Established Camping
Shale Bluff Campground — Hardy Lake State Recreation Area
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Effective immediately, due to extremely dry conditions, Scott County has issued a burn ban until further notice. Small campfires within contained fire rings and the use of propane/charcoal grills ARE still allowed at **Hardy Lake** but must be closely watched and fully extinguished when you are finished using them. Have water available nearby to use as needed. Please check back for updates. For the most current burn ban info from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, please view this map.
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.
Beginning November 10, 2025, Hardy Lake campsites will be closed for approximately 30 days due to a sewer repair project. We apologize for the inconvenience. We will re-open the campground as soon as the project is completed. Please check back for updates.
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.
Shale Bluff Campground, near Hardy Lake State Recreation Area, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a mix of relaxation and adventure. With a variety of sites for both tents and RVs, you’ll find a comfortable place to set up camp and unwind.
This campground is known for its clean facilities and friendly staff, which many visitors appreciate. The bathrooms are regularly maintained, and there’s plenty of potable water available throughout the area. As one camper noted, “The bathrooms were spotless and regularly cleaned,” making it easy to feel at home while you’re out in nature.
Outdoor activities abound here, with great fishing and hiking trails just waiting to be explored. The nearby lake offers opportunities for kayaking and boating, and there’s even a beach area for swimming. Families will love the various activities available, especially during special events like Raptor Days, where you can witness the release of birds of prey.
Whether you’re casting a line, hiking the trails, or just soaking up the sun by the water, Shale Bluff Campground provides a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. It’s a solid choice for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, with plenty to keep you entertained and relaxed.
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.
Location
Shale Bluff Campground — Hardy Lake State Recreation Area is located in Indiana
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-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
AT&TNo Coverage
Drive Time
- 46 min from Columbus
- 52 min from Louisville
- 1 hr 28 min from Bloomington
- 1 hr 38 min from Cincinnati
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- 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
