H.R. Eads Loop

Open — Open year-round for reservations and first-come, first-served camping. Daily parking permits required April 15 through October 15.

About

H.R. Eads Loop is part of the larger Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, a 1,200-acre complex situated on the shores of Monroe Lake, Indiana's largest reservoir at 10,750 acres. This loop is one of six campground loops within Hardin Ridge, totaling 197 campsites across the complex. Eads Loop stands out as one of two loops without electric hookups, alongside Southern Point Loop, offering a more primitive camping experience in a shaded hardwood forest setting. The campground provides access to centralized water, flush toilets, and showers shared with other loops in the recreation area. Campers at Eads Loop can enjoy a variety of recreational activities including swimming at a 300-foot beach on Monroe Lake, fishing for bluegill, striped bass, largemouth bass, and crappie, and hiking or biking on the 2-mile Hardin Ridge Trail. The Ted T. Turtle interpretive trail offers a 1.2-mile journey through hardwood forest down to the lakeshore. A year-round boat launch with a 75-vehicle parking area provides access for boating enthusiasts. Unlike the other loops at Hardin Ridge, generators are permitted in Eads Loop, making it suitable for RV campers seeking a balance between primitive camping and modern conveniences. The area is well-forested with hardwoods, offering vibrant spring blooms of dogwoods and redbuds, and spectacular fall foliage. Daily parking permits are required during the recreation season from April 15 to October 15.

Directions

From Bloomington, go 14 miles south on SR 446 from the intersection of US 46 and SR 446. Turn west on Chapel Hill Road and travel 2 miles to the 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.

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