Shirley Creek Campground
Closed — Currently closed for the season. The campground typically closes in winter and reopens in spring.
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
Shirley Creek Campground is a free primitive camping area located in the Hoosier National Forest, designed primarily for equestrian use but welcoming all National Forest visitors. The campground offers 17 non-electric campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, surrounded by scenic hardwoods and varied terrain. The campground is well-suited for horse camping, featuring hitching racks and seasonal water access for livestock (not potable for human consumption). Campers should bring their own drinking water. Vault toilets are available on-site. This primitive setting provides a tranquil base for exploring the extensive Shirley Creek Trail system, which offers opportunities for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking through shady hardwood forests. Managed by the Brownstown Ranger District of the Hoosier National Forest, the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation or use fees. The area's natural features include a variety of terrain and scenic forested landscapes, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a rustic outdoor experience.
Directions
From Bloomington, take State Road 37 south approximately 25 miles to US 50 just south of Bedford. Take US Highway 50 west 9.6 miles to the intersection of Highways 50 and 60. Continue west on Highway 50 for 0.1 miles to the first county road on the left. Turn left on this county road and immediately cross some railroad tracks. Drive 0.9 miles to County Road 825 West; turn right. Drive 3.4 miles to the split in the road. Take the left split (CR 810 north) and pass Bonds Chapel and a cemetery on the right. Drive 1.3 miles to CR 775. Turn right on CR 775 and drive 1.2 miles to the "Shirley Creek Trailhead" sign on the left. Turn left into the property and follow the road to the campgrounds.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| 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 |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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