H.R. WHITE OAK LOOP
Closed — Closed for the season. Campsites are available from April 15 through October 15 annually. The recreation area remains open year-round for hiking and other day-use activities.
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
White Oak Loop (also known as H.R. White Oak Loop) is one of six camping loops within the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area in Hoosier National Forest. This popular campground is situated on the shores of Monroe Reservoir, Indiana's largest lake at 10,750 acres. The loop features both electric and non-electric sites in a heavily shaded hardwood forest environment. The White Oak Loop is part of a comprehensive recreation complex that offers centralized water, flush toilets, and shower facilities. Sites are nestled among dogwoods and redbuds that provide colorful spring blooms, while fall brings vibrant displays of yellow, orange, and red foliage. The campground provides access to numerous recreational opportunities including a 300-foot swimming beach, a 3-lane boat launch ramp, and several hiking trails including the Ted T. Turtle interpretive trail and the 2-mile Hardin Ridge Trail. Anglers can fish along the lakeshore for bluegill, striped bass, largemouth bass, and crappie. The recreation area also features picnic areas with shelters and an amphitheater hosting interpretive programs during the season. Generators are not permitted in the White Oak Loop, ensuring a quieter camping experience. The area is managed by BA Services Inc. for the U.S. Forest Service.
Directions
From Bloomington, take SR 446 south for 14 miles from the intersection with US 46. Turn west on Chapel Hill Road and travel 2 miles to the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. Once inside the entrance, follow signs to the White Oak Loop, which is the 5th entrance on the right past the main entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 - $32 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (812) 837-9453 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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