Camper submitted image from German Ridge Recreation Area - 1

Camper submitted image from German Ridge Recreation Area - 2

Camper submitted image from German Ridge Recreation Area - 3

Roads

Camper submitted image from German Ridge Recreation Area - 4

Buildings

Camper submitted image from German Ridge Recreation Area - 5

Signs & Maps

Established Camping

German Ridge Recreation Area

4 Reviews

About

National Forest

The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a campground, a 24-mile multiple use trail, a short hiking trail around a scenic lake, a day use area for swimming and picnicking, and several historic buildings. It was established during the Civilian Conservation Corps days and has long been a popular get-away for people in southern Indiana.

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Location

German Ridge Recreation Area is located in Indiana

Directions

From Cannelton, IN, take State Rt. 66 east 9.8 miles to German Ridge (road). Turn left onto German Ridge and go 0.8 miles to Recreation Area - German Ridge sign. Turn left and proceed to campground.

Coordinates

37.95200001 N
86.5890004 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

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Contact

General Info

Joel K.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 24, 2024

Nice primitive self-serve campground with 20 spots

We stayed here on a guys trip in April 2024. It was easy to find, had a self-serve pay tube, and since it's a primitive campground they had no electricity, showers or flush toilets (but they did have decent pit toilets). It rained quite a bit the few days prior to us arriving so some of the fire pits at the sites had standing water. You cannot make reservations so plan accordingly, but when we arrived Friday afternoon we were the only people there. There is no camp host and they do not provide firewood onsite. We had a hard time finding any in Tell City but finally got some at Tractor Supply. We also found a bunch at the host at the Tipsaw Campground a short drive away. We were at site 19 and pitched 3 tents, and it was tight quarters but doable. The trails were very nice, but the rain that occurred prior to our arrival made for several soft spots and some "fun" creek crossings. We also encountered several ticks, so plan accordingly. Generally I would not hesitate to go back here.

Site19

Month of VisitMay

(5) View All

Shelly S.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2018

Gitty on out here

German Ridge Campground in Hoosier National Forest is where you will find the horse “tribe”.

I wrongfully assumed the horses would be at Saddle Lake across IN37, but then I rolled into German Ridge.

The Campsites are set up nicely for the horse people with tie out areas and plenty of parking for horse trailers. The very first site is large enough for a group complete with fire ring for after a long day in the trails. A centrallyish located showerhouse, water points, picnic tables and fire rings finish off the area. There is some distance between the sites and a few nicely secluded sites for more privacy. A nice quiet shaded camping area.

There are two trailheads in the campground and a day use area further down the road which has plenty of parking for horse trailers. The trails are shared with hikers and bike riders. Total miles of multi-use trails was 24.

There is another trailhead further north on IN37 Mogan Trailhead that has room for horse trailer parking also.

German Ridge Day use area has a nice swimming area, no dogs( or horses) allowed. Which to me is sorta wrong. There are plenty of beaches for the humans why not make this one an animal friendly area?! This is a small lake that looks like beavers may have occupied it at one time, we didn’t see any while we were there just lots of chewed trees.

We hiked the 1.5 mile trail which ties in with one of the other longer trails in the area so watch your signage ;) very cool rock formations and a few low cliff areas.

The beach has a smaller parking area, pavilion, historical markers and restroom facility. It was full when we visited but still not really crowded.

The planners for Hoosier NF took some time and thought laying out these different areas. Each has something unique about it and is fashioned for a specific “group”. Worth the visit if you like the woods, dark nights and quiet.

Month of VisitJuly

(12) View All

Stallard R.

Scout

Reviewed May. 26, 2018

Self service, great trails

this is a self service campground, nice trails with beautiful views for hiking or horseback. Can be busy during hunting seasons but usually quiet, Walmart and civilization is close (10miles). Vault toilets are clean, fire rings, tables and hitching posts at each campsite.

During the summer there is a day use area with a beach.

Month of VisitDecember

Elliott B.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2016

Trail get a lot of usage, campground not so much

Nice, borderline first-come first served primitive campground. The water isn't potable, so make sure and either bring lots or a good filter/boil/etc... vault toilets.

Campground itself doesn't seem to get a lot of use, but people definitely come in to ride mountain bike, horse and or do some backpacking/hiking. Excellent tree coverage and you can easily feel alone out here.