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
Current Conditions:
12/1/21 - Lake water levels have been lowered for boat ramp work and it may take several months for lakes to refill and allow use of boat ramps.
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.
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.
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
The Saddle Lake Recreation Area includes a primitive campground with vault toilets.
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
Fishing
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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.
Nature Viewing
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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
Water Activities
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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
Swimming
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. We suggest you swim at Tipsaw Beach instead.
State law does allow swimmers to swim from a watercraft on the lake between sunrise and sunset, but not within 300 feet of a designated lauching ramp. Please use caution.
HIDE
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