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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.
Scope of Services
BA Services provides comprehensive concession services for the Hoosier National Forest under a U.S. Forest Service contract — managing the full operation, maintenance, and visitor services across designated campgrounds, cabins, and day-use recreation areas.
Recreation Area Operations
Full operation of campgrounds, cabins, beaches, and day-use areas throughout the Hoosier National Forest.
- Operate campgrounds, cabins, beaches, and day-use areas on approved seasonal schedules
- Adjust operations based on weather, safety conditions, and visitor demand
- Coordinate closely with the U.S. Forest Service on all operational decisions
- Manage extended operating seasons at select sites
- Provide cabin accommodations and strategic amenities that complement the natural setting
Visitor Services & Guest Experience
Front-line customer service and visitor engagement rooted in traditional camping values.
- Campground hosts, gate attendants, and on-site staff providing front-line service
- Visitor information, education, and assistance throughout each stay
- Fee collection and Recreation.gov reservation coordination
- Text-based support and modern communication tools
- Respectful, family-oriented outdoor experience rooted in traditional camping values
Facility Maintenance & Cleanliness
Rigorous maintenance protocols that meet or exceed National Forest Service quality standards.
- Restroom and sanitation system maintenance
- Campsite, picnic area, and common space upkeep
- Road, trail, and signage maintenance
- Daily and scheduled cleaning to ensure high standards
- Pre-season, mid-season, and post-season facility inspections
Staffing & On-Site Management
A full team of trained personnel providing continuous presence at key recreation sites.
- Area Managers and Unit Managers
- Campground Hosts and Gate Attendants
- Maintenance Technicians and Security Staff
- 24/7 staffing presence at key recreation sites during operating seasons
- Recruiting and training staff to meet federal service, safety, and hospitality standards
Safety, Security & Emergency Response
Comprehensive safety programs including inspections, fire prevention, and emergency coordination.
- Regular safety inspections and hazard mitigation for trees, infrastructure, and facilities
- Fire prevention and response protocols
- Campground security, rule enforcement, and incident reporting
- Emergency response coordination with appropriate agencies
- Continuous visitor and employee safety assurance
Environmental Stewardship
Responsible operations that protect natural resources and preserve the forest atmosphere.
- Protect natural resources through responsible operations and maintenance practices
- Vegetation management and wildlife interaction protocols
- Waste system management and recycling programs
- Eco-friendly and sustainability initiatives
- Preserve the non-commercialized forest atmosphere valued by visitors
Forest Service Partnership
Transparent, collaborative partnership with the U.S. Forest Service as the primary on-the-ground operator.
- Serve as primary on-the-ground partner to the U.S. Forest Service
- Regular inspections, reporting, and performance evaluations
- Full compliance with federal regulations and concession requirements
- Adherence to approved operating plans
- Collaborative, transparent working relationship with Forest Service personnel
Quality Standards & Visitor Enhancement
Proven results-driven model that transforms recreation sites into welcoming, well-managed destinations.
- Meet or exceed National Quality Standards for Recreation Management
- Full compliance with U.S. Forest Service operating requirements
- Federal employment, safety, and civil rights standards adherence
- Informational materials and forest-specific visitor guides
- Initial facility improvement followed by ongoing high standards of maintenance
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.