H.R. SOUTHERN POINT LOOP
Open seasonally from mid-April through mid to late October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Daily parking permit ($8/vehicle) required during the recreation season (April 15 through October 15).
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
Southern Point Loop is a primitive camping loop within Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, located on Monroe Lake south of Bloomington in Hoosier National Forest. As the most remote and heavily wooded of the six campground loops at Hardin Ridge, Southern Point offers a quieter experience with sites set back from the campground road among mature hardwood forest. The loop features approximately 27 non-electric campsites including 14 walk-in tent-only sites ideal for backpackers and tent campers seeking seclusion. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Centralized potable water, flush toilets, and showers are provided at the recreation area. Generators are not permitted in Southern Point Loop. Monroe Lake offers excellent boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities, and the adjacent Charles C. Deam Wilderness provides hiking access. The recreation area is operated by BA Services under permit from the USFS.
Directions
From Bedford, go 7 miles east on US 50. Go north on SR 446 for 12 miles and turn west on Chapel Hill Road and travel 2 miles to Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. From Bloomington, at the 46 and 446 intersection, go 14 miles south on SR 446. Turn west on Chapel Hill Road and travel 2 miles to Hardin Ridge Recreation Area.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $21 - $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (812) 837-9453 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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