Summit Lake State Park

4.38

82 reviews

5993 NORTH MESSICK ROAD, NEW CASTLE, Indiana, 47362, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Indiana Boating Camping Indiana Swimming Camping Indiana +6 more

Quick Facts

1,079 ft

Price

$27/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Summit Lake State Park site

Official Website

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Quick Facts

1,079 ft

Price

$27/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Summit Lake State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Summit Lake State Park

$27.00 - $27.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campsite fee is $27 per night, but specific fees for different sites or seasons are not detailed.

Standard Site Fee$27.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 82 reviews

1704 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakefriendly

Some mention

noiseunlevel

"User reviews frequently highlight the park's clean facilities, scenic lake, and abundant recreational opportunities. However, some complaints focus on unlevel campsites and seasonal overcrowding."

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Campground Map

5993 NORTH MESSICK ROAD, NEW CASTLE, Indiana, 47362, United States

Summit Lake State Park

5993 NORTH MESSICK ROAD, NEW CASTLE, Indiana, 47362, United States

Driving directionsSummit Lake State Park is located northeast of New Castle and southeast of Muncie. The park is 1 mile north of State Highway 36 on Messick Road, 4 miles east of Highway 3.

The campground is accessible via paved roads and is 1 mile north of State Highway 36 and 4 miles east of Highway 3. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain are explicitly mentioned.

Nearby places

New Castle (approx. 5 miles), Muncie (approx. 15 miles), Indianapolis (approx. 45 miles).

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, camping supplies, and a bait shop named 'Get Jiggy With It' are within 10 miles. Firewood is available for purchase both onsite and at a house near the entrance.

Best Time to Camp at Summit Lake State Park

Experience the magic of four distinct seasons at Summit Lake, where each brings its own outdoor adventures. Summer transforms the park into an aquatic playground, with warm days perfect for swimming, boating, and lakeside lounging. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests burst into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Winter blankets the landscape in serene beauty, though temperatures can plunge dramatically – perfect for those who appreciate the stark beauty of a frozen wilderness. Spring awakens the park with fresh blooms and migrating birds, though early-season campers should come prepared for occasional rain showers and muddy trails that gradually give way to lush, green landscapes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in IN

Summer is peak season: beach, swimming, boat rentals and many positive summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall praised for vibrant foliage and scenic lake views in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers trails, wildlife and improving weather; beach not yet open early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Park open year-round but winter activities and visitor reports are limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Exact peak season dates are not specified, but summer months are implied to be the busiest.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The park is open year-round, but specific facilities like the swimming beach operate seasonally (Memorial Day to Labor Day).

About Summit Lake State Park

Escape to Summit Lake State Park, where 2,680 acres of Indiana wilderness embrace an expansive 800-acre lake that sparkles at the heart of this outdoor paradise. Whether you're seeking adventure on the water or tranquility in the shade of towering trees, this modern campground delivers the perfect blend of natural beauty and creature comforts. Every campsite comes equipped with electric and water hookups, ensuring you can immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing convenience. Cast a line from the shoreline at dawn, launch your boat for an afternoon exploration, spot rare birds through your binoculars, or lose yourself on winding hiking trails that reveal new wonders with every turn.

Summit Lake State Park provides options for RV and tent camping, as well as group sites. The campground is described as clean and well-organized, with sites near the water offering scenic views.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of four distinct seasons at Summit Lake, where each brings its own outdoor adventures. Summer transforms the park into an aquatic playground, with warm days perfect for swimming, boating, and lakeside lounging. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests burst into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Winter blankets the landscape in serene beauty, though temperatures can plunge dramatically – perfect for those who appreciate the stark beauty of a frozen wilderness. Spring awakens the park with fresh blooms and migrating birds, though early-season campers should come prepared for occasional rain showers and muddy trails that gradually give way to lush, green landscapes.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by Summit Lake's centerpiece – a magnificent 800-acre expanse of water that locals describe as 'huge and very nice to go out on.' This aquatic gem serves as a stage for nature's most spectacular performances, where majestic bald eagles soar overhead and elusive minks dart along the shoreline. The park's diverse landscape seamlessly blends dense, shady woodlands – perfect for escaping the summer sun – with expansive open meadows that invite exploration. Wildlife enthusiasts will discover a living gallery of creatures great and small, making every visit a potential encounter with Indiana's natural inhabitants.

Geological RegionNestled within Indiana's diverse geological tapestry, Summit Lake State Park showcases the region's natural heritage through its stunning 800-acre lake surrounded by a mosaic of woodland and prairie ecosystems. This unique convergence of water, forest, and open grasslands creates an ecological crossroads that supports an impressive array of wildlife, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers and nature photographers. The varied terrain tells the story of Indiana's landscape, from ancient forests to prairie remnants, all centered around the shimmering lake that defines this remarkable outdoor sanctuary.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit not explicitly mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per site not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features two loops (A and B) with sites arranged near the lake. Loop B offers waterfront sites but is noted to be tighter and less private.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online or by calling the park, based on authoritative contact information.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up site availability details not provided.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details not provided.

AccessibilityAccessibility-specific information is limited in the provided sources.

Site SizeThe campground offers a range of site sizes, from small waterfront sites to larger, pull-through options. Some sites are noted as being unlevel, requiring extra equipment for leveling RVs.

PrivacyPrivacy varies between sites, with Loop B reportedly tighter and more clustered, while Loop A offers more space and shade.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesLoop B is on the water but has tight sites. Waterfront sites are praised for their views but may have issues with goose droppings. Site 98 in Loop B is noted for having an extreme grade.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Summit Lake State Park offers a diverse range of activities including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is a highlight, praised for its cleanliness and scenic beauty, as well as its suitability for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Seasonal boat rentals provide additional recreational options, and a dedicated beach area is available for swimming during the summer.

HikingThe park features four trails rated as easy to moderate, with reviewers noting that 'the trails are short but offer great views of Summit Lake and the surrounding prairies.' However, trails are not considered challenging, as one user remarked, 'This is not the place for challenging hiking experiences like Turkey Run.'

FishingFishing opportunities are abundant, with species such as bass, crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, walleye, and sunfish. The lake's calm waters and ample fish stocks make it an appealing destination for anglers. Some reviews recommend fishing near the islands or from waterfront campsites.

SwimmingThe swimming beach is open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The beach area is described as clean with clear water, although some users note an issue with goose droppings.

BoatingBoating is a popular activity at Summit Lake. Seasonal rentals for paddle boats, rowboats, and canoes are available. The lake has an 'idle speed only' policy, which some visitors appreciate for maintaining peace and calm.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of eagles and minks commonly reported near the lake and islands. Birdwatching is also popular, with the park's diverse habitats drawing a variety of species.

Beach activitiesBeach activities are available during the summer, and the area includes sunbathing and swimming facilities. The water is frequently described as 'crystal clear.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include unlevel campsites and proximity to water which requires caution. Goose droppings at the beach have been noted, and one review mentioned fish hooks near the water's edge.

Emergency ServicesA hospital is located within 10 miles from the park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are available at the sites. Some reviews note a lack of dumpsters near exits or the dump station.

Water FeaturesCampsites are near an 800-acre lake with water access at some sites. The lake supports a variety of water activities including fishing and kayaking.

Camp HostCampground hosts are mentioned as friendly and responsive in some reviews. One review highlighted a host's helpfulness in facilitating a site change.

Weather at Summit Lake State Park

Reviews

4.4

82 reviews

Recommended

Summit Lake State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews frequently highlight the park's clean facilities, scenic lake, and abundant recreational opportunities. However, some complaints focus on unlevel campsites and seasonal overcrowding.

Review Summaries

Based on 82 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews mention the 'beautiful lake,' 'clean and updated showerhouses,' and the variety of family-friendly activities such as kayaking, fishing, and swimming.

Based on 82 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unlevel campsites, limited dumpster availability, goose droppings on the beach, and slow-moving lines at the dump stations.

Based on 82 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra leveling equipment for RVs. Book reservations early during peak season. Consider weekdays for quieter experiences. Take advantage of the seasonal boat rentals and explore the islands.

Based on 82 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summertime reviews are overwhelmingly positive, focusing on water-based activities. Fall is praised for its scenic beauty, including vibrant foliage. Winter experiences are limited, with reviews...

Based on 82 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake is huge and very nice to go out on. An Eagle is straight out and to the right from the campground area." - K.M. "The new showerheads are fantastic!" - Mari Gold Flowers "The kids loved the...

Based on 82 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 98 in Loop B is noted for its extreme grade and tight spacing. Loop A is highlighted as more spacious and shaded. Waterfront sites offer scenic views but may have issues with goose droppings.

Based on 82 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-specific reviews are not provided.

Based on 82 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but one user noted an incident with a fishhook near the water's edge. Be cautious with pets in these areas.

Based on 82 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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