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Indian Celina Lake
FSU.S. Forest Service — Bristow · Indiana · Hoosier National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Hoosier National Forest |
| Location | Bristow · Indiana · Hoosier National Forest · 38.19917, -86.59833 · Map |
| Sites | 59 public sites counted from the federal listing — 35 standard electric; 24 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 39 of 59 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 1 of 59 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 59 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 59 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 35 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 62 sites · 30 ft: 61 sites · 35 ft: 61 sites · 40 ft: 0 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Each campsite fee includes a camping unit (tent,camper) & one vehicle (single sites) and two vehicles (double sites). There is a $8.00 charge per day for the second vehicle, and $8.00 charge per day for any additional vehicle (must be paid at time of check-in). Maximum two vehicles per single site, and four vehicles per double site. There is a surcharge for the site with electric and water. Annual Boat/Day Use Pass: $50.00 each (sticker must be applied to the windshield of the registered vehicle) $30.00 each additional in the same household. May be used at Hardin Ridge, Indian-Celina and Tipsaw Recreation Areas. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 63 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 11 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 812-843-4880 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
Overview The Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area is a tranquil getaway in the midst of the Hoosier National Forest. Both the Celina and Indian Lakes are within the area, offering camping, boating, fishing and hiking, as well as tours of a historic site. Recreation Indian and Celina lakes are two of four fishing lakes along Highway 37. The lakes offer many miles of shoreline and coves for fishing for pan fish. Boat ramps are open year-round, and an accessible fishing pier is available on Celina Lake. Anglers can expect a variety of catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie.
The sandstone block, historic Rickenbaugh House was built in 1874 and is open to visitors periodically throughout the year. The home and adjacent historic cemetery are popular among visitors.
A variety of hiking trails exist within the area, including the relatively easy, 1 mile Rickenbaugh Interpretive Trail, which is located behind the historic Rickenbaugh House. The Two Lakes Loop National Recreation Trail encircles both Indian and Celina lakes and winds through many acres of natural and peaceful forests. The trail is 16 miles, but can encompass multiple, shorter day hikes. Facilities The area offers dozens of individual campsites, divided in two loops. Campsites are available for tent and RV camping. Utility hookups are available in some of the sites and the parking surfaces are paved.
Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. A day-use area is also available, and provides access to the nearby boat ramp. Picnic tables are available there and at the historic site. Natural Features The area is located in south-central Indiana, in a dense hardwood and pine forest, on 152-acre Indian and 164-acre Celina lakes. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.
Nearby Attractions Special Places on the Hoosier National Forest
Brooks Cabin
Buffalo Trace
Carnes Mill Site
Clover Lick Barrens
Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower
Initial Point
Lick Creek African American Settlement
The Jacob Rickenbaugh Homestead
Wesley Chapel Gulf
Directions, from the listing
From St. Crois, Indiana, travel south on State Route 37 about 2 miles to the Indian-Celina Recreation Area sign. Turn right and continue to the campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
5 mi straight-line · Branchville IndianaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBuzzard Roost Campground
9 mi straight-line · IndianaFSU.S. Forest ServiceSaddle Lake Campground
10 mi straight-line · IndianaFSU.S. Forest ServiceGerman Ridge Campground
17 mi straight-line · IndianaFSU.S. Forest ServiceYoungs Creek Campground
22 mi straight-line · Indiana
Trip Card — Indian Celina Lake
Bristow · Indiana · Hoosier National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Bristow · Indiana · Hoosier National Forest |
| Fees | Each campsite fee includes a camping unit (tent,camper) & one vehicle (single sites) and two vehicles (double sites). There is a $8.00 charge per day for the second vehicle, and $8… |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 39 |
| Max RV | Up to 35 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 59 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232027 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.