monroe lake

If you haven't been to our overlook at Stillwater Marsh (eastern part of the lake - the backwater, located on McGowan Road), I highly recommend that you try that location for birdwatching. Wait until the weather starts to warm up a bit in the spring, so that the water in the marsh is ice-free and better suited to waterfowl -- April is a good time to go out. We'll start drawing down the water level in the Marsh during April, just as the shorebirds start to migrate back into our area -- they love to forage for insects in the freshly exposed mud of the marsh!

So glad you enjoyed your visit to the lake - hope you have the chance to return again soon!

Went to Lake Monroe to rent a pontoon boat for the day. The guys at the store had us in and out on our boat in just a matter of minutes. Last week of September and it was 84 degrees out and water still warm enough to take a dip. Even though we usually visit Fairfax rec area, Paynetown is still a nice rec area. They have beautiful camping close to the lake. Could use more restrooms but campground was well taken care of.

Miserable experience. Campsites are packed one on top of each other. Noisy diesels driving right by your tent at all hours of the night and morning, coming and going. People stay up late all night and into the morning talking and making noise. Loud country music playing from a number of sites. Baby crying all night in the tent right next to us. Then there are the dogs. they start barking early and they keep barking late. Forget quiet, forget rest, forget sleep. Forget the great outdoors. It's Hillbillypalooza at Paynetown!

A crazy place. Idle on one side of cause way giant boats on the other. Weekends are a mix of boaters trying to ski and fishermen with no one happy. OK on weekdays. I avoid it in favor of less crowded lakes with a beach, but it can be fun to watch.

we stayed at four winds resort and marina for our wedding anniveruysary in august this lake was gorgous and we had such fun it was like visiting florida.

We celebrated our anniversary by taking a long weekend camping & fishing at the Paynetown recreation area. Paynetown has a large class B campground, as well as a VERY large electric campground. The campground is on a peninsula, so you have water on either side. Makes for a nice camping experience. The bathrooms definitely need updating, but still aren't the worst we've seen this year. Boating & fishing are very popular. There's a marina & you can also rent a boat. There's also a beach. The camp store is conveniently located nearby. There's also a nature center though it's not very good. In season, there's also hunting. There are 3 hiking trails that are well maintained. They are moderate to easy. Paynetown is located off Route 446, near Bloomington,In & is a great place to relax!

After a few busy days trekking around we decided on a lazy day by the lake. Well on arriving and paying our $5 entry fee we proceeded to the lake. Passing the store and boat rental shop our interest was leaked. We parked at the lake and then decided to enquiry about a pontoon, minutes later we'd paid up and where heading out for 2 hours on a 20ft pontoon. If time had been on our side I'd have booked for 4 hours +. What an amazing way to spend the day. We had our 6 & 4 year olds, jumping in the water in the middle of the lake, swimming around, using an inflatable tube and overall having a blast. I couldn't recommend it highly enough. So easy to use and enjoy.

If You haven't visited this lake and are a true boater, you definitely should! This is a beautiful lake in Bloomington that stretches over 20 miles. It is Indiana's largest body of water. You will definitely enjoy your boat with This lake!

Had a very good time on rental double decker Pontoon Boat. Even though it was a bit cold, we all enjoyed the afternoon. I always enjoy Lake Monroe!

Growing up we would spend every weekend at Lake Monroe and a couple times each summer we would camp. Love water skiing and swimming, its the largest man-made lake in Indiana. The Four Winds Marina is wonderful

Just a lazy sunny day in a boat. Some people were speeding along trying to ski and most were cruising along just enjoying the day. Not hard to find or hard to launch your boat into. It was a great spot for a great day to just hang out.

Pretty in places, not to people friendly to get to, at least where we were at. We will go back and try again sometime.

Went for a drive and a picnic; watched sun set over lake from Harden Ridge. Trees are beautiful and just starting to change.

rented a pontoon boat with a slide. Had a great time. Had everyone wear life preservers when swimming but very very nice