Hardin Ridge
Hoosier National Forest
Hardin Ridge is a 1,200-acre recreational complex located on the shores of Monroe Reservoir in Hooiser National Forest. The complex includes six shady campground loops, two picnic areas with shelters, and two rental cabins.
The area offers something for everyone, with activities like camping, picnicking, boat launching, swimming, nature walks, and interpretive programs offered in a forested environment.
There are 197 camp sites at Hardin Ridge, 36 of which are walk-in tenting only sites. With the exception of Eads and Southern Point loops, the areas have electric hookups at about half the sites (walk-in sites to do not have electric hookups). Centralized water, flush toilets and showers are provided.
In addition to the campground loops, there are two picnic areas with numerous tables, along with three shelter houses, two of which overlook the lake. Two of the shelters also have electricity and lights. If the shelters are not reserved, they may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is ample space in the fields around the picnic sites for games.
The Hardin Ridge Recreation Area has two primitive cabins available for rent. The cabins each offer 6 bunk beds, one of which is a double bed, for a total sleeping capacity of 7 people. The cabins are located on the shores of Lake Monroe, between the boat launch and swimming beach. There is a picnic shelter nearby and a shared toilet between the two cabins.
Need to Know
- Generators are permitted in Eads Loop only. They are not permitted in Holland, Bluegill, White Oak Pine and Southern Point Loops.
All visitors must purchase a daily parking permit during the recreation season (April 15-October 15); The permit is $8/vehicle and buses are $8 for bus and driver plus $1 per person for each additional person.
Each campsite fee includes a camping unit (tent,camper) & one vehicle (single sites) and two vehicles (double sites). There is a $8.00 charge per day for the second vehicle, and $8.00 charge per day for any additional vehicle (must be paid at time of check-in). Maximum two vehicles per single site, and four vehicles per double site.
There is a surcharge for the site with electric and water.
- Racoons may frequent the area: please keep all garbage and food sealed and secured at all times
- Do not dump gray water or sewage on the grounds; there is a dump station located near the gatehouse
Pets are not allowed in or outside the cabins; in all other locations pets must be on a leash at all times
- Click here for more information on the Hoosier National Forest
- Firewood is defined as any part or portion of a tree that has been cut and removed from its original location and is to be used as fuel for heating or cooking in an open pit, grill, fireplace, or stove
- Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
Natural Features
Monroe Reservoir spans 10,750-acres and is the largest lake in Indiana. There is an overlook on Hardin Ridge Road that is spectacular in any season and gives visitors a high vantage point of the lake, colorful marinas across the water and a vast expanse of forest.
The entire area is forested with hardwoods and is well-shaded to give visitors the feel of being in the deep woods. In spring, the dogwoods and redbuds bring bright color to the forest and in fall, the foliage offers colors in vibrant hues of yellow, orange and red.
Nearby Attractions
Special Places on the Hoosier National Forest
Brooks Cabin
Buffalo Trace
Carnes Mill Site
Clover Lick Barrens
Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower
Initial Point
Lick Creek African American Settlement
The Jacob Rickenbaugh Homestead
Wesley Chapel Gulf
Recreation
A 300-foot swimming beach on Lake Monroe offers a place for children to play and swimmers to sunbathe and enjoy the water. The beach offers a combination of sand and sun, with a shady grass-covered hillside above. There are no lifeguards on duty. No glass containers or pets are allowed in the beach area.
The Hardin Ridge Trail is a 2-mile hiking and bicycle trail that runs from the day use area to the various campground loops. This trail roughly follows the main campground road and provides a safe surface for families to hike or bike, as well as a scenic overlook.
Fishing is allowed anywhere along the lakeshore within the recreational complex, but several quiet inlets provide secluded fishing holes along the lake's banks. Popular catches include blue gill, striped bass, large mouth bass and crappie.
On the Ted T. Turtle interpretive trail, visitors can travel 1.2 miles through a scenic hardwood forest, along a small creek and down to Lake Monroe and back. On the trail, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the history, geology, and wildlife common to southern Indiana.
For visitors interested in boating, the lake has a 3-lane launch ramp that is open year-round. A 75 vehicle/trailer parking area is also available as well as a fully accessible loading dock provided at the boat ramp.
Contact Information
Mailing
BA Services Inc. 1257 Hammond St. Bangor ME 04401
Physical
6464 Hardin Ridge Rd Heltonville IN 47436
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 812-837-9453
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Bedford, go 7 miles east on US 50. Go north on SR 446 for 12 miles and turn west on Chapel Hill Road and travel 2 miles to the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area.
From Bloomington, 46 and 446 intersection, go 14 miles south on SR 446. Turn west on Chapel Hill Road and travel 2 miles to the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area.
Available Campsites
- Site 011, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 062, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 138, Loop WOAK, Type Standard Electric
- Site 187, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 095, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 056, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 119, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 128, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 174, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 165, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 035, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 144, Loop WOAK, Type Rv Electric
- Site 139, Loop WOAK, Type Standard Electric
- Site 132, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 171, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 126, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 038, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 036, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 159, Loop PINE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 157, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 002, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 085, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 164, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 078, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 084, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 003, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 105, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 032, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 102, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 125, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 076, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 207, Loop HOLL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 060, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 136, Loop WOAK, Type Rv Electric
- Site 058, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 202, Loop HOLL, Type Rv Electric
- Site 040, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 052, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 072, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 068, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 079, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 142, Loop WOAK, Type Standard Electric
- Site 184, Loop PINE, Type Rv Electric
- Site 141, Loop WOAK, Type Rv Electric
- Site 163, Loop PWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 074, Loop SPNT, Type Rv Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 172, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 169, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 086, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 182, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 096, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 093, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 168, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 167, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 204, Loop HOLL, Type Rv Electric
- Site 026, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 071, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 081, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 134, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 191, Loop PINE, Type Rv Electric
- Site 146, Loop WOAK, Type Standard Electric
- Site 073, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 106, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 001, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 067, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 156, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 007, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 177, Loop PWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 201, Loop HOLL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 065, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 094, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 112, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 039, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 183, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 104, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 070, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 135, Loop WOAK, Type Standard Electric
- Site 031, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 090, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 151, Loop WOAK, Type Standard Electric
- Site 099, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 189, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 019, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 110, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 140, Loop WOAK, Type Rv Electric
- Site 082, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 046, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 123, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 130, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 145, Loop WOAK, Type Standard Electric
- Site 175, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 100, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 109, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 206, Loop HOLL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 018, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 143, Loop WOAK, Type Standard Electric
- Site 179, Loop PWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 059, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 103, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 077, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 181, Loop PWLK, Type Walk To
- Site CA2, Loop CABI, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 108, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 118, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 212, Loop HOLL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 049, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 113, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 043, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 160, Loop PINE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 124, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 050, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 114, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 115, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 111, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 152, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 023, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 064, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 069, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 200, Loop HOLL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 205, Loop HOLL, Type Rv Electric
- Site 188, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 178, Loop PWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 131, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 087, Loop BLGL, Type Rv Electric
- Site 061, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 054, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 153, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 211, Loop HOLL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 147, Loop WOAK, Type Rv Electric
- Site 190, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 121, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 209, Loop HOLL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 101, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 009, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 075, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 203, Loop HOLL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 048, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 186, Loop PINE, Type Rv Electric
- Site 176, Loop PINE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 042, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 028, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 063, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 088, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 122, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 180, Loop PWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 057, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 092, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 158, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 148, Loop WOAK, Type Standard Electric
- Site 025, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 091, Loop BLGL, Type Rv Electric
- Site 173, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 037, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 044, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 162, Loop PWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 089, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 133, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 012, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 083, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 097, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 053, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 047, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 034, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 185, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 041, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 107, Loop BWLK, Type Walk To
- Site Shelter 2, Loop SLT2, Type Group Shelter Nonelectric
- Site Shelter 1, Loop SLT1, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 161, Loop PWLK, Type Walk To
- Site 127, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 014, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 116, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 149, Loop WOAK, Type Rv Electric
- Site 051, Loop SPNT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 080, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site CA1, Loop CABI, Type Cabin Electric
- Site 004, Loop EADS, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 170, Loop PINE, Type Standard Electric
- Site 066, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 033, Loop SPNT, Type Walk To
- Site 150, Loop WOAK, Type Standard Electric
- Site 120, Loop BLGL, Type Standard Electric
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