A two-day itinerary for the ultimate southern-Indiana lake escape.
Monroe is Indiana's largest lake, and one of the few where you can pitch a tent on an island and wake up to nothing but water on every side. Here's how to do it right in a single weekend.
Day One: Paddle In, Pitch Camp
Launch from the Paynetown ramp early. Paddle or motor to one of the designated island campsites on the eastern shore — they're first-come, but a Friday morning arrival almost always lands you a spot. Set camp, swim, and cook dinner over a small stove as the lake goes glassy at dusk.
Day Two: Sunrise Over the Water
Set an alarm for thirty minutes before sunrise. Sit on the rocks with your coffee and watch the fog lift off the channel. Break camp slowly, paddle out by mid-morning, and you'll be home before the weekend feels over — but somehow completely reset.
