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Hoosier National Forest
About Hoosier National Forest
Covering approximately 200,000 acres across nine counties in southern Indiana, Hoosier National Forest is the state's only national forest. Managed by the US Forest Service, the forest stretches across Monroe, Brown, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, Perry, Crawford, Dubois, and Jackson counties — protecting some of the most rugged and scenic terrain in the Midwest.
The landscape is defined by dense hardwood forests, dramatic sandstone bluffs, hidden caves, and winding waterways. Over 260 miles of trails thread through the forest, offering everything from easy lakeside walks to challenging backcountry routes. The forest's lakes and reservoirs — including Monroe Lake, Indiana's largest — provide outstanding opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Three developed recreation areas within the forest — Hardin Ridge, Indian-Celina Lakes, and Tipsaw Lake — offer campgrounds, swimming beaches, boat ramps, and trailheads that serve as gateways into the surrounding wilderness.
Charles C. Deam Wilderness
At 13,000 acres, the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area is Indiana's only federally designated wilderness. Named for Indiana's first state forester, the area features rugged ridgelines, deep ravines, and old-growth forest remnants along the southern shore of Monroe Lake. No motorized vehicles or mechanized equipment are permitted, preserving a truly wild experience for hikers and backpackers.
Things to Do
- Hiking & Backpacking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boating & Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Rock Climbing
- Wildlife Watching
- Hunting
Plan Your Visit
Explore three recreation areas offering camping, swimming, fishing, and hundreds of miles of trails in southern Indiana.
View Recreation AreasRecreation Areas
Three developed recreation areas serve as gateways into Hoosier National Forest, each offering campgrounds, water access, and miles of trails.
Monroe LakeHardin Ridge Recreation Area
200+ campsites on Monroe Lake — Indiana's largest reservoir. Features a swimming beach, boat ramp, and over 12 miles of trails winding through hardwood forest.
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Twin LakesIndian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area
Two scenic lakes nestled in the forest with an accessible fishing pier, camping, boat launch, and hiking trails through rolling southern Indiana terrain.
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Lake RecreationTipsaw Lake Recreation Area
131-acre lake with 35+ campsites, a swimming beach, amphitheater, and over 8 miles of trails through some of the most rugged terrain in the forest.
ExploreActivities
200,000 acres of hardwood forests, lakes, and sandstone bluffs provide year-round recreation across southern Indiana.
Hiking & Backpacking
Over 260 miles of trails traverse hardwood forests, sandstone bluffs, and ridgelines. Routes range from easy lakeside loops to multi-day backcountry treks through the Deam Wilderness.
Fishing
Cast a line in Monroe Lake, Tipsaw Lake, Indian Lake, or Celina Lake. Species include largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie. Accessible fishing piers available.
Swimming
Sandy beaches at Hardin Ridge and Tipsaw Lake provide refreshing summer swimming with designated swim areas, changing facilities, and nearby picnic grounds.
Boating
Boat ramps at Monroe Lake, Tipsaw Lake, and Indian-Celina Lakes provide access for canoes, kayaks, and motorized boats. Monroe Lake alone covers 10,750 acres.
Camping
Hundreds of campsites across three recreation areas, from developed sites with electric hookups to primitive backcountry camping in the Deam Wilderness.
Wildlife Viewing
The forest supports white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bald eagles, Indiana bats, and over 100 bird species. Fall migration and spring wildflower seasons are especially rewarding.
Discover Hoosier National Forest
200,000 acres of southern Indiana wilderness with three recreation areas, hundreds of miles of trails, and Indiana's only designated wilderness. Start exploring today.