Open

Open seasonally April 15 through October 14. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. A $75 cash cleaning deposit is collected upon arrival. Parking permits ($8/vehicle) required during the recreation season.

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

H.R. Cabins offer a unique lodging experience on the shores of Monroe Lake, Indiana's largest reservoir at 10,750 acres. The two one-room cabins are part of the 1,200-acre Hardin Ridge Recreation Area in Hoosier National Forest, positioned between the boat launch and swimming beach with direct views of the lake. Each cabin sleeps up to 7 people with six bunk beds (one converting to a full-size bed), though guests must bring their own bedding. The cabins have electric lights and outlets, wooden furniture including a table and benches, and a 20x6-foot covered porch. Outside, each cabin has its own fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets are shared between the two units, and water spigots are available nearby. The surrounding recreation area offers hiking, mountain biking, fishing for bluegill, striped bass, largemouth bass, and crappie, plus a 300-foot swimming beach and 3-lane boat launch. The cabins require a short 220-yard walk from parking.

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.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi
Pets Allowed No
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store
Price $64

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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