Saddle Lake Recreation Area
The Saddle Lake Recreation Area was one of four that was associated with flood control lakes built along the Middle Fork of the Anderson River. Saddle Lake once had a fully developed recreation area but now has only a primitive campground, a boat ramp for the lake and a hiking trail. This scenic, somewhat remote lake is an excellent place to get away from crowds and you will often have the place to yourself!
General Information
Additional Resources
Swimming at Saddle Lake Recreation Area
There is no designated swimming beach provided at Saddle Lake. Indiana state law mandates a person must not swim or allow a child or other person in their care to swim at a location other than a designated beach during designated hours.
State law does allow swimmers to swim from a watercraft between sunrise and sunset in an embayment on a reservoir property but not within 300 feet of a designated launching ramp. Please use caution.
Year-round
Open 24 hours/day, Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am
Firewood Restrictions
- Any firewood brought onto National Forest System land must meet ONE of the firewood requirements on Hoosier National Forest.
- Use of on-site firewood must only be from dead, downed material. Standing trees, living or dead, may not be cut or defaced.
A complete list of US Forest Service rules and regulations are posted on bulletin boards in the campground.
$5.00 per campsite per night. Self-service pay stations at the campground.
Address: 248 15th Street Tell City, IN 47586
Phone: 812-547-7051
Hours: Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00AM to noon and 1:00 -4:30PM CST. Closed Mondays and Fridays. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.05028232
Longitude: -86.64737859
Directions
Take I-64 to IN 37 south (Exit 79), then south approximately 12-13 miles to the turn off on old Highway 37 to the Saddle Lake Recreation Area. Follow the signs to the campground and boat ramp. GPS Coordinates: Lat- 38o 3' 33.649"N, Long- 86o 39' 9.435"W
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
One vault toilet
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
No drinking water available
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
The 41-acre Saddle Lake is a small but excellent place to fish for pan fish in southern Indiana. The lake offers many wooded shoreline hide-aways and tranquil coves for fishing.
Fish Species
Variety of panfish and bass
Fishing Mode
boats or shore
Fishing Platform
none
Cleaning Station
none
Accessible Platform
none
Water Temperature
Depends on season.
Fishing Method
Fishing pole with bait or lures
Water/Flow Level
Water fluctuates with rainfall and seasons.
Boating - Motorized Info
Saddle Lake is one of four fishing lakes operated by the Forest Service in this area along State Highway 37. The 41-acre Saddle Lake is said to be an excellent fishing lake for pan fish. It offers shoreline and coves to fish for pan fish. Bring a pole and a pail of bait and spend an enjoyable afternoon.
Launch Ramps
launch ramp is open year-round
Trailer Parking
adequate parking
Size Restrictions
electric motors only
Type of Craft
Small boats.
Motor Type
electric motors only
Fuel availability
none
Corrals
electric motors only
Water/Flow Level
Varies
Marina/Mooring
none
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Saddle Lake is one of four fishing lakes operated by the Forest Service in this area along State Highway 37. The 41-acre Saddle Lake is said to be an excellent fishing lake for pan fish. It offers shoreline and coves to fish for pan fish. Bring a pole and a pail of bait and spend an enjoyable afternoon.
Launch Ramps
launch ramp available year round
Trailer Parking
adequate trailer parking
Size Restrictions
none
Type of Craft
Kayak or canoe
Fuel availability
none
Corrals
none
Water/Flow Level
Varies
Marina/Mooring
none
Viewing Wildlife Info
The Saddle Lake Recreation Area is one of the least used of the Hoosier's recreation areas so one that you might most likely have to yourself and see wildlife. The site is deeply wooded and gives the feeling of being tucked in amongst the forest and hills. You will likely see many of the birds and animals that call the forest their home so bring your binoculars and tread softly!
Species
woodland songbirds, water birds, deer and more