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 early April through mid to late October.
Reservations
Make Reservations HereGeneral Information
Additional Resources
Operator Information
BA Services, Inc., 1257 Hammond Street, Bangor, Maine 04401. Managed by Karen & Stan Arthur, 812-837-9453
Trails are open year round.
Campsites available beginning early April through late October
Campground quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
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.
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 license is 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 through October 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.
Peak Season (Early April - Late October)
Day Use: $8 per day
Day Use Annual: $50
See Recreation.gov for current rates and applicable discounts on over-night visits
Non-Peak Season(Campground and Bathhouses Closed): Late October - Early April
Day use: Free for trail and boat ramp use
Day Use Fees
- Required from April through October.
- $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 - $24/night
- Standard Electric sites (single) - $33/night
- RV Electric - $38/night
- Double sites with electric - $52/night
- Cabin with electric - $64 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 - April through October
- with electric - $59/day
non-electric - $50/day
Contact Name: BA Services
Contact Phone: 812-837-9453
Address: 811 Constitution Avenue Bedford, IN 47421
Phone: 812-275-5987
Hours: Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00a.m. to noon and 1:00 - 4:30p.m. EST. Closed Mondays and Fridays (Closed on federal holidays)
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.
Parking
Plenty of parking available at the boat launch, shelterhouses and beach.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Flush and Vault ToiletsWater
Potable water is available at this site.
Spigots are available for those camping throughout the campground loops.
