Hardy Lake State Recreation Area encompasses Indiana's smallest state-managed reservoir, where Shale Bluff Campground spreads across 150 sites with electric hookups on gravel pads. The campground sits within open terrain near the 741-acre lake, offering both shaded and sun-exposed sites that vary considerably in slope and levelness.
Campers describe a mix of experiences depending on site selection. Cynthia K. recommends site 122 as "private, shady & you get peeks of the lake between the leaves," though notes that "other campers use these trails & walk by close, but not actually in your site." Sites 119, 120, 123, and 125 also receive positive mentions, while many sites remain in full sun throughout the day. Several reviewers mention uneven ground and broken glass on some sites, making careful site selection important.
The 741-acre reservoir drives most recreational activity here. Four boat launches serve water skiers, tubers, and anglers, while a swimming beach provides supervised water access. Five hiking trails under two miles each wind through Indiana hardwoods and along the shoreline, including one that passes through an 1700s cemetery. The campground features a unique raptor rehabilitation program with weekend educational presentations and occasional bird releases.
Bathhouses receive consistent praise for cleanliness and hot showers, with water spigots distributed throughout the campground and a dump station available. The facility sits 15 minutes from Interstate 65, making access straightforward via paved roads. Wooster Campground — Hardy Lake State Recreation Area offers primitive lakefront sites just 0.2 miles southeast for those preferring waterside camping without hookups.
Reserve ahead during summer months when boating activity peaks, and inspect your assigned site carefully upon arrival to ensure level ground for comfortable camping.
Description
Hardy Lake has a 740 acre lake with great fishing and it allows water skiing. It has hiking trails, beach, picnic area, and 2 campgrounds. Hunting is allowed during normal hunting seasons which include deer and wild turkey hunting. Both campgrounds are open year round with electric available at each site in Shale Bluff Campground.
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Found in lakes year-round. Don't drink the water. Shower after you swim. More information.
DNR will be permanently closing the raptor rehab portion of the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center at Hardy Lake, while providing a greater focus on educational programming at Hardy Lake and across the state. DNR is grateful for the Friends of Hardy Lake, and for the staff and volunteers who have assisted with both the rehab and educational programming since the center’s inception. The Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center at Hardy Lake was established to introduce Hoosiers to live birds of prey and to offer a rehab facility where injured hawks, owls, and other raptors could be brought to be treated and, when possible, released. DNR stopped accepting birds for rehabilitation in spring 2022 due to an avian influenza outbreak. The impact of that outbreak has lessened, but there are still reports of this disease in the state. It is DNR's responsibility to protect the birds in the education program. Because avian flu is highly contagious, closing the rehabilitation side of the center reduces the potential of exposure for these educational ambassadors. With this change, DNR will devote more attention to training and enrichment for the education birds so their work of introducing Hoosiers to the habits and habitat of birds of prey is as effective as possible. Today, the number of licensed rehabilitators is greater than when the facility first opened. DNR’s Division of Fish and Wildlife maintains a list of these licensed rehabilitators that is available at on.IN.gov/wildliferehab.
Due to issues with the fuel system, the Hardy Lake marina will no longer provide fuel for sale. Because there is no other fuel for sale on the lake, watercraft operators must be self-contained and/or bring their own fuel if needed. We apologize for the inconvenience.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsShale Bluff Campground is located in Indiana near Deputy
Directions
Traveling from Indianapolis, IN or Louisville KY, take I-65 to exit 34A at Austin IN, travel east on state road 256 through Austin approximately 6 miles. Turn left at caution light and travel approximately 3 miles to the propety entrance gate.
Address
4171 East Harrod Rd
Scottsburg, IN 47170-8438
Coordinates
38.776292 N
85.692698 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/31/26
AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/31/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 46 min from Columbus, IN
- 52 min from Louisville, KY
- 1 hr 28 min from Bloomington, IN
- 1 hr 38 min from Cincinnati, OH
