How much does camping cost at Hardy Lake?

Camping fees at Hardy Lake range from $25-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hardy Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Hardy Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hardy Lake before I book?

Yes! Hardy Lake has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Hardy Lake?

Hardy Lake is open Peak season details not specified.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hardy Lake?

Hardy Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Hardy Lake?

Fire policies at Hardy Lake: Fire rings and adjustable grills are provided at each site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hardy Lake have?

Hardy Lake has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hardy Lake?

Pets are not allowed at Hardy Lake. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Hardy Lake?

Hardy Lake offers: Restrooms, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hardy Lake?

Popular activities at Hardy Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hardy Lake

2.93

7 reviews

4171 East Harrod Rd, SCOTTSBURG, Indiana, 47170-8438, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Indiana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

659 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

659 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Hardy Lake

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $25 to $35 depending on site type and hookups.

Hookup Site Fee$35.00

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Provider

8127943800

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

4171 East Harrod Rd, SCOTTSBURG, Indiana, 47170-8438, United States

Hardy Lake

4171 East Harrod Rd, SCOTTSBURG, Indiana, 47170-8438, United States

Nearby places

Austin (6 miles), Scottsburg (null), Louisville (null), Indianapolis (null)

Nearby supplies

Greater than 10 miles: grocery store, propane, shopping, firewood, ice.

Driving directionsTraveling from Indianapolis, IN or Louisville KY, take I-65 to exit 34A at Austin IN, travel east on state road 256 through Austin approximately 6 miles. Turn left at caution light and travel approximately 3 miles to the property entrance gate.

The campground is accessible year-round. Roads to the property include state road 256 and a left turn at a caution light, followed by approximately 3 miles of travel. The condition of the roads is not detailed, but accessibility is implied.

Weather at Hardy Lake

Best Time to Camp at Hardy Lake

Summer delivers the best conditions for water recreation. Daytime highs run mid-70s to low-90s°F, with lake temperatures reaching mid-70s to low-80s°F. The beach, boat launches, and water skiing operate at full capacity. Expect peak crowds on weekends and holidays; midweek visits offer more breathing room. Fall brings comfortable camping weather with foliage reflected in the water. Winter sees occasional snow and quiet conditions for campers who don't mind the cold. Spring moderates into good hiking temperatures as wildflowers emerge.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best for swimming, boating and waterskiing; beach and launches operate then.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season details not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Both campgrounds are open year-round.

About Hardy Lake

Hardy Lake sits around a 740-acre reservoir in southern Indiana, about 25 miles north of Scottsburg at 659 feet elevation. The two campgrounds offer tent and RV sites ($25-35/night), with Shale Bluff Campground featuring electric hookups. Anglers fish for bass and bluegill, water skiers use the open water, and a sandy beach draws swimmers during summer months.

Hardy Lake campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including primitive camping and improved sites. There is a mix of tent and RV-friendly sites, and some are located near the lake.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions for water recreation. Daytime highs run mid-70s to low-90s°F, with lake temperatures reaching mid-70s to low-80s°F. The beach, boat launches, and water skiing operate at full capacity. Expect peak crowds on weekends and holidays; midweek visits offer more breathing room. Fall brings comfortable camping weather with foliage reflected in the water. Winter sees occasional snow and quiet conditions for campers who don't mind the cold. Spring moderates into good hiking temperatures as wildflowers emerge.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain around Hardy Lake creates an accessible outdoor playground where families of all ages can comfortably explore. The varied topography offers just enough change to keep hikes interesting while remaining manageable for casual adventurers.

Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by slate and shale bluffs, the 2,178-acre property features a 741-acre lake with stable water levels, oak-hickory and beech-maple forests, caves, fossils, and scenic lake overlooks.[1][5]

Geological RegionSet within Indiana's scenic SPR region, Hardy Lake showcases the area's characteristic blend of water and woodland ecosystems. The 740-acre lake, carved into the regional landscape, creates a recreational oasis where anglers pursue bass and bluegill, water skiers slice through calm waters, and hikers explore trails that reveal the diverse geology and ecology of southern Indiana. This unique setting offers visitors a chance to experience the natural heritage of the Hoosier State in one spectacular location.

Scenic ViewsLake views are highly praised. For instance, site 155 is directly on the lake and recommended by a user review.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not mention availability of hotel-style lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesThe source does not mention any cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo separate campgrounds operate year-round. Shale Bluff Campground has electrical hookups at each site. Distance to the lake varies by campsite, with several numbered sites directly on the water.

Reservation PlatformsReservation platforms not specified.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability details are not provided.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are not provided.

Site SizeExact campsite dimensions are not specified in the provided materials.

PrivacyNo information about the level of privacy at campsites is available.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesConsider site 155 for its proximity to the lake. Avoid site 151 due to its uneven ground and location near the bathrooms.

Best CampsitesPrimitive Wooster Bay sites recommended for fishermen, boaters, and those seeking quiet, dark skies with boat mooring; electric sites at nearby Shale Bluff for RVs up to 40 feet.[2][7]

Need help booking Hardy Lake?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Primitive / 8 sites - Wooster Boating / 4 Launch Ramps - Wooster Ramp is available for kayak and canoe launch only.

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The Hardy Lake campground offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The campground is noted for its 740-acre lake, which provides opportunities for water skiing and swimming. Hunting is allowed during designated seasons, and there are trails for leisurely walking or more strenuous hiking. Additionally, there are picnic areas, playgrounds, and opportunities for bird watching and photography.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome sites may have uneven ground—site 151 was noted as such in a user review. Proximity to bathrooms may also reduce privacy.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

2.9

7 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hardy Lake has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the mixed experiences at Hardy Lake, with positive mentions of lakeside sites and convenient amenities, and complaints about uneven ground and proximity to bathrooms.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet primitive area with boat access; great fishing and waterskiing on stable lake; relaxed atmosphere; fantastic beach; diverse wildlife.[2][8]

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on site-specific issues such as uneven ground at campsite 151 and its undesirable proximity to restrooms.

Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 151 is criticized for uneven ground and being too close to the bathrooms. Sites 155, 154, 156, 157, 158, and 159 are highly recommended for their location and views.

Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One vehicle and one camping unit per site; no boats within 100 ft of Wooster Ramp; no swimming within 100 ft of ramp; dogs allowed except on beach; check-in at 2 p.m. (5 p.m. Sundays/holidays).[2][7]

Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends are explicitly noted in user reviews.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I would recommend spot 155, it is right on the lake. 154, 156, 157, 158 and 159 are also great spots." "We stayed at camp site 151. I wouldn't recommend this particular spot, as it is the nearest to...

Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews addressing accessibility features are available.

Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention policies or experiences related to pets.

Based on 7 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Anglers, water skiers, and beach swimmers who reserve sites 155-159 early get direct lakefront access with lake views reviewers consistently praise. Summer midweek visits avoid the weekend crowds.

Skip if

Supplies and emergency services are both 10-plus miles out, so campers who forget gear or have medical needs will feel that distance. Site 151 specifically draws complaints for uneven ground and bathroom proximity.

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4.3

(90)

Clifty Falls State Park

1501 Green Rd., MADISON, Indiana, 47250, United States

Clifty Falls State Park sits in southeastern Indiana near Madison, perched at 860 feet along the Ohio River. The park has tent sites, RV hookups, primitive areas, and cabin lodging, with camping fees at $7 per night. Reviewers praise the cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and scenic hiking trails, though some campsites feel densely packed.