How much does camping cost at Indian Celina Lake?

Camping fees at Indian Celina Lake range from $24-$52/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Indian Celina Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Indian Celina 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 Indian Celina Lake before I book?

Yes! Indian Celina Lake has 12 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 Indian Celina Lake?

Indian Celina Lake is open April 03 to October 24. 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 Indian Celina Lake?

Yes, Indian Celina Lake has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Indian Celina Lake have?

Indian Celina Lake has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Indian Celina Lake?

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

What amenities are available at Indian Celina Lake?

Indian Celina Lake offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Indian Celina Lake?

Popular activities at Indian Celina Lake include Hiking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Indian Celina Lake

Q: Can I have a campfire at Indian Celina Lake?

Fire policies at Indian Celina Lake: Firewood Restrictions: Any firewood brought onto National Forest System land must meet one of the following requirements to reduce the spread of pests and pathogens that harm the forest ecosystem: 1. It is kiln-dried scrap lumber with no bark. 2. It is from your home or other Indiana location and has all bark removed. 3. It has an Indiana DNR compliance stamp.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.08

220 reviews

Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area, 20230 St Croix Pl, Bristow, IN 47515

Romantic GetawaySummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

794 ft

Price

$24 - $52/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open season: April 4...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on BA Services Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

794 ft

Price

$24 - $52/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open season: April 4...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on BA Services Inc.Official Website

Get Directions

Indian Celina Lake

$24.00 - $52.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $35.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC - Double: $52.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $33.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC - DOUBLE: $40.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC:...

Standard Site Fee$21.00

Hookup Site Fee$44.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

812-843-4880

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Indian Celina Lake

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Campground Map

Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area, 20230 St Croix Pl, Bristow, IN 47515

Indian Celina Lake

Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area, 20230 St Croix Pl, Bristow, IN 47515

Nearby places

Bristow (2 miles), St. Meinrad (approx. 10 miles), Ferdinand (approx. 15 miles)

Weather at Indian Celina Lake

Current alerts(4)

Click here for more information on the Hoosier National Forest
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).
Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground
Only electric and non-motorized boats are permitted on the lakes

Best Time to Camp at Indian Celina Lake

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cool, comfortable weather (daytime highs typically 50–65°F, nights 35–50°F in September–October), peak hardwood foliage around late September through mid-October, and excellent fishing as fish become more active in cooler water. Lakeside trails and campsites are noticeably quieter than summer weekends, making it ideal for birding, wildlife viewing, and peaceful boating. Crowds are moderate on holiday weekends but generally low on weekdays, so mid-October trips Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall cited as best window for weather and peak hardwood foliage; highly recommended season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 03 to October 24. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: April 4 to October 25, 2025.

About Indian Celina Lake

Indian Celina Lake sits in Hoosier National Forest near Bristow, operated by BA Services Inc. as a seasonal mid-sized campground with electric and water hookups. Wooded sites offer notable privacy, clean facilities, and direct access to hiking trails around the lake. Fall brings peak hardwood foliage and quieter conditions, making it popular with campers seeking a peaceful forest setting.

The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, with utility hookups available for RVs. Sites are divided into two loops, offering a mix of standard electric, standard nonelectric, and tent-only nonelectric options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cool, comfortable weather (daytime highs typically 50–65°F, nights 35–50°F in September–October), peak hardwood foliage around late September through mid-October, and excellent fishing as fish become more active in cooler water. Lakeside trails and campsites are noticeably quieter than summer weekends, making it ideal for birding, wildlife viewing, and peaceful boating. Crowds are moderate on holiday weekends but generally low on weekdays, so mid-October trips Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation794 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense hardwood and pine forests surround the campground, with Indian Lake (152 acres) and Celina Lake (164 acres) providing the main water features. The wooded setting offers significant shade and privacy between sites. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the forest, and the lakeside location supports fishing and boating access. Elevation sits at 794 feet in south-central Indiana's characteristic forest landscape.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no mention of hotel-style lodging or accommodations within the campground premises.

Programs & ActivitiesVisitors can tour the historic sandstone Rickenbaugh House built in 1874 and its adjacent cemetery. The house is open periodically throughout the year.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 vehicles per single site, 4 vehicles per double site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov. Booking window operates on a 6-month rolling basis.

AccessibilityAccessible flush toilets, drinking water, and showers are provided. A fishing pier on Celina Lake is also described as accessible.

Site SizeSpacious sites with large buffers between them. For example, "The spots are very spacious & clean with a large buffer between sites.

PrivacyThe campground offers good privacy, with well-separated sites and wooded surroundings: "The sites are spaced well with lots of shade," and "Very private campsites.

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesNorth Face Loop sites may require reconnaissance for RV leveling. South Slope Loop offers better privacy and access to trails. Users recommend near shower house sites for convenience.

Best CampsitesSouth Slope Loop earns consistent praise for shade, spacing, and privacy. Site 025 gets specific mentions for spaciousness and proximity to clean facilities. North Face Loop has narrower roads and uphill layouts that challenge RV leveling. Scout sites in advance if you're bringing a larger rig.

Need help booking Indian Celina Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area offers a wide range of amenities aimed at ensuring a comfortable camping experience. "Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills," and "Accessible flush toilets, showers, and drinking water are provided." A day-use area with boat ramp access is also available. Additionally, "picnic tables are available at the day-use area and at the historic site." Campsites are divided into two loops, with paved parking surfaces and options for both RV and tent camping. Utility hookups are available in some sites.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Indian-Celina Lake offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, and boating. The lakes provide ample opportunities for anglers, while the hiking trails cater to both casual walkers and experienced hikers. The Rickenbaugh Interpretive Trail and Two Lakes Loop National Recreation Trail are highlights for hikers. Additionally, visitors can enjoy exploring the historic Rickenbaugh House and its adjacent cemetery.

Hiking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyFirewood Restrictions: Any firewood brought onto National Forest System land must meet one of the following requirements to reduce the spread of pests and pathogens that harm the forest ecosystem: 1. It is kiln-dried scrap lumber with no bark. 2. It is from your home or other Indiana location and has all bark removed. 3. It has an Indiana DNR compliance stamp.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash cans or dumpsters are available at the off-site dump station, so campers are encouraged to use campground dumpsters before departure.

Cell CoverageSome users reported decent cell phone signal quality. One user remarked, "Good cellphone signal too." However, Wi-Fi is explicitly mentioned as unavailable in one review: "No Wi-Fi."

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

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From Booking Sources

4.1

220 reviews

Satisfactory

Indian Celina Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's clean facilities, spacious and private sites, and friendly, helpful hosts. However, some complaints include the lack of an on-site dump station, absence of Wi-Fi, and occasional maintenance issues with showers.

Review Summaries

Based on 220 reviews

What Campers Love

Spacious, wooded campsites with significant privacy; clean and well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities; helpful and friendly camp hosts; access to hiking trails; peaceful and quiet...

Based on 220 reviews

Common Concerns

Shower facilities occasionally unavailable due to maintenance; narrow roads and tight navigation for larger vehicles; no on-site dump station; no Wi-Fi; extra charges for motorcycles.

Based on 220 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

South Slope Loop is favored for its spacious and shaded sites, while Northface Loop reviews mention road noise and leveling challenges. Specific site highlights include #25 in South Slope for privacy...

Based on 220 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring cash for extra charges (e.g., additional vehicles) and use the campground dumpster before leaving. RV users should scout sites in advance due to potential leveling challenges,...

Based on 220 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are noted as ideal seasons due to the pleasant weather and vibrant forest scenery. Summer reviews mention heat and the lack of swimming in the campground's lakes, while fall reviews...

Based on 220 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The spots are very spacious & clean with a large buffer between sites." "The bathroom/shower room was well maintained - it was honestly one of the best of anywhere I've ever camped." "The sites are...

Based on 220 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible flush toilets, drinking water, and showers are positively noted. An accessible fishing pier is available on Celina Lake.

Based on 220 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want privacy, well-maintained restrooms, and quiet forest camping with hiking and boating access.

Skip if

You need level pull-through sites for large RVs or prefer an on-site dump station.

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Campgrounds

Hoosier National Forest

Indian Celina Lake

About Hoosier National Forest

Context for the broader area surrounding Indian Celina Lake, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Hoosier National Forest, in the hills of south central Indiana, provides a wide mix of opportunities and resources for people to enjoy. Rolling hills, back-country trails, and rural crossroad communities make this small but beautiful 204,000 acre Forest a local treasure. Forest managers work with the public to develop a shared vision of stewardship focused on restoring, maintaining, and interpreting the cultural and natural resources of our public lands.

Directions

https://www.fs.usda.gov/hoosier/ Supervisor's Office 811 Constitution Avenue Bedford, IN 47421 (812) 275-5987 or 1-866-302-4173 FRS: 1-800-877-8339.