H.R. SOUTHERN POINT LOOP

Closed — Closed for the season. Hardin Ridge Recreation Area operates from April 15 through October 15 annually. Reservations via Recreation.gov.

Bedford Office will be closed Dec 24, 2025

Bedford Office will be closed Dec 24, 2025

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

Southern Point Loop is one of six distinct campground loops within the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, a 1,200-acre recreational complex located on the shores of Monroe Lake in Hoosier National Forest. Unlike most other loops at Hardin Ridge, Southern Point does not offer electric hookups, making it ideal for tent campers and RVers who prefer a more rustic experience. The loop includes both standard non-electric sites and walk-in tent sites, all situated in a deeply shaded hardwood forest. Campers at Southern Point Loop have access to modern amenities including centralized water spigots, flush toilets, and hot showers. The recreation area features a 300-foot swimming beach on Monroe Lake, a three-lane boat launch ramp, and miles of trails including the 2-mile Hardin Ridge Trail and the 1.2-mile Ted T. Turtle interpretive trail. Fishing is popular along the shoreline for bluegill, striped bass, largemouth bass, and crappie. Two picnic areas with shelter houses overlook the lake, and the area offers stunning views particularly during spring dogwood and redbud blooms and fall foliage. Generators are not permitted in Southern Point Loop. Each campsite includes space for a tent or camper and one vehicle for single sites. The recreation area is operated by a concessionaire under special use permit from the Forest Service and requires a daily parking permit during the operating season.

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station Yes
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $20 - $30

Vehicle

Max RV Length 40ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly Yes
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (812) 837-9453

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

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