Hickory Ridge Campground
Open year-round, first-come-first-served, free of charge. No reservations accepted. Note: Trail 16 is currently closed between its two junctions with Trail 17. Horse riders and mountain bikers 17+ must have a permit.
Temporary closure of Blackwell Campground
For needed maintenance and cleaning, Blackwell Campground will be temporarily closed to all public use (including camping, parking, day use and trail access) starting Wednesday, October 28, 2026 until work is complete.
Firewood Permits
Firewood permits will not be available on the following dates due to end of year reporting processes - October 1, November 3, 4 and 5, 2026
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.
About
Hickory Ridge Campground is a primitive horse camp located in the rolling hardwood forests of Hoosier National Forest in Lawrence County, Indiana. The campground features 10 designated sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring, and is open year-round at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Facilities include accessible vault toilets, hitching racks, a mounting ramp, and a water trough for livestock. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own drinking water. The campground serves as the primary access point for the Hickory Ridge Trail system, which offers approximately 46 miles of interconnecting loops through scenic hardwood forest. The trails are open to horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. Horse riders and mountain bikers aged 17 and older are required to obtain a permit, available from the Brownstown Ranger District office or local vendors. Firewood may be gathered from dead, downed material on site, but firewood from outside the area is prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive pests. Standing trees, whether living or dead, may not be cut or defaced. The campground also features a day-use parking area for trail users who are not camping overnight.
Directions
From IN-446, turn east on IN-58 and proceed 6.5 miles to Norman. Turn left at the stop sign to continue on IN-58. Proceed another 0.3 miles and turn left onto County Road 1250 W at the brown Forest Service sign. Continue 2.2 miles to the Hickory Ridge Trailhead/Campground on your left.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.R9HOFwebsite@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (812) 275-5987 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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