German Ridge Campground
Open year-round, first-come first-served. No reservations accepted. Payment by cash or check only at the self-service pay station. Quiet hours 10 PM to 6 AM. Firewood from outside the area is not permitted.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 4:12AM EDT until July 3 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with peak heat index values between 100 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Mild overnight temperatures will also not allow for much reprieve from the hot and humid conditions. * WHERE...Portions of south central Indiana and central Kentucky. * WHEN...Until 9 PM EDT /8 PM CDT/ 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
German Ridge Campground is a 20-site primitive campground in Hoosier National Forest, established during the Civilian Conservation Corps era in the 1930s. Located in Perry County near Tell City, the campground sits in southern Indiana's rugged, unglaciated hill country where dramatic sandstone cliffs and rolling hardwood forests create a scenic backdrop for camping. The campground operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis at $8 per night, payable by cash or check at the self-service pay station. Each site includes a fire ring, grill, picnic table, and hitching rack for equestrian campers. Accessible vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water—campers must bring their own drinking water. Non-potable water is available for horses. The surrounding German Ridge Recreation Area offers extensive recreation including a 24-mile multi-use trail system open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. A short interpretive trail loops around the scenic lake and cliff area. The day-use swimming beach and historic CCC shelter are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend at no charge.
Directions
From Tell City, take IN-66 east through Cannelton and watch for Forest Service signs. Turn left onto German Ridge Road; the campground and trailhead are approximately 3/4 mile up on the left.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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 | $8 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| 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 |
Availability
Photos
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