HOOSIER NATIONAL FOREST

Rolling hills, back-country trails, and rural crossroad communities make these 203,000 acres of public land a local treasure. Spread across nine counties, including over 16,000 acres in Lawrence County, the forest offers outstanding outdoor recreation. The Brownstown Ranger District includes the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, a nearly 13,000 acre designated area managed to provide opportunities for solitude in a natural environment with primitive camping, hiking and horse trails.

For those who want a less primitive experience the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area offers campsites with amenities, cabins for rent, a seasonal swimming beach and boat launch on Monroe Lake.

Annual or day use Trail Use Permits are required for horse and bicycle use for those 17 years of age or older. Camping reservations can be made at recreation.gov or by calling the National Reservation System at 1-877-444-6777 (TTY is 1-877-833-6777).

Practice Leave No Trace.

The District Office is located in Bedford and visitors are welcome Monday-Friday from 8 – 4:30 to get information, purchase maps and permits, or shop the nature store.  Offices closed on federal holidays, the national forest is open daily.