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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.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Open for hiking and other activities year-round.
|
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Camping
|
| Fees: | Day Use Fees
|
| Permit Info: | Fishing and Boating
|
| Open Season: | Year-round |
| Usage: | Medium |
| Restrictions: | Trail Use
|
| Closest Towns: | Tell City, IN |
| Water: | Centralized drinking water is available throughout the recreation area. |
| Restroom: | Modern flush restrooms available during camping season. Vault toilets available year-round. |
| Passes: | Day-Use and Annual Passes
|
| Operated By: | |
| Information Center: | Hoosier National Forest Tell City Ranger District |
General Information
General Notes: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 lauching ramp. Please use caution.
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.
Activities
Road Cycling
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.
Campground Camping
Indian-Celina includes 63 individual sites divided into two loops. Each loop contains centralized water, flush toilets, hot showers, and a recharge table for electric boat motors. A selection of single or double, electric or non-electric sites are available in this shady campground. Full campground services are available during the campround season from Apil 15th through October 15th. Rervations can be made online starting May 15th.
A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 persons are allowed in single sites and 4 vehicles and 16 persons in double sites. Campsites must be occupied every night.
Areas for Campground Camping at Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area
RV Camping
Areas for RV Camping at Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area
Lake and Pond Fishing
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. |
Day Hiking
Areas for Day Hiking at Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area
Backpacking
Areas for Backpacking at Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area
Viewing Wildlife
This recreational complex has abundant wildlife, birds, amphibians and part of the fun of visiting is to see what you might find there. The area is a posted Watchable Wildlife site. This site is around two clear lakes nestled in the wooded hills of the Forest. Roads and trails through the native hardwood forest mixed with pine provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Woodland songbirds are common in this area. Winter viewing is especially good in the pine plantations. High probability of seeing deer along the roads and trails, and beside the lakes in early morning. Hawks and turkey vultures are often seen soaring above the lakes. Bald egles and osprey are seen occasionally perched in shoreline trees during winter. Hike the trails in April and May to see an abundance of spring wildflowers.
| Species | woodland songbirds, eagle, osprey, deer, and many more. |
Viewing Plants
Viewing Scenery
The Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area has some beautiful scenery in every season. The rolling hills and two spacious lakes offer scenic backdrops to a hiking or camping experience. The terrain offers several opportunities for panoramic vistas and in different seasons you can experience spring wildflowers with dogwood and redbud trees blooming, fall colors, or winter snow. The area is beautiful in every time of year.
| Special Feature | Two Lakes Loop Trail and vistas along the road to Indian Lake |
Visitor Programs
Areas for Visitor Programs at Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area
Interpretive Areas
Areas for Interpretive Areas at Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area
Picnicking
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 |
Boating - Motorized
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
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 |
Related Information
Related Links
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