Address: 5400 E. Salamonie Forest Road, Lagro, IN 46941
Managed by Salamonie Lake
9214 W. Lost Bridge West
Andrews, IN 46702
260-468-2125
Email: salamonieriverstfor@dnr.IN.gov
Link to this Page
on.IN.gov/salamonieriversf
Salamonie River State Forest advisories
- On Saturday, August 15, at Noon eastern time, the primitive family campsites and primitive horse campsites at that property will join the camping reservation system. Campers will now be able to make sure they have a campsite when planning their stay with the DNR. Starting September 1, 2026, the sites at Salamonie River State Forest will no longer be first-come-first-serve and will be reservation only from that day forward.
The reservation website is www.Camp.IN.gov or reservations can be made by calling 1-866-622-6746 (Mon. – Fri. Noon – 8 p.m. ET, Sat./Sun. Noon – 5 p.m. ET). What has been historically walk-in only, can now be booked in advance of your stay, until 10 p.m. on the day of your arrival. No more guessing if you’ll have a campsite. Book your Labor Day or October stay today!
The name Salamonie was derived from the Native American word "O-sah-mo-nee," which means "yellow paint." Native Americans made yellow paint from the bloodroot plant which grew in great abundance along the winding banks of the river.
Salamonie River State Forest was created as a demonstration riverside forest for the reclamation of eroded land. The state forest was established in the mid 1930's when local people assisted the state in purchasing the hilly land and bluffs along the Salamonie River. Most of the land's topsoil was eroded away, making reclamation of the area a major challenge. To deal with this challenge, a 200-member Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was created. The CCC designed and planned the forest and recreation facilities and opened a stone quarry. Several hundred acres of land were reforested and many recreation facilities were built, including Hominy Ridge Lake and the large stone shelter house that stands near the lake. Today, the forest encompasses 950 acres offering many recreational opportunities to visitors.
Learning about timber harvesting at Salamonie River State Forest
Camping
Salamonie River State Forest offers two primitive campground:
- Family campground with 21 campsites
- Horseman's campground with 15 sites
Fishing
Hominy Ridge Lake (4 acres) offers largemouth bass, bluegill, redear and catfish; a valid Indiana fishing license is required. A boat launch is located at the east side of the lake; boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only. The forest also provides access to the Salamonie River, which offers opportunities to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, catfish and walleye pike. Swimming is offered at nearby State Recreation Area beach on Salamonie Lake.
Hunting
Whitetail deer, turkey, squirrel, fox, and raccoon. A valid hunting license is required. Please call 260-468-2125 for hunting guidance.
Hiking Trails
- Path to waterfall -leave from shelter house
- Fire Trails - 9 miles total. Trails are open to cross-country skiing.
Hikers and horseback riders are advised to wear hunter orange or other bright clothing while on trails during hunting season.
Horse Trails
- Blue Trail (8 miles)
This winding trail varies in topography as it wanders around several ravines and overlooks the Salamonie River in several locations. This trail also provides views of rocky gorges with waterfalls and follows the boundary closely. - Red Trail (3.3 miles)
A connecting trail which meanders through stands of hardwoods, conifers and open fields. - Green Trail (1.8 miles)
An alternate trail providing a shorter route back to the horse camp from the blue trail. Views of the pine stands and an oak plantation. - Yellow Trail (2 miles)
Provides riders from outside the forest access to the trail system and ties into the reservoir trail system. Also a scenic view of a waterfall next to Hominy Ridge Picnic Area.
