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.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 2:24PM EDT until July 3 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with peak heat index values between 100 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Mild overnight temperatures will also not allow for much reprieve from the hot and humid conditions. * WHERE...Portions of south central Indiana and east central, north central, northwest, and south central Kentucky. * WHEN...Until 9 PM EDT /8 PM CDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
Fireworks are prohibited on Hoosier National Forest
Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited on national forest system lands.
Hardin Ridge Beach closed due to flooding 5.22.26
Due to high water levels in Monroe Lake, the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area beach will remain closed until further notice.
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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