## Overview

The camp is located along Tower Ridge Road in the center of the Charles Deam
Wilderness area, approximately one mile from Highway 446. The camp also is a
trailhead for the Charles C. Deam Wilderness trail system.

## Recreation

Blackwell is a campground for all types of users. It provides access to the
Charles C. Deam Wilderness Trail system with approximately 35 miles of trails.
The nearby Hickory Ridge Trail system is also available.

## Facilities

There is a picnic shelter at the site, a loading area for people to easily
mount horses, including people with disabilities, and hitching racks. Trails
from the site link to the trail system in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness.
There are 6 vault toilets and one non-potable water hydrant.

## Natural Features

The camp is a large grassy area with gravel parking areas on the east and west
end. The trailheads are located on the east and west ends of the camp by the
parking areas.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The camp is located along Tower Ridge Road in the center of the Charles Deam Wilderness area, approximately one mile from Highway 446. The camp also is a trailhead for the Charles C. Deam Wilderness trail system.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Blackwell is a campground for all types of users.  It provides access to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Trail system with approximately 35 miles of trails.  The nearby Hickory Ridge Trail system is also available.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>There is a picnic shelter at the site, a loading area for people to easily mount horses, including people with disabilities, and hitching racks. Trails from the site link to the trail system in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness.  There are 6 vault toilets and one non-potable water hydrant. </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The camp is a large grassy area with gravel parking areas on the east and west end.  The trailheads are located on the east and west ends of the camp by the parking areas. </p>

A photo of Blackwell Campground

A photo of pavilion at Blackwell Campground

A photo of one trailhead to the Charlie Deem Wilderness at Blackwell Campground

A photo of vault toilets at Blackwell Campground

Blackwell Campground

## Overview

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.

## 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.

## Facilities

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.

## 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**

<h2>Overview</h2>
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.<h2>Recreation</h2>
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. <h2>Facilities</h2>
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.  <h2>Natural Features</h2>
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. 
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wohgcz7vxwcg1ncuw52e6/Special-Places-on-the-Hoosier-NF-stelprdb5211657.pdf?rlkey=086bxvccc64i056wipd5uki99&dl=0" rel="nofollow"><strong>Special Places on the Hoosier National Forest </strong></a><strong> </strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gf99lmyq50hz0sqrlvvvq/Brooks-Cabin-stelprdb5287067.pdf?rlkey=tlyj0bv5seyn9oxgxfm2zaiil&dl=0" rel="nofollow"><strong>Brooks Cabin</strong></a>  </p>
<p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4c1fhh0ptzt4vx1k7dajc/Buffalo-Trace-stelprdb5292152.pdf?rlkey=voobirxit0mpn3cpx8lk5t65x&dl=0" rel="nofollow"><strong>Buffalo Trace</strong></a>  </p>
<p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2zxhldsfqm5rc4kgl7qdd/Carnes-Mill-Site.pdf?rlkey=1f7pflrvxewzwwkdhznk176zl&dl=0" rel="nofollow"><strong>Carnes Mill Site</strong></a>  </p>
<p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xrn2xdcyz8r9wr3snzju4/Clover-Lick-Barrens-stelprdb5287076.pdf?rlkey=mr5mabo1asdqivvlye5fqiv11&dl=0" rel="nofollow"><strong>Clover Lick Barrens</strong></a>  </p>
<p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lopp2uve13zomybeak7qp/Hickory-Ridge-Lookout-Tower-stelprdb5246537.pdf?rlkey=p8l0d9jeg2xo3ky4vhciby9ju&dl=0" rel="nofollow"><strong>Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower</strong></a>  </p>
<p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o2jmg66oyeqmjqjfmjxsu/Initial-Point-stelprdb5292159.pdf?rlkey=3t1ds7tn0gzoo0iqrolwtecmf&dl=0" rel="nofollow"><strong>Initial Point</strong></a>  </p>
<p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/04zzmwo1t414i1jffisxz/Lick-Creek-African-American-Settlement-stelprdb5303625.pdf?rlkey=9bc0zz8on63kdv0wagzj9yqkk&dl=0" rel="nofollow"><strong>Lick Creek African American Settlement</strong></a>  </p>
<p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8nyb20lo8xldtoa3bdw3x/The-Jacob-Rickenbaugh-Homestead-stelprdb5308118.pdf?rlkey=mvp5mnw6szxconflo9ww12a7r&dl=0" rel="nofollow"><strong>The Jacob Rickenbaugh Homestead</strong></a>  </p>
<p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/t6c2720el15gdyk43yynz/Wesley-Chapel-Gulf-fsbdev3_017360.pdf?rlkey=443uakcfswsr07dooo3pikvhy&dl=0" rel="nofollow"><strong>Wesley Chapel Gulf</strong></a> </p>

Cabins require $100 cleaning/damage and lost key deposit upon arrival at
recreation area.

  
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.

Annual Boat/Day Use Pass: $50.00 each (sticker must be applied to the
windshield of the registered vehicle) $30.00 each additional in the same
household. May be used at Hardin Ridge, Indian-Celina and Tipsaw Recreation
Areas.

A photo of facility HARDIN RIDGE with Picnic Table, Shade, Waterfront, Lean To / Shelter

HARDIN RIDGE

Hardin Ridge

## Overview

Hickory Ridge is a primitive campground located near the Hickory Ridge Trail
system.

## Recreation

Hickory Ridge Campground provides access to the Hickory Ridge Trail system for
horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.

## Facilities

There is a vault toilet, non-potable water trough for horses, picnic tables,
and fire rings, a mounting ramp, and a day use parking area.

## Natural Features

A variety of long and short interconnecting trail loops through scenic
hardwoods.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Hickory Ridge is a primitive campground located near the Hickory Ridge Trail system.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Hickory Ridge Campground provides access to the Hickory Ridge Trail system for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>There is a vault toilet, non-potable water trough for horses, picnic tables, and fire rings, a mounting ramp, and a day use parking area.  </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>A variety of long and short interconnecting trail loops through scenic hardwoods.</p>

A photo of vault toilets at Hickory  Ridge Campground

A photo of Hickory Ridge Campground

A photo of Hickory Ridge Trail kiosk at Hickory Ridge Campground

A photo of facility Hickory Ridge Trail as it leaves the campground.

Hickory Ridge Campground

Bird's eye view of the campground

Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, provides a
wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy. Rolling hills,
back-country trails, and rural crossroad communities make this small but
beautiful 204,000 acre Forest a local treasure. Forest managers work with the
public to develop a shared vision of stewardship focused on restoring,
maintaining, and interpreting the cultural and natural resources of our public
lands.

Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, provides a wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy. Rolling hills, back-country trails, and rural crossroad communities make this small but beautiful 204,000 acre Forest a local treasure. Forest managers work with the public to develop a shared vision of stewardship focused on restoring, maintaining, and interpreting the cultural and natural resources of our public lands.

Blackwell Campground

Overview

Recreation

Facilities

Natural Features

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Hardin Ridge

Hickory Ridge Campground