Open
Open year-round. Peak season runs May 17 through November 17, 2026. Walk-in camping available November 9, 2026 through March 10, 2027 with reduced amenities. Reservations accepted up to 6 months in advance. Marina fuel service is permanently discontinued.
About
Hardy Lake State Recreation Area sits on a 740-acre reservoir in Scott County, Indiana, offering a variety of camping options for different styles of outdoor recreation. The larger Shale Bluff Campground provides 143 electric campsites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, along with modern amenities including a bath house with showers and a dump station. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Wooster Campground offers 8 primitive sites.
The lake serves as the park's centerpiece, popular for fishing (bass, bluegill, catfish), water skiing, and boating. A swimming beach with mobility mats for accessibility provides relief during warmer months. Note that blue-green algae is present year-round, so visitors should avoid drinking lake water and shower after swimming. The marina no longer provides fuel service.
Beyond water activities, Hardy Lake features hiking trails, archery ranges, horseshoe pits, and playgrounds. Hunting is permitted during designated seasons for deer and wild turkey. Firewood and ice are available for purchase on-site.
Directions
From Scottsburg, take US-31 north approximately 4 miles, then turn east on Hardy Lake Road. The park entrance is at 5620 N. Hardy Lake Road, Scottsburg, IN 47170. The park office is located at 4171 E. Harrod Road.