Hoosiers who love trading screen time for tree time just got a reason to celebrate. Starting July 1, 2026, two northern Indiana state forests will join the state parks system, adding more than 1,400 acres of woods, water, and trails for everyone to enjoy.
- Salamonie River and Frances Slocum state forests become part of Indiana State Parks on July 1, 2026.
- Hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding all stay open at both spots.
- Campsite reservations at Salamonie River open in August for stays beginning September 1.
What Is Actually Changing
Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced that Salamonie River State Forest and Frances Slocum State Forest will move under the Indiana State Parks umbrella. The shift takes effect July 1, 2026, and it brings more than 1,400 acres of protected public land into the parks portfolio.
The two properties will be paired with nearby reservoirs. Salamonie River State Forest will be managed as part of Salamonie Lake, and Frances Slocum State Forest will operate through Mississinewa Lake. Both keep their staff, so the people who know these woods best are staying put.
“Our state parks are some of Indiana’s most cherished places, where families make memories, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with the natural beauty of our state,” Braun said. He added that folding these forests into the parks system helps more visitors experience them while keeping them protected for the years ahead.
The Good News for Campers and Trail Lovers
If you were worried that a management change might close off your favorite activities, breathe easy. Recreational options at both forests stay the same. That means hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding continue without interruption.
There’s a fresh perk for planners too. Primitive and horseman’s campsites at Salamonie River State Forest will be reservable through the Indiana State Parks reservation system. Booking opens in August for reservations starting September 1, so you can lock in a fall weekend under the trees before the leaves start turning.
Alan Morrison, the DNR director, framed the move as a friendly invitation. “By managing Salamonie River and Frances Slocum state forests through Indiana State Parks, we’re providing a warm welcome for guests to come check out these two great forests,” he said.
Planning a Trip From Central Indiana
For outdoor fans down south, these forests make for an easy weekend getaway. Someone leaving from Franklin, Indiana can point the car north and reach either property without much trouble. Pack the tent, grab the fishing gear, and you’ve got a quick escape that swaps suburban streets for quiet trails and open water.
Both forests sit near big reservoirs, so the water itself is a draw. Salamonie Lake and Mississinewa Lake give you room to fish, paddle, and cool off when the summer heat rolls in. Pair that with miles of trail and you have the kind of low-fuss trip that works for families, solo hikers, and weekend horseback riders alike.
How These Fit Into the Bigger Picture
Indiana State Parks already runs a sizable network. The system manages 24 state parks and seven small satellite locations, eight reservoir properties, two state forest recreation areas, and two off-road riding areas. Adding Salamonie River and Frances Slocum gives that lineup two more places to explore and a wider spread of options across the northern part of the state.
Bringing forests and reservoirs under one roof also makes trip planning simpler. When the same system handles the lake and the surrounding woods, visitors get a more connected experience and a single place to book a site or check on conditions before they head out.
Mark Your Calendar and Get Outside
The takeaway is a happy one. More public land, the same beloved activities, and a clear timeline to plan around. July 1 is the official handoff date, August is when Salamonie River campsite booking opens, and September 1 is when those reservations kick in. If you’ve been meaning to try a new trail or claim a fall campsite, this is your nudge to start mapping a route. Indiana’s outdoors just got a little roomier, and these two forests are ready when you are.
