Clark State Forest

4.00

13 reviews

PO Box 119, Henryville, Indiana, 47126, United States

Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Clark State Forest site

Official Website

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Quick Facts

594 ft

Price

$10 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Clark State Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Clark State Forest

$10.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tent sites cost $10 per night (Class C primitive camping). Horseman's campground sites also charge $10 per night. Picnic shelters such as Old Franke,...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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8122944306

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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanfriendly

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, horse-friendliness, and peacefulness. Some users praised the hiking trails, while others raised concerns about incomplete shower and bathroom facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 119, Henryville, Indiana, 47126, United States

Clark State Forest

PO Box 119, Henryville, Indiana, 47126, United States

Driving directionsClark State Forest lies approximately 20 miles north of metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky. It is accessible from Interstate 65 via exit 19, Henryville, and is one mile north of Henryville on U.S. 31.

The campground is accessible via paved roads and is located near Interstate 65. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain noted.

Nearby places

Henryville (1 mile north)

Louisville, KY (20 miles south)

Nearby supplies

Convenience stores, camping supplies, laundry, and fuel are available within a 10-mile radius.

Best Time to Camp at Clark State Forest

Each season paints Clark State Forest with its own dramatic palette. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where cold temperatures and occasional snowfall create perfect conditions for peaceful solitude. Spring arrives with enthusiasm, bringing life-giving rains that awaken the forest floor - though muddy trails remind visitors to pack accordingly. Summer wraps the forest in a warm, humid embrace, with lush green canopies providing welcome shade. But many consider autumn the crown jewel, when comfortable temperatures and dry conditions combine with a spectacular display of fall colors that set the hardwood hills ablaze with gold, crimson, and amber.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Boating and hiking available in summer; swimming banned and some facilities incomplete.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Towering hardwoods and escarpment views imply excellent fall foliage seasons.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Trails may be muddy and steep in early spring, which can limit usability.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter noted as 'crystalline' with occasional snow, but no winter facilities described.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but seasonal water availability for camping.
Current Alerts: No current alerts noted in the authoritative or user-provided content.

About Clark State Forest

Step into Indiana's conservation legacy at Clark State Forest, where over 120 years of natural heritage await your discovery. Since its founding in 1903 as the state's very first forest preserve, this rugged wilderness has beckoned adventurers with its pristine lakes, primitive camping experiences, and endless outdoor pursuits. Whether you're saddling up at the horse camps, casting a line from one of seven tranquil lakes, or climbing the historic fire tower for panoramic views, Clark State Forest offers an authentic escape into Indiana's wild heart. Miles of hiking trails wind through ancient hardwoods, while picnic shelters, a shooting range, and boat ramps ensure every outdoor enthusiast finds their perfect adventure.

The forest provides primitive camping for families and equestrian camping with horse stalls. Group shelters and picnic areas are also available.

Historical SignificanceAs Indiana's pioneering state forest, Clark has stood as a testament to conservation foresight since 1903. This living museum of forest stewardship tells the story of how Hoosiers first recognized the need to protect their natural treasures for future generations. Walking these trails, you're following in the footsteps of early conservationists who saw beyond the timber value to envision a lasting legacy of public lands.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Clark State Forest with its own dramatic palette. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where cold temperatures and occasional snowfall create perfect conditions for peaceful solitude. Spring arrives with enthusiasm, bringing life-giving rains that awaken the forest floor - though muddy trails remind visitors to pack accordingly. Summer wraps the forest in a warm, humid embrace, with lush green canopies providing welcome shade. But many consider autumn the crown jewel, when comfortable temperatures and dry conditions combine with a spectacular display of fall colors that set the hardwood hills ablaze with gold, crimson, and amber.

ElevationThe forest's dramatic topography creates a landscape of rolling ridges and deep hollows, offering hikers constantly changing perspectives and rewarding climbs to scenic overlooks throughout the property.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of southern Indiana's hill country, where towering hardwoods crown dramatic ridges and secret hollows harbor crystal-clear streams. Seven pristine lakes mirror the sky, creating perfect fishing holes tucked between forested slopes. The Central Hardwood forest dominates the landscape, with massive oaks, hickories, and maples creating a living cathedral that changes with each season. From ridge-top vistas to secluded lake shores, every turn reveals another postcard-worthy scene in this rugged natural playground.

Geological RegionPerched along the ancient Knobstone Escarpment, Clark State Forest showcases southern Indiana's most dramatic terrain. These rugged hills and distinctive knobs, carved by millions of years of geological forces, create a landscape unlike anywhere else in the Midwest. The Central Hardwood forest that blankets these slopes represents one of North America's most diverse ecosystems, where northern and southern species mingle in a rich tapestry of biodiversity. This unique geological foundation has created not just stunning scenery, but a haven for rare plants and wildlife that thrive in the varied elevations and microclimates.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Self-check-in stations available anytime.

Check-out

Self-check-out stations available anytime.

Stay Limit

No maximum stay limit specified in authoritative sources.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per shelter vary between 30 and 75.

Groups

Group shelters are available and can accommodate between 30 and 75 people, depending on the shelter.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutShelters and campsites distributed across multiple loops, including Franke Loop (north and south sides), Oak Lake, Ball Field, East Side, and West Side.

Reservation PlatformsCall 812-294-4306 to inquire about availability; no online reservation platform explicitly mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available first-come, first-served; picnic shelters can now be reserved.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules are not detailed in the authoritative sources.

AccessibilityThe forest includes accessible toilets and some other amenities, but no detailed information on comprehensive accessibility features is available.

Site SizeThe campsites are equipped with a picnic table and grill, but no specific size descriptors are available.

PrivacyNo specific information on the level of privacy between campsites.

Total Campsites38 campsites

Recommended SitesHorse camps are available for visitors camping with horses. Reviewers noted that shelters vary in guest capacity from 30 to 75.

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Clark State Forest offers a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, and picnicking. Visitors can explore hiking trails of various difficulty levels, fish in seven different lakes, and enjoy other outdoor pursuits.

HikingThe forest features easy, moderate, and difficult hiking trails. One user highlighted the 'White Oak trail' as enjoyable, though another mentioned that trails can be 'muddy and steep in the early spring.'

FishingFishing is permitted in seven lakes within the forest, with boat launch ramps available at five of them. Fish species or quality of fishing is not detailed.

BoatingBoating is allowed on five lakes with boat ramps. Only electric trolling motors are permitted.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTrails can be muddy and steep in early spring according to user reviews. Swimming is prohibited in the lakes, and hunting/trapping regulations apply.

Active AlertsNo current alerts noted in the authoritative or user-provided content.

Fire PolicyFire rings and grills are provided at each campsite.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours stated.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available within 10 miles of the campground, including a convenience store, gas stations, and firewood sources.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the sources.

Water FeaturesSeven lakes are nearby: Schlamm Lake (18 acres), Franke Lake (12 acres), Bowen Lake (7 acres), Oak Lake (2.5 acres), Pine Lake (2 acres), Shaw Lake (13 acres), Wilcox Lake (5 acres). Swimming is prohibited, and motors are limited to electric trolling motors.

Camp HostNo host information provided.

Weather at Clark State Forest

Reviews

4.0

13 reviews

Satisfactory

Clark State Forest is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, horse-friendliness, and peacefulness. Some users praised the hiking trails, while others raised concerns about incomplete shower and bathroom facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the clean and horse-friendly environment, the peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to stores. 'Clean very, horse friendly, nice place to camp, stores nearby' is one positive comment.

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users criticized the lack of completed bathroom and shower facilities. One user stated, 'They have been building toilets and showers for 3 years, enough already, get 'em done.' Another noted...

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visit during dry conditions to avoid muddy trails. Check the availability of facilities like showers and bathrooms before visiting.

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Trails may be muddy and steep in early spring, affecting usability. No specific summer or winter reviews are available.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Clean very, horse friendly, nice place to camp, stores near by.' 2. 'They have been building toilets and showers for 3 years.' 3. 'Very peaceful and relaxing place to camp. Just needs bathrooms...

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are available for numbered campsites, but group shelters' capacities range from 30 to 75 people.

Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews explicitly mention accessibility experiences.

Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at most sites, and no complaints or praises specific to pet policies were noted.

Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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