Paths meander through wooded or prairie areas. The Blue Heron Trail provides scenic views of the lake and dam.
Boating
There are four boat ramps and a small marina on Mississinewa Lake. Non-motorized and motorized craft are allowed on the lake. Permits are required. Check the Indiana DNR website for permits and fees.
How to Get to
Mississinewa Lake State Park
Take Indiana Highway 19 southeast from Peru, Indiana, for 5.6 miles. At the intersection with East 500 South, turn left (east). In 2.8 miles, turn left (north) at the intersection with South 625 East. The ranger station will be on your right in 0.2 miles, and the campground entrance (Miss Campground Road) in 0.4 miles.
Entering Mississinewa Lake State Park
The beach, boat ramp, and other day-use facilities are near the campground entrance. There is ample parking in the day-use area. There is a boat parking and storage area. Day use hours are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Mississinewa Lake State Park Entry Fee (in-state vehicles) : $7.0
Mississinewa Lake State Park Entry Fee (out-of-state vehicles) : $9.0
Mississinewa Lake State Park Entry Fee (walkers/bikers) : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississinewa Lake State Park
Summer is the best time of the year to visit Northern Indiana. All campgrounds are open, and all services are available from May 1 through October 31.
The water and extensive forest areas make the park a birdwatcher's paradise. It is part of the Indiana Birding Trail. Wildlife watchers can expect to see a variety of duck species, herons, egrets, eagles, and other waterfowl. The trees are alive with orioles, woodpeckers, and kingfishers. Mammals common in the park are raccoons, skunks, foxes, squirrels, deer, and rabbits.
The campground has over 400 RV campsites with various services available.
Reservations are strongly recommended. There are some first-come-first-served sites in the park. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance and as little as 24 hours before your arrival date. There is no registration fee. Rates for RV campsites are $16 per night for electricity only, $22 per night for water and sewer sites, and $46 for full hookups. Cancellation fees vary by site and date.
Pets are welcome in the park and campground. They are not allowed in any facilities or buildings. Pets must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash and attended at all times.