Within Hoosier National Forest, Indian-Celina Recreation Area operates as a Forest Service campground spread across north and south loops near two fishing lakes. The facility sits along a winding forest road that campers describe as rough in places, requiring careful navigation to reach the wooded sites.
Sites provide considerable privacy between neighbors, tucked into tall trees with gravel tent pads and adequate spacing. "Most of the sites are rather private from each other," notes Debra W., while another camper reports they "could not really hear any of our neighbors" despite the campground being half full during their stay. The facility includes both vault and flush toilets that reviewers consistently describe as clean, plus a newer shower house that has earned praise from recent visitors.
Electric and water hookups accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, with campers reporting reliable 24-amp service from the TT-30 outlets. The lakes themselves don't allow swimming, but paddlers can explore the quiet waters under electric motor restrictions. Fishing produces bluegill, bass, catfish, and red ear sunfish according to regular visitors. For swimming, campers drive ten minutes to Tipsaw Lake, which offers free day-use access with an Indian-Celina camping tag.
Cell service remains spotty throughout the area, particularly on Verizon networks, though some visitors report enough coverage for occasional texts and work needs. The campground hosts provide wood sales and maintain a low-key atmosphere that appeals to campers seeking a less crowded alternative to nearby state parks. Two friendly hosts manage the separate loops and offer hiking recommendations for the surrounding forest trails.
Reservations help secure preferred sites during busy periods. Those exploring the region can also consider Celina Recreation Area nearby or find additional campgrounds around Hoosier National Forest throughout this expansive woodland area.
Description
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
Fee Info
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundIndian-Celina Recreation Area is located in Indiana
Directions
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.
Address
Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area
20230 St Croix Pl
Bristow, IN 47515
Coordinates
38.1991667 N
86.5983333 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 15 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 53 min from Louisville, KY
- 56 min from Owensboro, KY
- 59 min from Evansville, IN
- 1 hr 16 min from Elizabethtown, KY


















