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.
Air Quality Alert issued July 14 at 1:41PM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN
The officials at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management have declared an Air Quality Action Day, IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO MIDNIGHT EDT WEDNESDAY NIGHT. An Air Quality Action Day for Ozone has been issued. Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range. Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor exposure. Here are some recommended actions that the public can take: * Walk, bike, carpool or use public transportation. * Avoid using the drive-through and combine errands into one trip. * Avoid refueling your vehicle or using gasoline-powered lawn equipment until after 7pm. * Turn off your engine when idling for more than 30 seconds. * Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above. For additional information, please visit the IDEM Smog page at: http://www.in.gov/idem/airmonitoring/smogwatch/
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
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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