Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground

Are you an Indiana local yearning for a truly immersive and peaceful escape into the heart of nature? Look no further than Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground, nestled within the breathtaking Hoosier National Forest near Bristow, Indiana. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent or park your RV; it's a sanctuary where the grandeur of the forest embraces you, offering profound quietude and a sense of serenity that's truly "good for the soul." For those who seek to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with the natural world, Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground presents an idyllic retreat.

Many Hoosiers pride themselves on the natural beauty of our state, and this campground exemplifies it. It offers a unique opportunity to be completely surrounded by dense woodlands, with large, well-spaced campsites that provide a remarkable level of privacy. Imagine waking up to the sounds of rustling leaves and birdsong, spending your days exploring picturesque lakes and winding trails, and falling asleep under a canopy of stars. It's a place where you can genuinely unwind and create cherished memories with family and friends. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with the helpful and friendly staff, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all.

Visitors consistently rave about the "amazingly beautiful campground" and its "very quiet" and "peaceful" ambiance. Many highlight the spaciousness of the sites, which are "very spread apart," allowing for ample privacy. While some roads within the campground may be windy and have potholes, the angled sites generally make it easy to back in. Campers appreciate the availability of a flush toilet and shower building, even if vault toilets are also present. The area is also highly praised for its array of exploratory opportunities, including historic sites, a cemetery, two beautiful lakes, and extensive hiking and biking trails. The staff's friendliness and willingness to assist are frequently mentioned, contributing to the overall positive experience, even when facing challenges like downed trees on trails.

Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground is located in Bristow, IN 47515, USA, specifically within the sprawling Hoosier National Forest. This prime location places it in the scenic hills of Southern Indiana, offering a truly immersive forest experience. The campground is part of the larger Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area, which includes two beautiful lakes: Indian Lake (152 acres) and Celina Lake (164 acres).

Access to the campground is quite convenient for those traveling from various parts of Indiana and beyond. It is situated approximately two miles south of Interstate 64, directly off Indiana State Road 37 (Exit 79). This makes it relatively easy to reach by vehicle, even for larger RVs and trailers. While the internal roads within the campground might be winding with some potholes, as noted by visitors, the design of the campsites often allows for easier backing in due to their angle.

The surrounding area offers additional points of interest and accessibility. Tell City, a larger town with amenities like grocery stores and supplies, is approximately 25 minutes away. Owensboro, Kentucky, is about an hour's drive southwest, and Louisville, Kentucky, is roughly an hour's drive east, providing access to more extensive services and attractions. The proximity to the Hoosier National Forest means campers have immediate access to a vast network of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hundreds of miles of trails and numerous natural features. This blend of natural seclusion and reasonable accessibility makes Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground a highly desirable destination for locals.

• Campsite Variety: The campground offers 27 individual sites in the South Slope Loop. These sites cater to both tent campers and RVs, with a selection of single or extra-large sites available in a shaded forest setting. Some sites offer electric hookups.
• Electric Hookups: Many sites in the South Slope Campground offer 30-amp electric service. While full hookups (water and sewer) are not available at individual sites, electric hookups provide convenience for RV and tent campers.
• Centralized Water Access: Potable water is readily available at centralized hydrants throughout the campground, often located near the shower building, ensuring easy access for all campers.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: A key convenience highlighted by visitors, the campground features a modern flush toilet and shower building. These facilities are frequently praised for their cleanliness and are operational during the main camping season (April 15 through October 15).
• Vault Toilets: For periods when modern facilities are closed (e.g., during winter months), clean vault toilets are available year-round.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires under the stars.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available within the Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area for RV and camper waste disposal. While not directly on the South Slope loop, it is easily accessible a couple of miles south on SR 37 near the Branchville Correctional Facility entrance.
• Boat Motor Recharge Table: Given the focus on electric-motor boating on the lakes, each loop (including South Slope) provides a recharge table for electric boat motors, a convenient service for anglers and boaters.
• Friendly Staff: Reviews consistently mention the very friendly and helpful staff who are responsive to campers' needs and contribute to a pleasant stay.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are allowed in the campground but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and supervised at all times, adhering to Hoosier National Forest regulations.

• Immersive Forest Setting: The campground is renowned for its "amazingly beautiful" and "grandeur of the forest" environment, offering a deep immersion in nature. The dense woodlands contribute to the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for relaxation and mental rejuvenation.
• Spacious and Private Campsites: Sites are described as "big and very spread apart," ensuring a high degree of privacy between campers. This allows for a more secluded and personal camping experience, which is a significant draw for many.
• Access to Indian and Celina Lakes: The campground is part of a recreation area featuring two pristine lakes. These lakes are perfect for fishing (especially panfish and bass), kayaking, canoeing, and boating with electric motors only, ensuring a tranquil water experience.
• Extensive Trail System: The area boasts numerous trails for hiking and biking, including the popular Two Lakes Loop Trail (16 miles) which encircles both lakes, and the shorter, interpretive Celina (Rickenbaugh) Interpretive Trail. These trails offer diverse terrain and opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic exploration.
• Historic Rickenbaugh House and Cemetery: Located within the recreation area, the historic Rickenbaugh House (built in 1874) and its adjacent cemetery offer a fascinating glimpse into local history, adding an educational and cultural element to your outdoor adventure.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite its rustic setting, visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower building, contributing significantly to a comfortable camping experience.
• Opportunities for Wildlife Viewing: The Hoosier National Forest is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, turkey, quail, and various bird species. The recreation area is a designated "Watchable Wildlife site," offering excellent opportunities for nature observation.
• Tranquil Environment: The "so quiet! So peaceful!" nature of the campground is a recurring highlight, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a true escape from noise and light pollution for optimal rest and stargazing.

Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground, being part of the Hoosier National Forest and managed by a concessionaire (Cradle of Forestry Concessionaires), offers specific pricing structures and potential discounts rather than traditional promotional offers.

During the main camping season (April 15 through October 15), camping fees vary by site type. Electric sites are typically $28/night, while non-electric/walk-to sites are $21/night. Double sites with electric hookups are available for $44/night, and electric and water sites are $31/night. A $5/night fee applies for extra vehicles beyond the allowed one vehicle per single site or two vehicles per double site.

Crucially, discounts are available for Access Pass and Senior Pass holders, who can receive half-off on single primitive and electric sites. During the off-peak season (October 16 through April 14), prices are reduced, with primitive sites at $10/night and electric sites at $15/night. Access or Senior Pass holders still receive half-off during this period.

It is always recommended to check the official Hoosier National Forest website or Recreation.gov for the most current pricing, availability, and specific booking policies, as fees and dates are subject to change.

To learn more or to make a reservation at Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground, you can use the following contact information:

Address: Bristow, IN 47515, USA (Located within the Hoosier National Forest)

Phone: (812) 843-4880 (This number is for the concessionaires, available during recreation season only)

For reservations, especially for specific sites, it is often best to utilize the national reservation system. You can typically find Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground listed on

Recreation.gov

For general inquiries about the Hoosier National Forest or the Tell City Ranger District, you can also contact:

Tell City Ranger District

248 15th Street

Tell City, IN 47586

Phone: (812) 547-7051

For Indiana locals, Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of the Hoosier National Forest. This campground is more than just a convenient place to stay; it's a direct gateway to the peaceful solitude and natural grandeur that our state has to offer. The spacious, well-separated campsites provide a level of privacy that allows for genuine relaxation, a stark contrast to the often crowded commercial parks. This makes it perfect for Hoosiers seeking a quiet retreat to de-stress and reconnect with nature.

The rich array of activities available right at your doorstep, from fishing and electric boating on Indian and Celina Lakes to exploring miles of hiking and biking trails, ensures there's something for every outdoor enthusiast. The historical elements, such as the Rickenbaugh House and cemetery, add an enriching dimension to the natural exploration, appealing to those who appreciate both history and the outdoors. Furthermore, the consistently praised clean facilities and the helpful, friendly staff contribute significantly to a comfortable and welcoming environment. Despite minor road imperfections or occasional trail maintenance needs, the overall experience is one of profound tranquility and natural beauty. For any Indiana resident yearning for a true escape into the wild, where peace and natural splendor are paramount, Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground is an ideal and highly recommended destination, offering a serene and rejuvenating experience right here in our own backyard.