Hardin Ridge Recreation Area

Sand Play

A 300-foot swimming beach on Lake Monroe offers a place for children to play and swimmers to sunbathe and enjoy the water. The beach offers a combination of sand and sun, with a shady grass-covered hillside above. There are no lifeguards on duty. No glass containers or pets are allowed in the beach area.

During times when the water is high at Lake Monroe- the beach will be closed. Call the Hardin Ridge Gatehouse at 812-837-9453 to confirm if the beach is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day if in doubt. 

Mountain Biking

Areas for Mountain Biking at Hardin Ridge Recreation Area

• Hardin Ridge Trail

Road Cycling

Bicycles may be ridden on the campground loop roads and on the Hardin Ridge Trail. The area is a popular place for bike riders. Most of the recreation area is fairly level except for the hill down to the lake which is very steep and could be dangerous for bikers.

Areas for Road Cycling at Hardin Ridge Recreation Area

• Hardin Ridge Trail

Campground Camping

Hardin Ridge includes six shady campground loops, with a total of 203 sites (36 of which are walk-in sites). All loops are open in summer months, but some may be closed at other times of the year. With the exception of Eads and Southern Point, the areas have electric hookups at about half the sites (walk-in sites do not have hookups).

Modern restrooms with shower facilities are available in camping loops along with vault toilets. Centralized water, flush toilets, and showers are provided. Some campsites may be reserved by calling the toll free number below. They are otherwise available on a first come basis. Camping loops are generally full on weekends.  Reservations are highly recommended.

Campground Rules

• A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed per site. Extra vehicles are $5/vehicle.
• Campground quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am 

Additional Resources

• Hardin Ridge Campground Guide and Map

RV Camping

Sites can accomodate RVs and trailers of various lengthes. See our Campground Guide and Map for specific information, indluding electric hookups and lengths, of each site. 

Do not dump gray water and sewage on the ground. There is a dump station located near the gatehouse.

Cabin Rentals

The Hardin Ridge Recreation Area has two primitive cabins available for rent. Each cabin has capacity for 7 people.  These cabins are available April through October and are reservable. See the fees the reservations sections above for more information. 

Cabins have beds (but no mattresses or bedding) and a table. Most best are bunk beds but there is one double. Cabins have outside drinking water. Both cabins have electricity. Both cabins are serviced by vault toilet facility.

Lake and Pond Fishing

Anglers fish along the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area bank regularly at Lake Monroe or fish in small fishing craft just off shore. Trails snake along the day use area near the shoreline which allow access to the riprapped shoreline where people are often seen fishing. Fishing is allowed anywhere along the lakeshore within the recreational complex. Several quiet inlets provide secluded fishing holes along the lake's banks.

Day Hiking

Areas for Day Hiking at Hardin Ridge Recreation Area

• Hardin Ridge Trail
• Ted T. Turtle Trail

Viewing Wildlife

Viewing Scenery

There is an overlook on Hardin Ridge Road that is spectacular in any season. It gives visitors a high vantage point of the 10,750-acre lake, the largest lake in Indiana with colorful marinas across the water and a vast expanse of forest. The entire area is forested hardwood and well shaded to give the visitors the feel of being in the deep woods. In spring the dogwoods and redbud bring bright color to the forest and in fall the colors are vibrant hues of yellow, orange and red.

Visitor Programs

During the spring and summer seasons, visitors are encouraged to attend our interpretive programs. Programs are offered at the Hardin Ridge amphitheater or in some cases a few programs may be held at the beach or other locations. For more information on programs at Hardin Ridge contact 812-275-5987.

Interpretive Areas

Areas for Interpretive Areas at Hardin Ridge Recreation Area

• Ted T. Turtle Trail

Picnicking

Hardin Ridge has 60 picnic sites with two shelter houses overlooking the lake. Another shelter house is available next to the amphitheater. Shelters may be reserved from mid May through early October for a cost of $25 by calling the reservation system, or are otherwise available on a first-come basis. There is ample space in fields around the picnic sites for games and both have a lovely view of Lake Monroe.

The shelterhouse next to the amphitheater has electrical outlets.

Group Picnicking

Hardin Ridge has 60 picnic sites and three shelter houses. Two of the shelters overlook the lake, one is next to the amphitheater. Shelters may be reserved from mid May through early October for a cost of $25 by calling the reservation system, or are otherwise available on a first come basis. There is ample space in fields around the picnic shelters by the lake for games. All visitors must purchase a daily parking permit even if they're with a group which has reserved a shelter.

The shelter near the amphitheater has electrical outlets.

Boating - Motorized

Monroe Reservoir is a 10,750-acre lake, the largest lake in Indiana. The 3-lane launch ramp is open year-round with a 75 vehicle/trailer parking area. A fully accessible loading dock is also provided at the boat ramp.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Monroe Reservoir is a 10,750-acre lake, the largest lake in Indiana. The 3-lane launch ramp is open year-round with a 75 vehicle/trailer parking area. A fully accessible loading dock is also provided at the boat ramp.

Swimming

A 300-foot swimming beach and bathhouse are generally open Memorial Day through Labor Day. The beach offers a combination of sand and sun, or a shady grass-covered hillside. There are no lifeguards and no glass containers or pets are allowed.