Hardin Ridge Recreation Area

I wouldn’t go with a tent again. No way.
They make you set up your tent on the gravel/​rocks. Sleeping on gravel was terrible, even with tents laid down. You need a pad or foam just to get it to where the rocks aren’t too noticeable.
Campsite was suppose to run $ 20 a night, with fees included for who knows what, it ended up being $ 37. Upon arriving we found out beach was closed from a man collecting our daily pass fee. He was pretty grouchy to say the least. The water was high bc of the rain. We ended up swimming at Paynestown park which is the same lake, just different beach access. The playgrounds are all torn down, except for one on Blue Gill Loop. You have to buy their firewood, or bring certified firewood which is fine. But the gravel sleeping conditions make this place a no go.

I’ve camped many places in Southern Indiana, but this is the BEST! The campsites are wooded and well kept. I chose a carry-​in site that was secluded and beautiful. The restrooms and showers were the cleanest of any campground, even with thick, nice toilet paper! Amphitheater, beach, boat ramp to Lake Monroe. Only a couple of hiking trails, but they were nice. I HIGHLY recommend this place to campers, tent or RV.

My friends and I decided to veer from our usual camping area and try here. We had originally booked online, but decided to change our sites as they were not electric. We drove around and found two we liked and set up. It was really shaded with tall trees and secluded. Close to the bathrooms and showers which is mandatory for me! We had an awesome fire pit too, which allowed us to have enough heat as it was a bit chilly. The next morning, the camp ranger came around and informed us that we could not set up in the woods. We had to put our tents on the gravel part of the site. What? We had never heard of such a thing. And, that would put us super close to the fire pits. So, we moved our tents because he told us we could be ticketed. This was apparently in the regulations that no one went over with us when we checked in. Boo. We got that squared away and while the ranger drove by no less than 20 times the next two days, he never stopped to tell us we were doing anything else wrong. Since we had two sites, we just put all the tents on one site and kept the firepit going on the other site. They do have hiking, but it doesn’t tell you the difficulty or how long the trail is as there is only one from the map’s detail. We took it down to the lake and it was beautiful. I think we will try it again in the summer time so we can take advantage of the lake. I would seriously consider booking the same two sites as they were truly some of the largest we saw that did not have immediate drop offs into the ravine. That is an issue when you have a friend afraid of heights!

This place is just awesome. Can’t believe it took me so many years living in Bloomington to find it. Each site is relatively private and all look down into a ridge which is just beautiful. The camp hosts are plentiful and obviously take a lot of pride in the place as it’s very well kept up. There are new flush toilets and showers if the pit type aren’t your thing. Also has a great boat launch and beach for swimming. Be sure to take a drive around the southern end of Lake Monroe to get a taste of Southern Indiana not seen by many. Oh, and also stop by Krazy Joe’s which is very near the entrance on Chapel Hill Road. They have supplies, live music, and home cooked meals.

great campground. great location right on the lake. Loved it!
would definitely camp here again!