Place · 0 mi away
Overview
Kendall Lake Shelter sits right on the shore of Kendall Lake—a tranquil, man‑made lake created in the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) dammed Salt Run. Built in the same era and originally used as a bathhouse, the shelter showcases classic CCC craftsmanship with a setting that melts into the surrounding forest and wetlands.
Why Go
If you want a low‑key, pretty spot to linger, this is it. The lakeside shelter gives you cover and picnic tables, the fishing pier is a few steps away, and a web of trails starts nearby from the Kendall Lake Trailhead. It’s an easy place to mix a mellow picnic with a short walk—or kick off a longer hike into the Kendall area.
What You’ll Find
- Lakeside shelter with covered seating and picnic tables
- A fishing pier and calm water views
- Direct access to popular hiking loops from the Kendall Lake Trailhead
- Year‑round restrooms; drinking water is available seasonally (typically May 1–Sept 15)
Wildlife
This is a wetland‑fringed lake, so expect waterfowl, and keep an eye out near dawn or dusk for beaver activity along quieter coves. Bring binoculars if you like casual birding.
History Snapshot
The CCC shaped this whole area in the 1930s—damming Salt Run to form Kendall Lake, planting trees, and building the shelter as a bathhouse to serve the original recreation scene here. That New Deal legacy is a big part of the charm today.
Best Times to Visit
Weekdays are your friend. Weekends and holidays can draw crowds, and the shelter is sometimes reserved for group events. For a calmer vibe and better wildlife viewing, aim for early morning or late evening.
Practical Notes
- Restrooms are available year‑round; bring your own water outside the fountain season.
- Trails can be soggy after heavy rain—boots help.
- In warm months, mosquitoes can be persistent around the wetlands, so pack repellent.
- If you’re planning a group gathering, know that on‑site power is limited to small appliances.
Pros
- Rustic CCC-era lakeside shelter beside a fishing pier
- Easy access to multiple trails from the adjacent Kendall Lake Trailhead
- Picnic tables and restrooms, with seasonal drinking water
Cons
- Drinking water is seasonal (roughly May–mid‑September)
- Weekends and holidays can be busy and the shelter may be reserved
Tips
- Bring your own water outside roughly May–mid‑September when fountains are off.
- Pack bug spray in warm months; the wetland setting draws mosquitoes.
- Use the Kendall Lake Trailhead lot to access the shelter and lakeside pier.
- If you plan to fish, review current park fishing regulations before you go.
- Hosting a group? Power is limited to small appliances—plan accordingly.
