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Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area
About Indian-Celina Lakes
Tucked into the hills of southern Indiana's Perry County, Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area is one of the Hoosier National Forest's best-kept secrets. Two scenic lakes — Indian Lake and Celina Lake — anchor a peaceful campground surrounded by dense hardwood forest, rolling terrain, and abundant wildlife.
The recreation area offers a genuinely tranquil experience compared to more heavily visited sites in the forest. Whether you're casting from the accessible fishing pier on Celina Lake, paddling Indian Lake under a canopy of trees, or hiking the Two Lakes Loop trail that connects both waterbodies, the pace here is slower and the crowds are thinner.
Multiple campground loops wind through mature forest, providing well-spaced sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Modern restroom and shower house facilities make extended stays comfortable, while the gatehouse entrance adds a sense of arrival to this quiet corner of the Hoosier National Forest.
Two Lakes, One Destination
Indian Lake and Celina Lake each offer a distinct character. Indian Lake is the larger of the two, featuring a boat launch for canoes, kayaks, and electric-motor watercraft. Celina Lake is smaller and quieter, anchored by its fully accessible fishing pier — a favorite among families and anglers who appreciate the easy shoreline access and consistently good fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Things to Do
- Hiking (Two Lakes Loop)
- Fishing
- Boating & Paddling
- Camping
- Wildlife Watching
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Nature Study
Ready to Visit?
Reserve a campsite at Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area and enjoy the peaceful side of Hoosier National Forest.
Check AvailabilityFacilities
Well-maintained amenities make Indian-Celina Lakes a comfortable base camp for exploring the Hoosier National Forest.
Accessible Fishing Pier
Celina Lake features a fully accessible fishing pier, making it easy for anglers of all abilities to cast a line and enjoy the calm waters stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Campground
Multiple loops of well-maintained campsites are nestled among mature hardwoods, offering a mix of shaded and open sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern posts.
Boat Launch
Indian Lake provides a boat launch for canoes, kayaks, and small watercraft. Electric motors only are permitted, keeping the lake peaceful and pristine for all visitors.
Restroom & Shower House
Modern restroom and shower house facilities are centrally located within the campground, providing hot showers, flush toilets, and accessible stalls for camper convenience.
Activities
Two lakes, forested trails, and quiet woodlands provide year-round recreation in the heart of southern Indiana.
Hiking
The Two Lakes Loop trail winds between Indian Lake and Celina Lake through rolling hills and hardwood forest, offering scenic views and a moderate trek through the heart of the recreation area.
Fishing
Both lakes offer excellent fishing opportunities. Celina Lake features an accessible fishing pier, while Indian Lake provides shoreline access for bass, bluegill, catfish, and panfish.
Boating
Bring your canoe, kayak, or small electric-motor boat to Indian Lake. The quiet-water policy keeps the lake serene and perfect for a peaceful paddle through forested shorelines.
Camping
Multiple campground loops offer sites for tents and RVs among mature hardwood forest. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with modern shower facilities nearby.
Wildlife Watching
The surrounding Hoosier National Forest teems with wildlife. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, barred owls, and a wide variety of songbirds call these woods home year-round.
Photo Gallery
Discover Indian-Celina Lakes
Two peaceful lakes, forested campsites, accessible fishing, and miles of trails await in this quiet corner of Hoosier National Forest. Plan your visit today.