Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area
Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area is located two miles south of Interstate 64 off Indiana 37. It offers opportunities for both overnight and day use, with two camping loops and two lakes that offer paddling, fishing and boating (electric motors only), and two trails for hiking. This area is operated by a concessionaire under a special use permit issued by the Forest Service from mid-April through late October.
Beach will tentatively open May 23rd until September 1st.
General Information
Additional Resources
Swimming at Indian-Celina Recreation Area
There is no designated swimming beach provided at Indian or Celina Lakes. Indiana state law mandates a person must not swim or allow a child or other person in their care to swim at a location other than a designated beach during designated hours.
State law does allow swimmers to swim from a watercraft between sunrise and sunset in an embayment on a reservoir property but not within 300 feet of a designated launching ramp. Please use caution.
Open for hiking and other activities year-round.
- South Slope campsites are open April 15 through October 15, with limited services until the end of deer firearm season, at which time it closes.
- North Face campsites are open all year with limited services October 16 through April 14.
Campground quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
Fishing and Boating
- Indiana state fishing permits are required for fishing.
- 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.
Trail Use
- The Two Lakes Trail is hiking only.
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, as well as being provide upon check-in at the recreation area.
Day Use Fees
- Required from 4/15 - 10/31.
- $8/day for each vehicle
- Buses are $8 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 - April 15 through October 15
- Walk-to and primitive sites - $21/night
- Electric sites - $28/night
- Electric and water sites - $31/night
- Double sites with electric - $44/night
- Campsites are allowed one vehicle. $5/ night for extra vehicles
- Discounts are available to access and senior pass holders for single sites only.
Camping - October 16 – April 14
- Primitive sites - $10/night
- Electric sites - $15/night
- Access or Senior Pass holders - Half-off primitive and electric sites
Contact Name: BA Services, Inc.
Contact Phone: 812-837-9453
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: 38.19907275
Longitude: -86.59819207
Directions
Located 3 miles south of Interstate 64 off State Highway 37. Turn at the large entrance sign. A gatehouse sits just off State Road 37 at the entrance of the recreation area.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Modern flush restrooms available during camping season. Vault toilets available year-round.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Centralized drinking water is available throughout the recreation area.
Recreation Opportunities
Picnicking
Hiking
Outdoor Science and Learning
Biking
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Water Activities
Picnicking - Single Info
The Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area offers two day use areas. Picnic tables are provided near the boat ramp on the shore of Indian Lake. Additional picnic tables are provided at the Rickenbaugh House site which is on the bank of Celina Lake. Both picnic sites are available on a first-come basis and both offer picturesque views of the water while you eat.
No. of Sites
5 tables, 3 at Celina Lake and 2 at Indian Lake
Reservation Info
Reservations for picnic shelters can be made by calling toll free the National Reservation System at 1-877-444-6777 (TTY is 1-877-833-6777.) Reservations are only made Memorial Day through Labor Day. The fee for making the reservation is $10. There is a minimum cancellation fee of $10.00. Reservation information is available at: http://www.recreation.gov. If not previously reserved, occupancy is on a first come basis.
Fire Information
grills are available with the sites at Indian but not the picnic sites at Celina Lake
No. of Accessible sites
none
Biking - Road Cycling Info
This large recreation complex that includes two lakes offers several miles of paved roads with relatively light traffic. Rolling hills and great views offer the bicyclists an enjoyable place to spend the day with their friends and family.
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
This recreation complex includes Celina Lake (164 acres) and Indian Lake (152 acres) both of which have been touted as two of the best pan fishing lakes in southern Indiana. The lakes offer many miles of shoreline and tranquil coves for fishing.
Fish Species
Variety of panfish and bass
Fishing Mode
boats or shore
Fishing Platform
An accessible fishing pier is available at Celina Lake
Cleaning Station
none
Accessible Platform
An accessible fishing pier is available at Celina Lake
Water Temperature
Depends on season.
Fishing Method
Fishing pole with bait or lures
Water/Flow Level
Water fluctuates with rainfall and seasons.
Boating - Motorized Info
Indian and Celina Lakes are two of four fishing lakes along State Highway 37. Celina Lake, (164 acres) and Indian Lake (152 acres) which is only two miles away, are equally beautiful. According to those who fish there, these lakes are some of the best fishing in Indiana. These lakes also offer many miles of shoreline and coves to fish for pan fish. Bring a pole and a pail of bait and spend an enjoyable afternoon.
Launch Ramps
a launch ramp is available at each lake with a parking area.
Trailer Parking
adequate parking
Size Restrictions
electric motors only
Type of Craft
Small boats.
Motor Type
electric motors only
Fuel availability
none
Corrals
electric motors only
Water/Flow Level
varies
Marina/Mooring
none
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Indian and Celina Lakes are two of four fishing lakes along State Highway 37. Celina Lake, (164 acres) and Indian Lake (152 acres) which is only two miles away, are equally beautiful. According to those who fish there, these lakes are some of the best fishing in Indiana. These lakes also offer many miles of shoreline and coves to fish for pan fish. Bring a pole and a pail of bait and spend an enjoyable afternoon.
Launch Ramps
launch ramp available on both lakes open year round
Trailer Parking
adequate trailer parking at both lakes
Type of Craft
kayak, canoe, and sail boats are all used on the lake.
Size Restrictions
none
Corrals
none
Water/Flow Level
Varies
Marina/Mooring
none