German Ridge Campground
Campground · 20 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Hoosier National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 20
- Bookable sites
- up to 8
- People per site
- 679 ft
- Elevation
Overview
The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a 20 site campground, a 24-mile multiple use trail, a short hiking trail around a scenic lake and cliff area, a seasonal 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.
Recreation
This area includes 20 campsites, over 25 miles of multiple-use trails, and a swimming beach (Open Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend) with shelter.
Facilities
Area includes a primitive campground with accessible vault toilets, tables, grills and hitching racks. Water may be available for livestock (not potable for humans), but bringing water is recommended. A day use picnic area with beach and shelter is available free of charge from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.
Natural Features
Sandstone rock outcroppings, rolling hills, and wildlife can be found here in a hardwood forest setting.
The facts
- 20 bookable sites
- Up to 8 people per site
- Loops: German Ridge Campground
Site types
- 20 Standard Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills, shade.
20 campsites at German Ridge Campground
Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 10 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 11 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 12 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 13 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 14 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 15 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 16 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 17 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 18 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 19 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 2 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 20 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 3 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 4 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 5 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 6 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 7 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 8 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
| 9 | German Ridge Campground | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | — | 8 | 🐾 |
Getting there
37.95505, -86.58127 · 37°57'18.2"N 86°34'52.6"W
Typical weather
Typically 87°F in Jul, down to 42°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 48 | 55 | 68 | 76 | 83 | 87 | 86 | 81 | 70 | 57 | 46 |
| Low °F | 27 | 29 | 37 | 46 | 57 | 65 | 69 | 68 | 62 | 50 | 38 | 31 |
| Precip in | 3.3 | 3.5 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 4.9 | 4.1 | 2.8 | 3.2 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 4.4 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.9 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
This campground First Come First Served and $8 per night. Payment can be made at the self-service pay station located at the campground entrance.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about German Ridge Campground
- Can you reserve a site at German Ridge Campground?
- Yes, German Ridge Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does German Ridge Campground have?
- 20 sites.
- Are pets allowed at German Ridge Campground?
- Yes, pets are allowed at German Ridge Campground.
- Are campfires allowed at German Ridge Campground?
- Campfires are allowed at German Ridge Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near German Ridge Campground
- Saddle Lake Campground 8.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Tipsaw Lake 12.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Buzzard Roost Campground 13 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Indian Celina Lake 16.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Mano Point Fishing Area 7 mi · Facility
- Primrose Loop 12.7 mi · Campground
- Dogwood Loop 12.8 mi · Campground
- Goldenrod Loop 12.8 mi · Campground
- Catbrier Loop 12.9 mi · Campground
- Jackpine Loop 12.9 mi · Campground
- South Slope Loop 16.5 mi · Campground
- North Face Loop 16.8 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone Tell City Ranger District Front Office: 812-547-7051
- Email SM.FS.R9HOFwebsite@usda.gov
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-04-15.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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