Blackwell Campground
The campground is open year-round and free with no reservations required. A section of Tower Ridge Road is closed due to storm damage from July 2025, but Blackwell Campground remains accessible from the western approach off Highway 446.
Mano Point boat launch is sedimented in
Mano Point boat launch is sedimented in due to high water levels this spring on the Ohio River.
Offices Closed April 29
Staff will be conducting a forest-wide clean up on April 29 and our Tell City and Bedford Offices will be closed. Offices will reopen on Thursday, April 30 at 8 a.m. local time. If you need assistance, visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/R09/Hoosier
Acts Prohibited within the Charles C. Deam Wilderness
The following acts and omissions are prohibited in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area of the Hoosier National Forest.
Hoosier National Forest fire, camping, motor vehicle use, trail use, occupancy and use prohibitions
The following act(s) is/are prohibited within the Hoosier National Forest
Seasonal Cave Closure in Effect
All Hoosier National Forest caves are closed to visitors from August 16 and May 14 to prevent the disturbance of hibernating bats and reduce the spread of White-Nose syndrome in bats.We use the Code of Federal Regulations which defines a cave as - "Cave means any naturally occurring void, cavity,…
Rainbow Lake Area Closure
This Order restricts access to an 2.33-acre area, consisting of a 100 foot no activity buffer from the Northwestern cliff edges of East Rainbow Lake as identified in Exhibit A.
Hickory Ridge Trail 16 Closed
Hickory Ridge Trail 16 is currently closed from the junction of trail 17 on the west to junction with trail 17 on the east, south of trail 17.
Section of Tower Ridge Road temporarily closed for safety
A section of Tower Ridge Road was closed to the public on July 3, 2025 due to its deteriorating condition from storm damage and the hazards that posed to the public. Blackwell Campground can be accessed from the west. For Grubb Ridge Trailhead, Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower and points east, use…
Tipsaw Trail Bridge Closed Temporarily
Bridge #3 on Tipsaw Trail at Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area failed inspection and is closed for public safety. The trail remains open and visitors can bypass the bridge if they feel safe doing so.
Peninsula Trail Closed
The Peninsula Trail and Campsites 12 and 21 will remain closed until further notice. A severe storm in June 2024 caused significant damage.
About
Blackwell Campground has long been a popular destination for equestrians in southern Indiana, though all campers are welcome. Located along Tower Ridge Road in the center of the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, about one mile from Highway 446, the campground provides direct access to approximately 35 miles of wilderness trails and the nearby Hickory Ridge Trail system. The campground offers 28 standard nonelectric sites in a large grassy area with gravel parking areas on the east and west ends. Facilities include vault toilets (some ADA-accessible), a year-round frost-free potable water spigot at the west end, a picnic shelter, corrals, hitching rails, and an accessible horse loading ramp. Some fire rings and grills are available, though not at every site. Blackwell is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. Horseback riders age 17 and older must obtain a permit. Firewood from outside the area is prohibited to prevent invasive species spread.
Directions
Take Highway 446 approximately 11 miles south of Bloomington. Turn east at the Charles C. Deam Wilderness sign onto Tower Ridge Road (white church at intersection). The campground is on the north side about one mile from Highway 446.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.R9HOFwebsite@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (812) 275-5987 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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