MONROE CO. – Monroe Lake is currently experiencing water levels more than 12 feet above normal, posing significant challenges for visitors and businesses as the Fourth of July weekend approaches.
Tom Greemann, owner of Two Herons Marina, described the situation as “the worst we’ve seen it, for sure.” Access to his marina by land requires vehicles that are high enough to navigate through 11 inches of water; otherwise, visitors must walk through the submerged parking lot. Greemann anticipates “parking” will be their biggest problem this weekend.
Across Monroe Lake, campgrounds, beaches, and boat ramps are submerged. Luke Fulford, assistant property manager for DNR at Monroe Lake, confirmed that roughly half of the amenities, including the beach area at Paynetown, are currently unavailable due to water covering roads and facilities.
Greemann, whose business relies heavily on boat rentals and slip rentals, expressed concern that the high water could significantly impact what is typically his most profitable weekend of the year. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, stating they are prepared to adapt by potentially building a bridge across the watery parking lot and shuttling boaters from farther parking areas. “It’ll be fun, we’re going to make it fun,” Greemann said.
For those planning to visit Monroe Lake this holiday weekend, Greemann advises arriving early and being prepared to wade through water to reach their destinations.
For water level updates, check the gauge data from NOAA, which is measured just above the reservoir dam: https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/MONI3
BEACHES: Paynetown and Fairfax SRA beaches are CLOSED. Please note that this is an extended closure; the water level must drop significantly before they can open. We’re talking weeks here (and quite a few of them), not days.
RAMPS
Cutright SRA: Main ramp is CLOSED. The high-water ramp is technically closed, but experienced boaters may still launch if they feel comfortable doing so. There is approximately a foot of open space at the top of the ramp, and posts mark the ramp’s width.
Pine Grove SRA: Ramp is CLOSED.
Crooked Creek SRA: Ramp is technically closed, as the turnaround area is completely underwater. However, since the road is at the same declination as the ramp, experienced boaters may still launch.
All other boat ramps (Paynetown, Fairfax, Moores Creek, Salt Creek, Allens Creek) remain open. Please note that parking lots will fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, and you may experience long lines to launch.
Courtesy docks are accessible at the Paynetown and Fairfax ramps. They will not be available at any other ramp location until there is a significant drop in water levels.
Non-motorized boats (canoes, kayaks, SUPs) are still free to launch at closed ramps (except for Pinegrove, as the entire SRA is closed). The kayaking is GREAT at the lake right now, with tons of areas open for exploration that aren’t normally accessible!
CAMPGROUND: Select campsites (primarily in non-electric areas) are closed due to flooding and to accommodate overflow from flooded parking lots. Impacted reservations have been contacted directly by our reservation services.
CARTOP SRA: The entire area is closed.
PINE GROVE SRA: The entire area is closed.
MARINAS / BOAT RENTALS
Paynetown SRA: Lake Monroe Boat Rental (private-run) is open and fully accessible. The marina (state-run) is also open but with no gas service; a shuttle to buoys/docks is operating out of the non-electric camping area.
Fairfax SRA: Paradise Boat Rental (private-run) is open and fully accessible. The Fourwinds Marina (private-run) is open and accessible; a portion of the parking area for the southern docks is underwater.
Cutright SRA: Two Herons Marina and Boat Rental (private-run) is still open but inaccessible by road. Please refer to their Facebook page for a recent post (6/30) about access accommodations via the walkway and ferry.
Fairfax SRA: LT Paddle Sports (privately run) offers rentals of non-motorized boats by advance arrangement only; walk-ups are not accepted.
ACTIVITY CENTER / PROGRAMS: The Paynetown Activity Center is closed, but naturalist-led programs are available. Visit the calendar at bit.ly/monroelakecalendar
SHELTERS / PICNIC AREA: Lakeview, Twin Oaks, Paynetown, and Activity Center Shelters at Paynetown SRA are closed, as is the beach shelter at Fairfax SRA. Other shelters remain available for use at Cutright, Moores Creek, Paynetown (Ramp and Deer Run Shelters), and Fairfax (Bay View and Big Oak Shelters) SRAs. Other picnic areas are limited, as the Lakeview/Beach picnic area at Paynetown SRA is closed.
TRAILS: The southwestern portion of the Homestead Loop at Fairfax SRA is inaccessible due to flooded creek crossings, and the Osprey Trail is closed. The western portion of the Tree Trek Trail at Paynetown SRA is closed due to flooding. Remaining trails (Big Oak at Fairfax SRA, Turkey Trot at Allens Creek SRA, and Bluebird and Whitetail at Paynetown SRA) are open, but be aware that you may encounter fallen trees from recent storms.
FISHING PIERS: The fishing piers at both Paynetown and Cutright SRAs are CLOSED.
STILLWATER-NORTHFORK: McGowan Road is entirely closed, and Friendship Road is closed from the hunter check station to Gross Road (additional portions may be impacted by flash flooding).
Please be aware that officials at Monroe Lake do NOT manage Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area, or the Hoosier National Forest. Questions about facilities in those areas should be directed to the U.S. Forest Service.
