Summit Lake State Park

If a pet-friendly camping getaway beside a beautiful lake in east-central Indiana sounds like your idea of fun, make sure you visit Summit Lake State Park. Located near New Castle, this 2,680-acre park includes an 800-acre lake and provides easy access to a host of recreational activities.

The lake is undoubtedly the park's highlight and is the focal point for a whole lot of outdoor fun. There are three boat launch ramps available within the park, and the lake offers excellent fishing, boating, and paddling. Canoes, paddleboats, and rowboats are all available to rent, while swimming is also permitted if you need to cool off in the summer heat. And when winter arrives, ice fishing is a popular pastime for visitors.

Away from the lake, there's plenty more to see and do in Summit Lake State Park. Known for its impressive bird watching and wildlife observation area, the park is an important area for waterfowl. A wide range of rare migratory species has also been spotted in the park, including the black tern, bald eagle, sandhill crane, and osprey. And with Zeigler Woods, Henry County's first nature preserve, located in the southwest corner of the park, there's ample flora and fauna to explore.

Summit Lake State Park's campground boasts 120 electric campsites, and pets are more than welcome to join you for the duration of your stay. However, you'll need to take care to stick to all park rules and regulations surrounding dogs, so make sure you:

• Only take your dog in areas signposted as dog-friendly
• Keep your pet on a leash of six feet or shorter at all times
• Dispose of your pet's waste properly

If you can stay on top of these simple responsibilities, you'll be doing your bit to ensure that Summit Lake State Park (and other great destinations just like it) continue to welcome dogs with open paws!