MONROE CO. – Monroe Lake is currently experiencing significantly high water levels, exceeding the normal pool by more than 13 feet. This is due to ongoing efforts to retain water and alleviate flooding downstream. Officials at the lake are unable to predict when or how quickly water levels will recede to normal. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will continue to monitor downstream conditions on the White and Ohio rivers, as well as assess potential rainfall. For the latest water level updates, the public is advised to consult the gauge data from NOAA, which is measured just above the reservoir dam.
Due to the elevated water levels, several areas around Monroe Lake are currently CLOSED or INACCESSIBLE:
- Stillwater-Northfork Waterfowl Area: Friendship Road is closed from the hunter check station to Gross Road; McGowan Road is closed; the Stillwater Observation Platform is inaccessible.
- Cartop SRA: Access from the east via Stipp Road is inaccessible (limited access may be available from the west).
- Cutright SRA: The main boat ramp is closed, but the high water ramp remains open. However, the road leading back to the Two Herons Marina area is closed, effectively making everything past the high-water ramp inaccessible.
- Fairfax SRA: The beach area is closed, and more than half of the parking area is underwater. The courtesy dock at the boat ramp is inaccessible. The Homestead Loop trail should be considered closed due to multiple flooded creek crossings, and the Osprey Trail is also closed.
- Paynetown SRA: The marina peninsula area is closed, including the Lakeview Shelter, Twin Oaks Shelter, beach area, fishing dock, Activity Center, and all boat docks. The Paynetown Shelter is closed, and the courtesy dock at the boat ramp is inaccessible. The Tree Trek Trail is closed, and select campsites are also closed.
- Pine Grove SRA: The entire State Recreation Area is closed as the entry road is underwater.
Recreation Season Opening Updates:
Despite the high water, some facilities are now open for the 2025 recreation season:
- Modern restrooms at Fairfax and Paynetown SRAs are open.
- Campground comfort stations at Paynetown SRA are open.
- The fish cleaning station at Paynetown SRA is open.
- The Park Office at Paynetown SRA is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- The Paynetown SRA marina is scheduled to open on May 1st. However, due to the high water, all buoy and slip renters must utilize the temporary shuttle station located in the non-electric campground to access their boats. The marina restroom and gas service will remain unavailable until water levels decrease sufficiently.
- Beaches at Fairfax and Paynetown SRAs, along with the Paynetown Activity Center, are tentatively scheduled to open on Memorial Day Weekend. However, these openings are subject to delay if high water conditions persist.
Visitors seeking information on opening dates and high water impacts at private marinas, such as Fourwinds, Twin Herons, and Lake Monroe Boat Rental, are advised to contact the marinas directly.
Plan Your Visit:
Those planning a trip to Monroe Lake are encouraged to utilize the online program calendar available on the official website. The calendar features information on crafts, activities, hikes, and presentations offered at the lake. Many programs for May through August are already posted. Visitors should check back closer to their visit for any additions or updates.
Monroe Lake Website: on.IN.gov/monroelake
Monroe Lake Program & Event Calendar: bit.ly/monroelakecalendar
Monroe Lake on Facebook: facebook.com/monroelake
