H.R. Bluegill Loop
Open for the 2026 season. Hardin Ridge opened April 4, 2026 and operates through mid-to-late October. Reservations available via Recreation.gov.
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
Bluegill Loop is part of the 1,200-acre Hardin Ridge Recreation Area on Monroe Reservoir in southern Indiana's Hoosier National Forest. This campground loop provides a family-oriented camping experience with a small on-site fishing pond stocked with panfish and a playground. Most sites include electric hookups, and all have a picnic table, fire ring with grill, lantern hook, and designated tent space on paved, level parking spurs. The greater Hardin Ridge complex offers extensive recreation including a three-lane boat launch, 300-foot swimming beach, over 12 miles of hiking trails, and two lakeside rental cabins. Modern comfort stations with flush toilets and hot showers serve the campground, along with centralized potable water spigots and an RV dump station. Pets are welcome on leash throughout the campground. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov and are recommended for peak summer weekends. The campground operates seasonally from early April through mid-to-late October. Note that generators are prohibited in Bluegill Loop; campers requiring generator use should reserve sites in the adjacent Eads Loop.
Directions
From Bloomington, Indiana, head south on State Road 446. Continue approximately 14 miles to Hardin Ridge Road. Turn right and follow signs to Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. Bluegill Loop is located within the campground complex at 6464 Hardin Ridge Road, Heltonville, IN 47436.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $21 - $38 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (812) 837-9453 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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