Hardin Ridge

About

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area sits on the shores of Monroe Reservoir within Hoosier National Forest, offering one of southern Indiana's premier camping experiences. The 1,200-acre complex features six campground loops with 197 sites, including 36 walk-in tent-only sites and numerous electric hookup sites for RVs up to 40 feet. Two primitive lakeside cabins with bunk beds are also available. The campground is well-shaded by hardwood forest that erupts in color during fall and blooms with dogwoods and redbuds in spring. Recreational opportunities are extensive. The 300-foot swimming beach on Lake Monroe provides sand, sun, and a grassy hillside for lounging. A three-lane boat ramp with accessible loading dock and 75-vehicle parking lot serves anglers and boaters pursuing bluegill, striped bass, largemouth bass, and crappie. The 2-mile Hardin Ridge Trail connects the day use area to campground loops, while the 1.2-mile Ted T. Turtle interpretive trail explores the hardwood forest, creek, and lakeshore with educational stops on local history, geology, and wildlife. Facilities include flush toilets and showers in the campground loops, vault toilets in some areas, potable water spigots throughout, and a dump station near the gatehouse. Two picnic areas with shelter houses overlook the lake. Generators are restricted to Eads Loop only. Firewood from outside the forest is prohibited to prevent invasive pests.

Directions

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 Hardin Ridge Recreation Area. From Bloomington at the 46/446 intersection, go 14 miles south on SR 446, then west on Chapel Hill Road for 2 miles.