Water Activities

There are ample opportunities to enjoy the lakes and rivers on the Hoosier National Forest.

Boating - Motorized

Find locations where boat ramps are provided for boats. Come enjoy a day on the water.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Canoeing or non-motorized boats are allowed at several of our lakes and rivers. 

Swimming

There are three suggested places for swimming on the Hoosier though people may swim in many of our rivers and lakes. Learn more about Hardin Ridge, German Ridge, or Tipsaw Beach. None of these have life guards so swimming is at your own risk from Memorial Day to Labor Day (water levels dependent).

Indiana state law mandates a person must not swim or allow a child or other person in their care to swim at a location other than a designated beach during designated hours.

State law allows swimmers to swim from a watercraft between sunrise and sunset in an embayment on a reservoir property but not within 300 feet of a designated launching ramp.

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Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Motorized (5)

Boating - Non-Motorized (6)

Swimming (3)

Showing: 1 - 7 of 7 results

German Ridge Recreation Area

Site Open

The German Ridge Recreation Area includes a campground, a 24-mile multiple use trail, a short hiking trail around a scenic lake, a day use area for swimming and picnicking, and several historic…

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area

Site Open

Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is located on Monroe Lake south of Bloomington, Indiana. This recreation area offers​ six campground loops, two picnic areas and three shelterhouses,​ two of which…

Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area

Site Open

Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area is located two miles south of Interstate 64 off Indiana 37. It offers​ opportunities for both overnight and day use, with two camping loops and two lakes that…

Rainbow Lake Recreation Area

Site Open

Rainbow Lake Recreation Area is one of the most scenic spots on the forest. This 9.5 acre, deep lake in a former quarry just north of State Route 70 west of Derby, Indiana opened in 2013 as part of…

Saddle Lake Recreation Area

Site Open

The Saddle Lake Recreation Area was one of four that was associated with flood control lakes built along the Middle Fork of the Anderson River. Saddle Lake once had a fully developed recreation area…

Sundance Lake

Site Open

Sundance Lake was built for fishing. Now, one of the most scenic spots on the forest, this 5.3 acre lake near Spurgeons Corner and Becks Grove in Brown County was constructed in 1992 through the…

Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area

Site Open

Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area is located six miles south of Interstate 64, off of Indiana 37. It offers opportunities for both overnight and day use, with three camping loops, two group camping areas,…