How much does camping cost at Redbird State Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Redbird State Recreation Area range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Redbird State Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Redbird State Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Redbird State Recreation Area?

Redbird State Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Redbird State Recreation Area have?

Redbird State Recreation Area has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Redbird State Recreation Area?

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

What activities can I do at Redbird State Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Redbird State Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Redbird State Recreation Area

3 reviews

15298 W. County Road 350 N, Linton, Indiana, 47441, United States

Featured in:Group Camping Indiana

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

617 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

617 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Redbird State Recreation Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

8128470146

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

15298 W. County Road 350 N, Linton, Indiana, 47441, United States

Redbird State Recreation Area

15298 W. County Road 350 N, Linton, Indiana, 47441, United States

Weather at Redbird State Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Redbird State Recreation Area

Summer brings the warmest weather and fullest trail access, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, occasionally reaching the low 90s. Humid evenings drop into the 60s. Afternoon storms are common, making early-morning and evening outings more comfortable. Spring and fall offer ideal trail conditions with moderate temperatures. Trail drainage has improved recently. One visitor noted that after several days of rain, trails remained passable thanks to drainage work.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer gives warm temps and fullest trail access; noted as best season.

Planning Tips

About Redbird State Recreation Area

This 1,400-acre recreation area sits on reclaimed coal mining land near Linton, offering three group shelters and extensive trail systems for ORV riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. Recent improvements include a new registration building, better trail drainage, and expanded parking. The former Redbird Coal Mine site now features fishing lakes and multi-use trails across terrain shaped by both mining operations and ongoing restoration efforts.

Redbird State Recreation Area features shelters that can accommodate groups, with three specific shelter options: Bluejay, Cardinal, and Whitetail.

Historical Significance

The Redbird Coal Mine once anchored regional coal production, supporting generations of mining families. Active reclamation projects now transform the industrial landscape into recreational land, creating an ongoing example of environmental restoration. The terrain itself documents both the extraction era and nature's recovery process.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest weather and fullest trail access, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, occasionally reaching the low 90s. Humid evenings drop into the 60s. Afternoon storms are common, making early-morning and evening outings more comfortable. Spring and fall offer ideal trail conditions with moderate temperatures. Trail drainage has improved recently. One visitor noted that after several days of rain, trails remained passable thanks to drainage work.

Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape reveals its mining heritage through ridges, valleys, and reclaimed terrain at 617 feet elevation. Dense woodlands cover rolling hills cut by ravines, creating varied elevations that challenge riders and hikers. Fishing lakes reflect the surrounding forested slopes. The land continues to change as reclamation projects transform former industrial sites into recovering habitat, producing a distinctive mix of rugged topography and emerging ecosystems.

Geological RegionSituated in the heart of former coal country, this unique geological area showcases the dramatic interplay between human industry and natural forces. The 1,400-acre expanse reveals layers of history written in stone and soil, where ancient coal seams once attracted miners and now create a distinctive recreational landscape. The reclaimed mining land offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore terrain shaped by both geological processes millions of years in the making and more recent human intervention, resulting in a fascinating tapestry of ridges, valleys, and restored habitats.

Scenic ViewsFeatures thick wooded landscapes and overlooks created from reclamation projects offering expansive views.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

The shelters available include the Bluejay Shelter and Cardinal Shelter, which each accommodate up to 30 people, and the Whitetail Shelter, which accommodates up to 64 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Total Campsites3 campsites

Best CampsitesBluejay Shelter and Cardinal Shelter each accommodate 30 people. Whitetail Shelter holds 64.

Amenities available

Redbird State Recreation Area offers basic amenities such as restrooms, maintenance facilities, hiking trails, an office, and parking. However, there is limited information on additional amenities and services.

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Redbird State Recreation Area provides a range of activities tailored to outdoor enthusiasts. It is particularly popular for its off-road vehicle (ORV) trails that cater to all skill levels, from gentle slopes to technically challenging terrains. The area also offers opportunities for hiking, fishing in accessible lakes, mushroom foraging, and mountain biking. As reclamation projects continue, more non-motorized trails and recreational opportunities are expected to open.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include muddy trails (as stated in user reviews: "Be prepared to get muddy") and sensitive reclamation areas requiring careful navigation.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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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

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

Redbird State Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews indicate that Redbird State Recreation Area is especially well-regarded among ORV enthusiasts, with recent improvements to facilities noted. Overall, the recreation area is praised for its challenging trails and the progress made in improving visitor experiences.

Review Summaries

Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciate the diversity of the trails, catering to both easy and challenging routes. Improvements such as a new registration building, better drainage on trails, and added amenities like...

Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users have noted that the trails in the past were swampy and challenging to navigate following rain, although this issue has been mitigated by recent drainage improvements.

Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The shelters are appreciated for group events, with Whitetail Shelter standing out due to its larger capacity of 64 people.

Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring appropriate gear for potentially muddy trails. ORV enthusiasts should explore both the easy and challenging trails for a varied experience.

Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Fun place to ride. There are several trails from easy to most difficult. Be prepared to get muddy.' - MC Nic (2021)\n2. 'They have made some really nice improvements lately. The trails used to be...

Based on 3 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

ORV riders and mountain bikers who want varied terrain at zero cost. The trail system covers easy slopes to technical routes, drainage work has made post-rain riding passable, and Whitetail Shelter fits groups of up to 64.

Skip if

Anyone expecting tent or RV sites, there are none. The three shelters are group-only, amenities are basic, and muddy gear is likely even with the drainage improvements, so solo car campers should look elsewhere in the region.

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