Firewood cutting for home use available at Summit Lake State Park

The public is invited to cut up and remove certain downed trees at Summit Lake State Park for firewood.

Trees eligible for firewood have fallen as a result of natural causes or have been dropped by property staff for safety. They are along roadsides or in public areas such as picnic areas or the campground.

Permit sales and cutting are ongoing and end Feb. 15, 2026.

The cost of one pickup-truck load is $10. A load is defined as an 8-foot standard pickup truck bed without any modifications including sideboards. Additional charges will be incurred for a larger truck and trailer load. All proceeds will be used for resource management and restoration efforts at the park, including replacement of trees.

A firewood permit must be obtained for each load at Summit Lake State Park’s office between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Permits are not available on observed state holidays. Wood may be cut and removed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Firewood cut at Summit Lake State Park is for personal use only and cannot be sold.

Summit Lake State Park (on.IN.gov/summitlakesp) is at 5993 N. Messick Road, New Castle, IN 47362.

To view more DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.