Buzzard Roost Recreation Area
A scenic location for walking, picnicking and camping. Parking areas are available at the first trailhead access and at the picnic/camping spur. Tables, grills, and a portable toilet are available at the picnic area. Benches are located on the bluffs overlooking the Ohio River. Water is not available on site.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | All campsites will be by RESERVATION ONLY from March 29 through April 10 due to the 2024 Eclipse. Camping will still be free but there will be a service fee to make your reservation on www.recreation.gov. Check our Eclipse page for updates. |
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Operational Hours: | Open 24 hours/day, Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am |
Fees: | None |
Open Season: | Year-round |
Usage: | Light |
Restrictions: | Firewood Restrictions
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Closest Towns: | Sulphur, IN |
Water: | None |
Restroom: | One Vault Toilet |
Operated By: | USFS, Tell City Ranger District, 248 15th Street, Tell City, IN 47586; Phone: 812-547-7051 |
General Information
Directions:From I-64 take exit 86. Go south on Ind. 66 through Oriole. 1.5 miles south of Oriole, turn left onto Onido Road. Bear right at the intersection of Onido and Orchard Roads. Continue on Onido Road to Boone Creek Road, to Buzzard Roost Road. Turn left at the marked entrance of Buzzard Roost.
General Notes:
Maps and Brochures
Area History
This was once the location of the Buzzard Roost Lookout Tower.
Activities
Campground Camping
Buzzard Roost has a primitive campground and picnic area though no toilets or water are provided. Camping and Picnic Sites are not seperately designated, but either activity is allowed in the sites.
Site Number | Spur Width x Spur Length (ft) |
1 | 12 x 52 |
2 | 12 x 57 |
3 | 12 x 50 |
4 | 12 x 50 |
5 | 12 x 50 |
No. of Sites | 5 |
Reservation Info | No reservations taken |
Fire Information | Each site has a campfire grill established where camp fires must be built. |
Sleeping Shelter | no |
Viewing Scenery
Buzzard Roost has perhaps the best view on the Hoosier National Forest. From the cliff tops a visitor can see far into Kentucky and get long views of the Ohio River and the bottomlands. You can see birds catching air currents over the river and there are benches to sit and watch the boats and barges go by and enjoy the amazing view.
Special Feature | Benches are provided |
Areas for Viewing Scenery at Buzzard Roost Recreation Area
Picnicking
Buzzard Roost has several primitive sites for either camping or picnicking. Though the sites are not seperately designated and no water is provided, they are popular sites to come and have a family picnic and explore the trail and watch the boats go by.
No. of Sites | 5 picnic sites |
Reservation Info | not reservable |
Fire Information | grills are available with each site |
No. of Accessible sites | 5 sites |
Scenic Driving
Buzzard Roost is just off the alternate route for the National Ohio River Scenic Byway and many people taking this route detour in to see the view from the cliffs. This 967-mile byway is a popular draw for travelers in the Midwest.
Pavement Type for Parking | asphalt |
Vehicle Clearence | adequate |
Size Restrictions | Two lane paved road |
Corrals | Two lane paved road |