German Ridge Campground
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Swimming beach and day-use area open Memorial Day through Labor Day. No reservations accepted.
Frost Advisory issued May 2 at 11:49AM EDT until May 3 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
* WHAT...Temperatures well into the 30s for most locations will result in frost formation early Sunday. * WHERE...Portions of south central Indiana and east central, north central, northwest, and south central Kentucky. * WHEN...From 3 AM EDT /2 AM CDT/ to 9 AM EDT /8 AM CDT/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
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
German Ridge Campground is a historic 20-site primitive campground in the Hoosier National Forest, established during the Civilian Conservation Corps days. Set in a hardwood forest with sandstone rock outcroppings and rolling hills, the campground has been a popular destination for southern Indiana outdoor enthusiasts for decades. The recreation area features over 24 miles of multiple-use trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, all requiring permits for equestrians and mountain bikers 17 and older. A small scenic lake offers fishing for panfish and bass, plus a short hiking loop trail. The day-use area includes five picnic sites and a historic CCC-built shelter house. The swimming beach operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offering unguarded swimming for those comfortable in natural lake settings. With vault toilets but no potable water, campers must bring their own drinking water. Each site includes a fire ring or grill, and firewood must meet forest service requirements. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a self-service pay station.
Directions
From I-64: Take Exit 79 to IN 37 south for approximately 18 miles to IN 70. Go east on IN 70 less than 1 mile, turn right at the German Ridge Recreation Area sign. At the T-intersection, turn right onto Gerald Road. Watch for German Ridge Road on your left and turn there. Parking area is 0.9 miles south, continue south to reach the campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.R9HOFwebsite@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (812) 547-7051 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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