German Ridge Campground
Closed — 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.
Lower Lake Levels
Starting in December lake levels will be lowered to allow more water storage capacity for spring precipitation. Boat launches will not be available during low-water.
Mogan Ridge Road Opening September 26th
Mogan Ridge Road is open from September 26th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026. Please exercise caution when driving. Share the road with mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders.
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.
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.
Mano Point boat launch is open for small watercraft only
Mano Point boat launch is open for small watercraft only due to sediment under the water level.
Tower Ridge Road Temporarily Closed
Beginning Thursday, July 3, Tower Ridge Road will be closed temporarily for public safety. Several months of heavy rains and high use have led to hazardous conditions. It will remain open from IN 446 to Blackwell Campground, and from the east to Grubb Ridge Trailhead.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
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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