H.R. CABINS
Open — The cabins are open year-round for reservations. During the recreation season from April 15 to October 15, daily parking permits are required at $8 per vehicle. Reservations are required and can be made through Recreation.gov.
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
H.R. Cabins are two primitive rental cabins situated on the shores of Monroe Lake within Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, a 1,200-acre recreational complex in Hoosier National Forest. Each cabin offers sleeping capacity for 7 people with 6 bunk beds (one of which is a double bed) and is equipped with electricity. The cabins are located between the boat launch and swimming beach, with a nearby picnic shelter and shared toilet facility between the two units. The location provides direct access to Monroe Reservoir, Indiana's largest lake at 10,750 acres. Guests can enjoy a 300-foot swimming beach, a 3-lane boat launch ramp, and fishing along the lakeshore for bluegill, striped bass, largemouth bass, and crappie. The 2-mile Hardin Ridge Trail and 1.2-mile Ted T. Turtle interpretive trail offer hiking and biking opportunities through scenic hardwood forests. The entire recreation area is well-shaded with hardwoods, providing spectacular views and seasonal color from dogwoods and redbuds in spring and vibrant foliage in fall.
Directions
From Bloomington: At the intersection of Highway 46 and Highway 446, go 14 miles south on SR 446, turn west on Chapel Hill Road and travel 2 miles to Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. From Bedford: Go 7 miles east on US 50, then north on SR 446 for 12 miles, turn west on Chapel Hill Road and travel 2 miles to the recreation area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $21 - $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (812) 837-9453 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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