Shirley Creek Campground
Open year-round on a first-come-first-served basis with no reservations accepted. No camping fees. Campers must bring their own potable water as none is available on site.
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.
Offices Closed April 29
Staff will be conducting a forest-wide clean up on April 29 and our Tell City and Bedford Offices will be closed. Offices will reopen on Thursday, April 30 at 8 a.m. local time. If you need assistance, visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/R09/Hoosier
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.We use the Code of Federal Regulations which defines a cave as - "Cave means any naturally occurring void, cavity,…
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.
Section of Tower Ridge Road temporarily closed for safety
A section of Tower Ridge Road was closed to the public on July 3, 2025 due to its deteriorating condition from storm damage and the hazards that posed to the public. Blackwell Campground can be accessed from the west. For Grubb Ridge Trailhead, Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower and points east, use…
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
Shirley Creek Campground is a primitive horse camp nestled within Indiana's Hoosier National Forest, offering 17 free first-come-first-served sites in a scenic hardwood setting. While designed primarily for equestrian camping with hitching racks and seasonal livestock water, the campground welcomes all National Forest visitors including tent campers, hikers, and mountain bikers. The campground provides basic amenities including double vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at most sites. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own drinking water. Seasonal water is available for horses and other livestock only. As a primitive facility, there are no hookups, showers, or dump stations. Shirley Creek serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring the Shirley Creek Trail system, which winds through varied terrain and shady hardwood forests. Horseback riders and mountain bikers age 17 and older must obtain permits to use the trails. Firewood must be obtained locally or be dead and downed material from the forest to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
Directions
From downtown Orleans: Go south on IN 37/Maple Street from IN 337/Washington for 2 blocks. Turn west onto Vincennes Street. Continue about 10 miles west of town to CR 775W and turn left at the Forest Service sign for Shirley Creek. The gravel road to the campground is just over 1 mile ahead.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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 | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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