Hoosier National Forest Hardin Ridge Recreation Area
Hardin Ridge sits on the shores of Monroe Lake with 200+ sites ranging from primitive to electric hookups. The campground sprawls across wooded ridges with decent spacing between sites, though it fills up on summer weekends. Clean bathhouses, a sandy beach, and boat launch make this a solid base camp for exploring nearby Hoosier National Forest trails. Sites 150-200 offer the best privacy away from the day-use crowds.
Access is straightforward via paved Hardin Ridge Road. The campground operates April through October with reduced services in shoulder seasons. Reserve ahead for summer visits — walk-up sites are scarce during peak times. Cell service is decent on Verizon and AT&T throughout most of the campground.
Large lakeside campground near Hoosier National Forest
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Hardin Ridge Road, Indiana 47436 Get directions → |
| Nearest town | Bloomington, Indiana |
| Miles from pavement | 0 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | Partial |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 200 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $25.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | April-October |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Cell signal, Drinking water, Dump station, Fire ring, Hookups, Picnic table, Showers, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |