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.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 9:15AM EDT until July 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with peak heat index values between 105 to 110. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, south central, southeast, southwest, and west central Indiana. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Fireworks are prohibited on Hoosier National Forest
Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited on national forest system lands.
Hardin Ridge Beach closed due to flooding 5.22.26
Due to high water levels in Monroe Lake, the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area beach will remain closed until further notice.
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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