Hoosier National Forest, Indiana
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Boasting more 200,000 acres—stretching from Bloomington (home of Indiana University) down to the southern edge of the state along the Ohio River, the Hoosier National Forest is no small parcel of land. Given its expanse, you can imagine there’s much to see and do in the area. Of course, taking advantage of the area in an RV is the best possible way to see it, with several roads running through it every which way.
Tucked inside the Hoosier National Forest, you’ll really feel “away” from it all with forest as far as the eye can see. And while Indiana often has a reputation for being flat, most of southern Indiana (where the national forest is located) is actually quite hilly, with sandstone outcroppings and rolling hills that stretch out seemingly forever—or at least until you run into the river. Because the area is diverse, you can see a lot in your RV, simply driving around for a few days.
There are so many trails inside the Hoosier National Forest, it’s almost not fair to talk about them. At almost 266 miles in total, the trails vary in length and difficulty. So, no matter where you go, you can find one that suits your tastes. Many of the trails are also open to mountain bikers and horseback riders, so it’s important to share your trails and be aware of your surroundings.
Across the 27 trails—spread out all over the entire forest—you’ll find creeks, streams, dense forests, sandstone outcroppings, and more. The trails, their locations, and their distances are:
There are nine total lakes in the Hoosier National Forest, and they vary in the kinds of activities that are available. Hardin Ridge, German Ridge, and Tipsaw are all great swimming lakes with beaches (though no lifeguards). Some lakes are electric motor only, while the larger lakes do allow gas motors. Otherwise, canoes and kayaks are encouraged at all of the lakes in the Hoosier National Forest.
The lakes include:
Fishing is one of Indiana’s great pastimes due in large part to the lakes in the Hoosier National Forest. Even the lakes that are otherwise heavily recreated with boats and other activities are still known for their fishing opportunities.
There are countless ponds across the Forest that are also great for fishing. Some of these are stocked with fish, while others are allowed to thrive naturally. It’s worth noting that many of the rivers that flow through the Forest may have banks that are private property, but the streams and tributaries tend to belong to the state. Be aware and make sure you’re not trespassing.
Some fish you can expect to catch in the lakes include:
There are more than 165 caves in the Hoosier National Forest area. Some are large and literally cavernous, while others are smaller and may not even fit a human looking to explore. Until recently, the caves have been closed to protect a species of bat from a condition called White Nose Syndrome but have reopened seasonally.
One of the most well-known caves is Patton Cave, near Lake Monroe. This is a moderately trafficked cave worth visiting if you’re not a standard caver. Regardless of the caves you’re exploring, it’s always a good idea to have read up on what you’re doing, and understand all of the safety precautions necessary.
The Hoosier National Forest has dozens of roads that weave through the various recreation areas including highways and interstates. The Ohio River Scenic Byway also carves its way cuts through the forest, running alongside the Ohio River.
The most popular times to drive (and perhaps even camp) in the Hoosier National Forest are early spring when the dogwoods and redbuds are blooming and in the fall when leaves begin to turn. Because of the vast forest, the colors seem to go on endlessly. The best advice is to find a road in your RV and just cruise along it; you’ll definitely find something that will inspire awe.
Hardin Ridge is near Bloomington, closer to the northern edge of the Forest. There are six total loops in the area with plenty of room for camping. Nearby, there’s a boat launch into Lake Monroe, a designated swimming area, and bathhouses. There are spots available with electric and water hookups. You can reserve spots online, though there are also some that are first-come first-served for those of you planning a rambling vacation.
Near the resort town of French Lick sits Painter Creek RV Park. It’s a comfortable site that offers electric, water, and sewer hookups; a shower house; a dump station; and is pet friendly. It technically sits inside the Hoosier National Forest and is minutes away from Patoka Lake—the second largest reservoir in the state.
Bill Monroe was a famous bluegrass musician who played the mandolin. This memorial park, located in “Little” Nashville, plays host to a number of music festivals and other related events throughout the year. It’s also a beautiful campground. Sites have electric and water hookups, and the campground features a playground and a lake.
Further south in Indiana, near Tell City, are Indian and Celina Lakes. There are technically two campgrounds here: the North Loop and South Loop. They offer electric hookups and centralized water. The locations are also near the two lakes with are ideal for paddling, boating (with electric motors only), and fishing.
Horseshoe Bend RV Park sits smack dab on the Ohio River. The campsites have been recently renovated and offer full hookups. Every spot also has space for a boat trailer, given its proximity to the river. It’s near several caves in the area, and restaurants nearby make this an easy choice for staying near the Hoosier National Forest.
As you travel through the Hoosier National Forest, you’ll find plenty of small towns and marinas that are serving up food. You may even find an occasional roadside fish fry or chicken dinner benefiting some kind of local organization. Since you’ve rented an RV, it’s a good idea to bring groceries and plan your own meals. If you’re fishing, there’s also a good chance you can bring back a mess of bluegill and fry those up for a nice meal. (Just make sure you have backups in case they aren’t biting.)
Venturing out of Hoosier National Forest will provide you with nearly as many options for food and dining as the size of the Forest itself. Bloomington, for example, is a college town with every kind of cuisine you can imagine—from Mexican to Thai, taco stands to fine dining. Other towns in and near the Hoosier National Forest include Bedford, Tell City, and West Baden Springs and French Lick. You’ll find good eating in any spot you try to visit.
With so many towns and resorts nearby just outside of the Hoosier National Forest, there are loads of eating options if you need a break from RV and fire pit cooking. Just hop on the road and drive in nearly any direction, and you’ll find a great spot with loads of good food and classic midwestern hospitality.