Vicinity

click here for detailed campground map of sites and area layout (105 KB).

For information on individual Hardin Ridge Recreation Area sites or loops click here.

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Camping:

Hardin Ridge includes six shady campground loops, described in the chart below, with a total of 200 sites. Thirty-seven of these sites are walk-in which are primitive site without hookups or adjacent parking spaces.  All loops are open in summer months, but some may be closed at other times of the year. With the exception of Eads and Southern Point, electric hookups are available at about half the sites on each loop. A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed per site.
Centralized water, flush toilets, and showers are provided. On some of the campground loops, playground equipment is available, and fishing ponds, along adjacent loop roads, are easily accessible for campers.
Campsites may be reserved through our reservation system. They are otherwise available on a first come basis. Firewood is available for $5/bundle. For more information on regulations and rules see the Hardin Ridge Loop Information Page. The chart below shows how many sites are in each loop.  Information on the length of individual spurs and which sites may be reserved, is found on the Hardin Ridge Loop Information webpage.

Camping fees are $17.00 for non-electric sites, and $20 for electric sites. Sites which have both electricity and water are $23. One vehicle is included in site fees. Extra vehicles are $5/day each. With the America the Beautiful senior and access passports a single family  non electric site is $8.50, and an electric site is $11.50. Sites with both electricity and water are $14.50 for passport holders.

Double sites with electric are $36. With passports these double sites are  $18.50. Campers are exempt from the requirement for a daily parking permit but must display their camping permits in their front window when they pass the gatehouse.  Campers who come during the week may also be entitled to free camping days. Those who pay for any two days Sunday through Wednesday, get their campsite free on one day (excluding Friday and Saturday).  (Not valid with reservations!) Hardin Ridge now offers two new primitive cabins.  These cabins are available April 15 through October 15 but may be reserved from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  The cabins rent for $50. There is also a $75 damage deposit. Programs are offered most weekends. Click here for a schedule of interpretive programs.

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Day Use Fees:

All visitors must purchase a daily parking permit during the recreation season and whenever the gatehouse is staffed. The permit is $5/vehicle and buses are $25. Annual passes for day use are $35 (America the Beautiful senior and access passports- formerly Golden passports - are honored for day use or annual passes). The annual pass is honored at Hardin Ridge, Tipsaw Lake and Indian-Celina Lake recreation areas. 

Campground occupants are exempt from the requirement for a daily parking permit.  The beach is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends. The boat ramp is open all year. Generally, there are no parking fees between 10/14 and 4/15.

Day use visitors are also invited to the interpretive programs at the Hardin Ridge amphitheater.

Trails:

There are two trails within the Hardin Ridge campground. Click here for a topographic trail map which includes both trails.

A 2-mile hiking and bicycle trail runs from the day use area to the various campground loop. This trail roughly follows the main campground road and provides a safe surface for families to hike or bike. When bicycling down to the day use area, use extreme caution on the steep incline. The trail includes a scenic overlook. This is the only trail on the Hoosier National Forest where bicyclist can ride without a trail permit.

Twin Oaks Interpretive Trail is 1.4 miles in length forming a loop behind the Twin Oaks Amphitheater. To access this trail, which is open only to hikers, park by the amphitheater and walk down the left side of the seating area.
This trail angles off down the hill and makes a wide loop as well as an access trail to the lake. The loop trail is maintained well, but the bottom trail may be harder to follow as floodwaters frequently back up in this bottom. Interpretive programs are still given occasionally along this trail but signs are no longer maintained.

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Picnic Sites and Shelters:

Hardin Ridge has 60 picnic sites and 2 shelter houses overlooking the lake. Shelters may be reserved from Memorial Day through Labor Day for a cost of $25 by calling the reservation system, or are otherwise available on a first come basis. There is ample space in fields around the picnic sites for games.

All visitors must purchase a daily parking permit (see section on fees) even if they're with a group which has reserved a shelter. 

Boating and Fishing:

	Monroe Reservoir is a 10,750-acre lake, the largest lake in Indiana. Paddle boats are leased for $7/half hour, $20/4 hours, or $30/8 hours.
	The 3-lane launch ramp is open year-round with a 75 vehicle/trailer parking area. A fully accessible loading dock is also provided at the boat ramp.
	Fishing is allowed anywhere along the lakeshore within the recreational complex. Several quiet inlets provide secluded fishing holes along the lake's banks.

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Beach:

A 300-foot swimming beach and bathhouse are open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The beach offers a combination of sand and sun, or a shady grass-covered hillside. There are no lifeguards and no glass containers or pets are allowed. Here a little boy plays on the beach in late summer.

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For more information on regulations at this site click here.

In addition, volunteers are always needed to help with a variety of projects at the site. For more information, suggestions or comments contact us at r9_hoosier_website@fs.fed.us

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