Indiana’s diverse landscapes can provide a natural escape like no other. Some like to meander the scenic trails at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, while others like exploring the caves at Spring Mill State Park. If waterfront recreation is more of your speed, J. E. Roush Fish and Wildlife Area should be your playground of choice. Taking up 15 miles of the Wabash riverbank, the picturesque area consists of more than 8500 acres of space. Out of the total, 900 acres comprise just the lake, while the land makes up 7,347 acres — the rest is a 350-acre network of ponds and water detention areas. Not only that, but it also serves 60,000 acres of farmland, with hunting opportunities. With such a vast expanse, the wildlife area makes for a wonderful retreat.
Built in 1967, the artificial J. E. Roush Lake (also referred to as Huntington Lake) offers fishing and boating. You can cast a line from the creek for some catch-and-release action. When night falls, you can either drive back home or camp under the starry sky. With both electric and primitive sites available, your trip can be as rustic as you like. There’s a lot more to do at the wildlife area, such as hunting, trapping, birdwatching, foraging, and practicing shooting at the range. You’ll also encounter wildlife like deer, squirrels, wild turkey, and waterfowl.
As a year-round destination, you can plan a getaway to the wildlife area during the warmer months to splash around and have outdoor picnics. Visit during the off-season to base your itinerary around hunting and fishing. J. E. Roush Fish and Wildlife Area is easily accessible from Fort Wayne, as it’s just 40 minutes away. Coming from Indianapolis takes 1.5 hours, while the drive from South Bend takes almost two hours.
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Camping at J.E. Roush Lake Fish and Wildlife Area
View of the wilderness around J. E. Roush Fish and Wildlife Area – @robseilheimer / Instagram
J.E. Roush Lake Fish and Wildlife Area offers an opportunity to dive straight into outdoor fun with overnight camping. The Kil-So-Quah Campground is situated on the lake’s northwestern shore, with all the essentials necessary for a solid stay. Featuring 61 sites, the campground is open year-round, no reservations necessary. There are 41 electric sites, which cost $25 per night — otherwise, you can pitch your tent at one of the 20 primitive spots, which will set you back $12 to $14 a night, depending on the season. Campers have access to water (only during the summer) and pit toilets — each site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring.
The Kil-So-Quah Campground is equipped with a boat ramp and adjacent picnic amenities. You can carry unloaded firearms, unstrung archery equipment, and air guns with you in the campground area (provided you don’t use them). Instead, make your way to the shooting range to practice your skills. Located on the opposite bank across the campground, the shooting range supports archery, rifles, shotguns, and handguns. This zone is ADA-accessible, with varying fees depending on the range you choose. Other facilities include dedicated trap and skeet fields with round-based rates.
While there are no designated trails within the wildlife area, you can go for a stroll or on backcountry hikes to explore the surrounding land. Some paths are lightly maintained throughout the year for a more wilderness-focused adventure. Nevertheless, you must practice caution when trekking during the hunting season. Stick to paths by the campground, boat ramps, and the lookout point on the mound instead of venturing into the woods. If you do end up heading into the forest, make sure to wear bright clothing to make yourself visible to hunters.
Outdoor recreation around J. E. Roush Fish and Wildlife Area
A stream and trees around J. E. Roush Fish and Wildlife Area – @robseilheimer / Instagram
There’s a lot of fun to be had in the area, whether you prefer the lake, river, creek, or other smaller bodies of water. Roush Lake comprises almost 900 acres of surface, and you don’t need a boat launch permit to set afloat. The concrete boat ramp is accessible from the Kil-So-Quah Campground — the lake accommodates all vessel types, powered and unpowered. If the ramp is nonoperational, there’s another temporary boat launch you can use. However, watch out for heavy debris and the steep slope. On top of that, the lake has three spots designed specifically for launching car-top watercraft.
While swimming isn’t allowed in the lake, you can unwind with a variety of other activities. Soak in the scenic views from a kayak, take your canoe out for a leisurely trip, and hit the water on a paddleboard for a relaxing afternoon. Anglers can set their rod either at the ramp or in a boat. The lake is home to species like crappie, channel catfish, and bass.
The impoundments within J.E. Roush Lake Fish and Wildlife Area are also ideal for waterfront activities. You’ll have to swap your motorized boat for either an electric one or a non-powered watercraft, and there are no ramps at these spots. Fishing enthusiasts will likely reel in bluegill, sunfish, and largemouth bass in these areas. If you head toward the dam to fish in the river, you’ll most likely catch walleye. Rock Creek, on the other hand, only allows catch-and-release fishing for smallmouth bass. Since the area is located in Huntington, you can’t miss visiting its most unique attraction — the Sunken Gardens, which boast stone bridges and koi ponds with a fairytale-like backdrop.
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