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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!
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Open 24 hours/day, Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am |
|---|---|
| Fees: | $5.00 per campsite per night. Self-service pay stations at the campground. |
| Open Season: | Year-round |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | Firewood Restrictions
|
| Closest Towns: | Tell City, IN |
| Water: | No drinking water available |
| Restroom: | One vault toilet |
| Operated By: | USFS, Tell City Ranger District, 248 15th Street, Tell City, IN 47586; Phone: 812-547-7051 |
General Information
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
General Notes:
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 lauching ramp. Please use caution.
Activities
Campground Camping
The Saddle Lake Recreation Area includes a primitive campground with vault toilets.
| Site Number | Spur Width x Spur Length (ft) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12 x 18 |
| 2 | 12 x 27 |
| 3 | 14 x 24 |
| 4 | 16 x 30 |
| 5 | 14 x 33 |
| 6 | 16 x 24 |
| 7 | 14 x 27 |
| 8 | 16 x 27 |
| 9 | 14 x 33 |
| 10 | 15 x 30 |
| 11 and 12 (shared) | 26 x 51 |
| 13 | 20 x 43 |
| No. of Sites | 13 |
| Reservation Info | No reservations taken |
| Fire Information | Each site has a campfire grill established where camp fires must be built. |
| No. of Accessible sites | 0 |
| Sleeping Shelter | no |
Lake and Pond Fishing
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. |
Viewing Wildlife
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 |
Boating - Motorized
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
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 |
Related Information
Location
