A Fishing Lake Right Outside Your Campsite
Most campgrounds will tell you there is a lake. Caboose Lake will show you a 20-acre, spring-fed, stocked lake that in many sites is literally a few feet from your fire ring. Whether you are a regular angler or someone who just wants to hand a kid a rod and watch what happens, fishing at Caboose Lake Campground is one of the most low-effort, high-reward things you can do during your stay.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you arrive, from what is in the water and what to bring, to boat rentals and where to wet a line.
What Is in the Water
The lake is a spring-fed, private body of water that reaches depths of up to 80 feet. It is stocked, which means you have a real shot at pulling something in regardless of your skill level. Guests have reeled in bass, bluegill, and catfish from both the shoreline and out on the water. The deep, clean spring water keeps conditions good throughout the summer season. Fishing at Caboose Lake Campground is catch and release. If you do decide you would like to keep the fish, the daily limits are eight crappie or eight bluegill per campsite. All bass fish are catch-and-release only.
Because the lake is privately owned and maintained, there are a few things to know about how you can use it. More on that below.
What to Bring for Fishing at Caboose Lake Campground
The camp store is stocked with essentials, but fishing at Caboose Lake Campground works best when you arrive prepared. Here is what you need to plan for:
- Fishing rods and tackle. The campground does not rent rods, so bring your own gear. If you are packing light, a basic spinning rod with a small tackle kit is plenty for the lake’s species.
- A valid Indiana fishing license if you plan to fish offsite as well as onsite. Indiana law requires a fishing license for anyone 18 and older. You can purchase one in advance through the Indiana DNR or pick one up locally before you arrive. Note that Caboose Lake is a private lake, so the license requirement does not apply if you plan on only fishing at our campground.
- Bait. The camp store carries backup supplies, but selection can vary. If you are particular about what you fish with, bring your own. Caboose Lake Campground carries nightcrawlers, red wigglers and bee moth in our camp store.
- A cooler if you plan to keep your catch (see note above about rules for keeping fish). The campfire circle will thank you later.
Boat Rentals on the Lake
If you want to cover more water, fishing boat rentals are available at the camp store in four-hour increments at $35 per four hours. Rentals are handled during office hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reservations are not accepted for watercraft, so plan to check in at the store when you are ready to head out. Paddleboats and kayaks are also available for rent if you prefer something lighter.
A few things to keep in mind for boat use on the lake:
- You must be 21 or older to rent a fishing boat and have a valid credit card on file.
- Inflatable boats and paddleboards are not permitted on the lake. The depth of the water makes them a safety concern.
- Watercraft rentals are available during office hours only, so plan your outing accordingly.
Best Spots and Times to Fish
You do not need to go far. Many lakefront and lake-view sites at Caboose Lake put you within easy casting distance of the water. Early mornings before the Summer Beach Family Fun Zone opens are one of the best windows to fish from shore, when the lake is calm and the bass tend to be more active near the surface.
Fishing at your site, if you want to fish, is the optimal choice, especially for families with who want to sit for a while. Make sure to book one of our waterfront RV sites, Cabins or Yurts for quick access. For deeper water species like catfish, the rental boats let you get out toward the middle of the lake where the spring depth really opens up.
Evenings after the Fun Zone closes are also productive, with the water settling back down and plenty of light left to fish.
Making It a Full Day
Fishing at Caboose Lake Campground does not have to compete with everything else going on. A morning on the water, an afternoon at the Summer Beach Family Fun Zone, and an evening fire with whatever you caught earlier? That is a camping day that covers a lot of ground.
The camp store keeps backup bait and basic snacks, so if you run low mid-session, you do not need to leave the property. Roasting sticks and s’more supplies are also available if you want to turn the evening catch-and-relax into a full campfire setup.
Whether you are chasing bass with a serious setup or just handing the kids a rod to see what bites, fishing at Caboose Lake Campground is one of those simple pleasures that earns its place in every return visit. The water is right there. Might as well use it.
