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.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued August 11 at 3:48PM EDT until August 11 at 4:15PM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
At 348 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Martinsville, or 12 miles northeast of Bloomington, moving east at 35 mph. HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Locations impacted include... Martinsville, Trafalgar, Morgantown, Mahalasville, Spearsville, Helmsburg, and Beanblossom.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued August 11 at 3:34PM EDT until August 11 at 5:00PM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS EXTENDED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 565 TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING AREAS UNTIL 5 PM EDT THIS AFTERNOON IN INDIANA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES IN SOUTH CENTRAL INDIANA MONROE IN WEST CENTRAL INDIANA CLAY OWEN VIGO THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BLOOMINGTON, BRAZIL, GOSPORT, SPENCER, AND TERRE HAUTE.
Rainbow Lake Recreation Area closed Friday, July 31 from sunrise to 1 p.m.
Temporarily closed for maintenance activities
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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