Youngs Creek Campground
Currently closed for the winter season. The campground operates seasonally and is available first-come, first-served with no fees when open.
Frost Advisory issued May 2 at 11:49AM EDT until May 3 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Louisville KY
* WHAT...Temperatures well into the 30s for most locations will result in frost formation early Sunday. * WHERE...Portions of south central Indiana and east central, north central, northwest, and south central Kentucky. * WHEN...From 3 AM EDT /2 AM CDT/ to 9 AM EDT /8 AM CDT/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.
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
Youngs Creek Campground is a primitive horse camp in the Hoosier National Forest designed primarily for equestrians but welcoming to all campers. The campground features 14 free, non-electric campsites divided into two areas: sites 1-7 on the south end offer a shady, wooded setting with high line posts, picnic tables, and fire rings, while sites 8-14 are situated in an open grassy area also equipped with hitching posts. A picnic shelter with tables is located across from the vault toilet facility. The campground provides non-potable water through two frost-free hydrants, so campers should bring drinking water or treatment methods. As a primitive facility, there are no hookups, showers, or trash collection. The main attraction is direct access to the 12.7-mile Youngs Creek multiple-use trail system, which winds through scenic hardwood forests and varied terrain ideal for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. Youngs Creek operates as a first-come, first-served campground with free camping year-round, though the facility is typically closed during winter months. Campers must follow Hoosier National Forest firewood requirements and should not bring firewood from outside the area to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
Directions
From Paoli, IN: Go south on Ind. 37. Turn right onto Beech Grove Road and continue 0.9 miles. Turn left onto County Road 50 W. Drive 1.2 miles to the entrance on the left.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| 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) 547-7051 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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