4.3644 reviewsPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
18 campsites
Season
Open all year.
Cell
No Service
Pets
Check Policy
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
18 campsites
Season
Open all year.
Cell
No Service
Pets
Check Policy
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37.0378, -119.2412
Families with young kids get the most out of this place. Big Creek runs shallow enough that kids can wade unsupervised within eyeshot, the sites stay shaded under pines and oaks, and most weeknights see almost no competition for the 18 free sites.
Rigs over 24 feet won't fit, and there's zero potable water on-site, so anyone unwilling to haul in all their drinking water should find somewhere with a tap. No cell service makes it a hard sell for anyone who needs to stay reachable.
Reference information about Bretz Mill Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Located in a setting of pines and oak, Bretz Mill Campground is located alongside Big Creek. Some sites are located on the creek. The location of the campground makes an great get-a-way for picnicking, cooling off during hot days and overnight camping, especially when higher elevation campgrounds are under snow. The area also serves as a popular OHV base camp. Access to facility is paved.</p><p>Campground is maintained by Mountain Toppers 4 WD club.</p>
The elevation is 640 ft. The campground, one of six in the Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, is a long spur winding up a small ridge. It is situated in a mature hardwood forest near Monroe Lake. Sites are spacious and secluded with some having wooden platforms. There are some walk-in sites. Gas and groceries are available at intersection of State Rt. 446 and Chapel Hill Rd. and 0.5 miles south of recreation area entrance. Propane is also available at the latter location.
Open April 15 through October 15.
Monroe Lake is 11,000 acres. Beach is large and sandy. Hiking: Twin Oaks Interpretive Trail (foot) - 1.5 miles (located at the Twin Oaks Visitor Center) Hardin Ridge Trail (foot & mtn. bike) - 2 miles Fishing: Walleye, bass, catfish, Crappie and Bluegill at Monroe Lake. There is also a small fishing pond within the campground that contains Carp, Bluegill and catfish.
Monroe Lake is 11,000 acres. Beach is large and sandy.
Parking aprons are gravel and asphalt.
From Bloomington, IN, take State Rt. 446 south approximately 14 miles to Forest Service sign (Hardin Ridge) - Chapel Hill Rd. Turn right onto Chapel Hill Rd. and go 1.7 miles to Hardin Ridge Recreation Area sign. Turn right and proceed to campground.
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Summer delivers the best conditions: daytime highs between 85 and 95°F, evening temps dropping into the 60s, and reliable dry weather for creek swimming and fishing. The creek provides natural cooling under the canopy. Late afternoons are ideal for diving in, followed by comfortable campfires. Weekends and holidays draw moderate crowds, but weeknights stay quiet. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures for hiking. Winter brings solitude and year-round access, though water activities aren't practical. Mosquitoes are active in the warmer months. Bring repellent.
Summer is best: 85–95°F days, creek provides cooling and swimming opportunities.
Bretz Mill Campground offers essential amenities in a natural setting. Restrooms are available, ensuring basic sanitation for campers. Picnic tables are provided at the sites, facilitating comfortable outdoor meals and activities. However, potable water is not available, and visitors are advised to bring their own drinking water. As mentioned in the provided materials, "drinking water not provided," and multiple user reviews emphasize the importance of bringing water from home. Additionally, there is no garbage service, so campers must pack out what they pack in.
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