Overview
Hardin Ridge is a 1,200-acre recreational complex located on the shores of Monroe Reservoir in Hooiser National Forest. The complex includes six shady campground loops, two picnic areas with shelters, and two rental cabins.
The area offers something for everyone, with activities like camping, picnicking, boat launching, swimming, nature walks, and interpretive programs offered in a forested environment.
Great Facilities and Amenities
Bbq
(2 of 195 campsites have Bbq)
Campfire Allowed
(187 of 195 campsites have Campfire Allowed)
Checkin Time
(Majority of the campsites have 2:00 pm)
Checkout Time
(Majority of the campsites have 12:00 pm)
Driveway Entry
(Majority of the campsites have back in)
Firepit
(187 of 195 campsites have Firepit)
Hike In Distance To Site
(Up to 0')
Max Num Of People
(Up to 20)
Max Num Of Vehicles
(Up to 10)
Pets Allowed
(193 of 195 campsites have Pets Allowed)
Picnic Table
(189 of 195 campsites have Picnic Table)
Shade
(Majority of the campsites have full)
Site Access
(3 of 195 campsites have Site Acceses)
Water Hookup
(13 of 195 campsites have Water Hookup)
Natural Features
Monroe Reservoir spans 10,750-acres and is the largest lake in Indiana. There is an overlook on Hardin Ridge Road that is spectacular in any season and gives visitors a high vantage point of the lake, colorful marinas across the water and a vast expanse of forest.
The entire area is forested with hardwoods and is well-shaded to give visitors the feel of being in the deep woods. In spring, the dogwoods and redbuds bring bright color to the forest and in fall, the foliage offers colors in vibrant hues of yellow, orange and red.
Recreation
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.
The Hardin Ridge Trail is a 2-mile hiking and bicycle trail that runs from the day use area to the various campground loops. This trail roughly follows the main campground road and provides a safe surface for families to hike or bike, as well as a scenic overlook.
Fishing is allowed anywhere along the lakeshore within the recreational complex, but several quiet inlets provide secluded fishing holes along the lake's banks. Popular catches include blue gill, striped bass, large mouth bass and crappie.
On the Ted T. Turtle interpretive trail, visitors can travel 1.2 miles through a scenic hardwood forest, along a small creek and down to Lake Monroe and back. On the trail, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the history, geology, and wildlife common to southern Indiana.
For visitors interested in boating, the lake has a 3-lane launch ramp that is open year-round. A 75 vehicle/trailer parking area is also available as well as a fully accessible loading dock provided at the boat ramp.
Permitted Equipment
rv-Up to 60ft
tent-Up to 60ft
trailer-Up to 60ft
vehicle-N/A
camper van-N/A
pickup camper-N/A
pop up camper-N/A