German Ridge Recreation Area
The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a campground, a 24-mile multiple use trail, a short hiking trail around a scenic lake, a day use area for swimming and picnicking, and several historic buildings. It was established during the Civilian Conservation Corps days and has long been a popular get-away for people in southern Indiana.
Reservations
No reservations are taken for this area.
General Information
Additional Resources
Open year-round. Beach/Day Use Area open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Open 24 hours/day. Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am.
Horses and mountain bike riders (age 17 years and older) are required to have a permit and stay on trails designated for that type of use. Permits are available from our offices and local vendors.
Firewood Restrictions
- Any firewood brought onto National Forest System land must meet ONE of the firewood requirements on Hoosier National Forest.
- Use of on-site firewood must only be from dead, downed material. Standing trees, living or dead, may not be cut or defaced.
A complete list of US Forest Service rules and regulations are posted on bulletin boards in the campground.
There are camping fees of $8/day paid in a self service fee tube, but no day use fees.
Address: 248 15th Street Tell City, IN 47586
Phone: 812-547-7051
Hours: Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00AM to noon and 1:00 -4:30PM CST. Closed Mondays and Fridays. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.95513608
Longitude: -86.58116861
Directions
From I-64: Take I-64 to IN 37 south (Exit 79). Take IN 37 south approximately 18 miles to IN 70. Go east on IN 70. In less than 1 mile, turn right where the big "German Ridge Recreation Area" sign indicates. When that road Ts into another, turn right. You are now on Gerald Road. Watch for German Ridge Road on your left. Turn there, and the parking area is 0.9 mile south. Continue south to reach the campground and day use area.From I-66: Take IN 66 east from Tell City, through Cannelton, then watch for Forest Service signs. This will get you to the campground. From there, go north on German Ridge Road. The campground and trailhead is approximately 3/4 of a mile up this road to the left. GPS Coordinates: Lat- 37o 57' 18.427"N, Long- 86o 34' 52.512"W
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Vault toilets, accessible for people with disabilities, are provided.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Water is not potable for human use, but available for horses.
Recreation Opportunities
Horse Riding and Camping
Water Activities
Picnicking
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Outdoor Science and Learning
Hiking
Horse Camping Info
The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a 20-unit primitive campground, trails, a scenic lake, a day use area for swimming and picnicking, and several historic buildings. It was established during the Civilian Conservation Corps days and has long been a popular get-away for people in southern Indiana.
No. of Sites
20
Reservation Info
not reservable
Size Restrictions
none
Fire Information
fire rings or grills available
Corrals
none
Loading Ramp
none
Water Availability
water for horses available
Sleeping Shelter
none
Swimming Info
The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a campground, a 24-mile multiple use trail, a short hiking trail around a scenic lake, and a day use area for swimming and picnicking which includes several historic buildings. It was established during the Civilian Conservation Corps days and has long been a popular get-away for people in southern Indiana. The swimming area was once a popular destination but does not have a lifeguard and is not maintained with a sand beach. People are allowed to swim at their own risk, but it is only for those more rugged individuals who like to swim in lakes!
Clothing Requirements
Clothing required
Pool Size
lake
Water/Flow Level
Varies
Picnicking - Single Info
The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a campground, a 24-mile multiple use trail, a short hiking trail around a scenic lake, and a day use area for swimming and picnicking which includes several historic buildings. It was established during the Civilian Conservation Corps days and has long been a popular get-away for people in southern Indiana. The picnic area is along the German Ridge Lake and is a very picturesque place to have your lunch.
No. of Sites
5 picnic sites and one historic shelter house
Reservation Info
not reservable
Fire Information
grills are available with each site
No. of Accessible sites
none
Picnicking - Groups Info
The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a campground, a 24-mile multiple use trail, a short hiking trail around a scenic lake, and a day use area for swimming and picnicking which includes several historic buildings. It was established during the Civilian Conservation Corps days and has long been a popular get-away for people in southern Indiana. The picnic area is along the German Ridge Lake and is a very picturesque place to have your lunch.
No. of Sites
5 picnic sites and an historic shelter house
Reservation Info
not reservable, first come first served
Group Shelter
One Shelter house built by the CCC.
Fire Information
Grills are available with the picnic shelters and near every picnic table.
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a campground, trails, a lake, a day use area for swimming and picnicking, and several historic buildings. It was established during the Civilian Conservation Corps days and has long been a popular get-away for people in southern Indiana. The lake is not large but is a fun place for families to fish.
Fish Species
Variety of panfish and bass
Fishing Mode
Shoreline fishing
Fishing Platform
none
Cleaning Station
none
Accessible Platform
none
Water Temperature
Depends on season.
Fishing Method
Fishing pole with bait or lures
Water/Flow Level
Water fluctuates with rainfall and seasons.
Viewing Wildlife Info
The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a campground, trails, a lake, a day use area for swimming and picnicking, and several historic buildings. It was established during the Civilian Conservation Corps days and has long been a popular get-away for people in southern Indiana. The whole site is deeply wooded and gives the feeling of being tucked in amongst the forest and rocks. You will likely see many of the birds and animals that call the forest their home so bring your binoculars and tread softly.
Species
woodland songbirds, water birds, deer and more
