Hardin Ridge Recreation Area
Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is located on Monroe Lake south of Bloomington, Indiana. This recreation area offers six campground loops, two picnic areas and three shelterhouses, two of which are available for reservation, a three lane boat launch, a swim beach with shelter and showerhouse, hiking trails, and two rental cabins on the lake. The campground loops offer modern restroom and shower facilities. This area is operated by a concessionaire under a special use permit issued by the Forest Service from mid-April through mid to late October.
General Information
Additional Resources
Operator Information
BA Services, Inc., 1257 Hammond Street, Bangor, Maine 04401. Managed by Karen & Stan Arthur, 812-837-9453
Open for hiking and other activities year-round.
- Campsites available beginning April 15 until October 15.
- Campground quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
Trail Permits
- Hoosier National Forest trail permits are NOT required to ride bikes on the 2-mile long Hardin Ridge trail that runs parallel to the main campground road.
Fishing and Boating
- Indiana state fishing permits are required for fishing.
- Indiana launch permit required for launching boats on Lake Monroe.
- Boaters are required to follow Indiana state boat operating and registration requirements.
Day-Use and Annual Passes
- Day-use or annual passes are required April 15 through October 31 and are available at the gatehouse, or instructions provided if gatehouse is not staffed.
- Day-use and annual passes may be used at Hardin Ridge, Indian-Celina, and Tipsaw Lake Recreation Areas.
- Day-use and annual passes do not cover separate camping fees.
Interagency Passes
- Interagency Access, Senior and Military-Lifetime pass holders can receive discounts on base camping fees. No discounts are provided for day-use fees.
Beach Rules
- No glass containers allowed on the beach
- No pets allowed on the beach
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.
NO HUNTING IS ALLOWED IN THE RECREATION AREA. A complete list of rules and regulations are posted on bulletin boards in the campground and are provided upon check-in at the recreation area.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $21 per night
Single Site with electric hook-up: $28 per night
Single Site with electric and water hook-ups: $31 per night
Double Site with electric hook-up: $44 per night
Cabin: $55 per night
Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle per night
Day Use:
$8 per vehicle per day
$5 for driver plus $1 per person for buses
$50 per annual
Group Site: $40 per day
Day Use Fees
- Required from April 15 through October 15.
- $8/day for each vehicle
- Buses are $5 for the driver plus $1/person (no passes accepted)
- $50 Annual passes available
- No federal pass discounts are available for day use (expanded amenities) fees
Camping Fees
- Walk-to and primitive sites - $21/night
- Electric sites - $28/night
- Electric and water sites - $31/night
- Double sites with electric - $44/night
- Cabin rentals - $55 per night
- Campsites are allowed one vehicle. $5/ night for extra vehicles
- Discounts are available to access and senior pass holders for single sites only.
Shelter Rental
- $40/day from April 15 until October 15
- Day use fee applies to each additional vehicle
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 39.00999374
Longitude: -86.42848544
Directions
- From Ind. 446 south of Bloomington, turn on Chapel Hill Road. Proceed to the entrance on the right.
- From Ind. 37 south of Bloomington, turn east on Guthrie Road. Turn right on Chapel Hill Rd and proceed to the entrance on the left.
Address
6464 Hardin Ridge Road
Heltonville, IN 47436.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
