Hardy Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Hardy Lake State Park is a 2,449-acre park located in southeastern Indiana, and it features the smallest state-operated reservoir. Hardy Lake is the main attraction of the park and spans 741 acres. The lake was formed in 1970 with the construction of the dam on Quick's Creek. Today, visitors to the park can take part in many activities, such as hunting, fishing, boating, camping, nature watching and picnicking.
Spring 32-76 F
Summer 61-87 F
Fall 34-80 F
Winter 20-44 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Hardy Lake State Park
Visitors have their choice between two campgrounds when staying at the park. Shale Bluff Campground is a modern facility with 149 electric sites. This campground can accommodate RVs between 35 and 55 feet. Make sure to check this limit when booking your specific campsite as each site has its own restrictions. Wooster Campground is a primitive site and does not offer electric hookups. This campground also allows RVs but only up to 45 feet. Both campgrounds are pet-friendly and feature a playground, water and toilets.
What to Do at
Hardy Lake State Park
This year-round park has hiking trails, two fishing piers, four boat launches to gain access to Hardy Lake, playgrounds and a swimming area. In the winter, you can enjoy ice fishing and hunting. A unique feature of the park is the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center, which takes in injured and orphaned hawks, owls, eagles and falcons to rehabilitate them to be released back into the wild. While the center is not regularly open to the public, the staff does hold interpretive programs for large events.
Fishing
Two fishing piers and four boat launches provide anglers with many opportunities to catch fish. Hardy Lake is home to bluegill, catfish, crappie, largemouth bass and tiger muskie. A fishing license is required.
Nature Watching
The park is filled with wildlife such as waterfowl, squirrels, turkeys and deer. Visitors can also spot quail, woodcock, rabbits and raccoons.
Stargazing
Hardy Lake State Park offers stargazers the perfect opportunity to view their favorite constellations as the park is far enough away from light pollution produced by the big city. Hardy Lake features a spacious clearing so that the stars are easier to see.
Flora and Fauna
The park is filled with hardwood trees including oak-hickory and beech-maple, which can be viewed up close while walking along a hiking trail. Several species of birds, including owls, mute swans and black vultures, call the park home.
Hiking
There are five hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty level. The Outward Bound trail is the longest of the five at 2.05 miles. This trail takes you through the hardwood trees of the forest as well as near the backwaters of Hardy Lake.
Boating
Boaters can gain access to Hardy Lake via one of four boat launches. If you have a larger boat, your best bet is to use one of the two ramps located within the recreation area near Alpha Marina.
Swimming
A designated swimming area and beach are found just north of the main gate when you enter the park. You can park your vehicle in the parking area and enjoy a picnic in the nearby shelter or catch some sun on the beach.
How to Get to
Hardy Lake State Park
Hardy Lake State Park is located at 5620 County Road 350 E., Scottsburg, IN 47170. If you are traveling to the park from Louisville, KY, take I-65 N. until you reach Exit 29 toward IN-56 E./W. McClain Ave. Take this exit, continue driving for 4.2 miles, and then turn left onto IN-203 N. Continue on IN-203 N. for another 6.4 miles. This road will turn into County Road 350 E./Hardy Lake Road after you pass IN-256. As you approach Hardy Lake, the road will veer to the right and take you directly into the park.
Entering Hardy Lake State Park
When you enter the park, you will pass through the main gate, which also includes a parking area. Another parking area is found on your left, which doubles as the trailhead for the Cemetery, Outward Bound and Island Trails. If you go just past that parking lot, there will be a road to the right that takes you to the beach area while continuing straight will take you to two boat launches. To get to either of the two campgrounds, take the first right-hand turn once you pass the main gate.
Hardy Lake State Park Entry Fee (Indiana residents) : $7.0
Hardy Lake State Park Entry Fee (Non-residents) : $9.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Hardy Lake State Park
The summer is the best time to visit Hardy Lake State Park as the warm weather will allow you to enjoy all the activities the park has to offer, especially the lake.
Visitors may see birds, owls, deer, foxes, squirrels, hawks and wild turkeys while at the park.
Yes, there are designated RV camping spots in both campgrounds.
Yes, you need to reserve a camping spot when staying at this park, which can be made online. It is $23 per night to stay at Shale Bluff Campground with electric hookups while Wooster Campground offers a primitive camping experience for $12 per night.
Yes, pets are allowed in the park and must be always kept on a 6-foot leash.