German Ridge Campground — Hoosier National Forest

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.

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.

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.

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.