Redbird State Recreation Area

3 reviews

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

Quick Facts

617 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

617 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Redbird State Recreation Area

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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Reserve America

Provider

8128470146

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

277 Google 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."

Read all reviews

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

Best Time to Camp at Redbird State Recreation Area

The area experiences a dynamic climate that shapes each visit differently. Moderate winds sweep across the ridges, while humidity levels dance between crisp, dry days and sultry afternoons that remind you you're in coal country. Precipitation varies throughout the year, creating an ever-changing canvas of conditions. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons here, when nature strikes the perfect balance—comfortable temperatures meet ideal trail conditions, making these the most coveted times to explore the transformed mining landscape.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Prime season for ORV and fishing; warm weather use though mud possible.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Milder temps and scenic overlooks likely make fall visits appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring can be muddy; past swampy trail issues noted though improvements made.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

No winter activities noted; season likely limited for recreation.

Planning Tips

About Redbird State Recreation Area

Rising from the legacy of the historic Redbird Coal Mine, this remarkable 1,400-acre recreation area tells a story of transformation. Where miners once extracted coal from deep beneath the earth, adventure seekers now carve trails through reclaimed landscapes. The property beckons ORV enthusiasts with miles of winding paths, while anglers cast lines into peaceful fishing lakes that reflect the surrounding hills. Hikers can explore nearly every corner of this vast terrain, and mountain bikers test their skills on challenging routes. As ongoing reclamation projects breathe new life into the land, visitors discover newly opened non-motorized trails, scenic picnic spots, and thoughtfully designed interpretive areas that reveal the fascinating journey from industrial heritage to recreational paradise.

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

Historical SignificanceThis land carries the weight of history in every hill and hollow. Once the beating heart of regional coal production, the Redbird Mine shaped generations of families and communities. Today, the area stands as a living testament to environmental restoration and adaptive reuse. The ongoing reclamation efforts serve as both a healing process for the land and an educational journey for visitors, bridging the gap between industrial heritage and ecological renewal. Each trail tells a story of transformation, honoring the miners who worked these grounds while celebrating nature's remarkable ability to reclaim and renew.

Weather and SeasonsThe area experiences a dynamic climate that shapes each visit differently. Moderate winds sweep across the ridges, while humidity levels dance between crisp, dry days and sultry afternoons that remind you you're in coal country. Precipitation varies throughout the year, creating an ever-changing canvas of conditions. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons here, when nature strikes the perfect balance—comfortable temperatures meet ideal trail conditions, making these the most coveted times to explore the transformed mining landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape bears the dramatic signatures of its mining past, creating a terrain unlike any other recreation area. Dense woodlands cloak rolling hills that plunge into deep ravines, offering adventurous souls a natural playground of varying elevations and challenges. The scenery shifts from rugged, mine-scarred ridges to areas where nature has reasserted itself with surprising vigor. Ongoing land reclamation projects add another layer of visual interest, as visitors can witness the real-time transformation of industrial land into thriving ecosystems. This unique blend of natural recovery and human intervention creates a landscape that's both beautiful and thought-provoking.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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

Site layoutThe campground includes shelters such as Bluejay, Cardinal, and Whitetail with specific capacities and pet allowances.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Amenities available

Group Sites

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.

HikingHiking is allowed across most of the property, offering diverse experiences such as walking through wooded areas and climbing hills and ravines. Future plans include adding accessible trails.

FishingThere are quality fishing lakes easily accessible within the property.

BikingMountain bikes are welcome on the trails, and additional biking opportunities are expected as more non-motorized trails are developed.

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.

Weather at Redbird State Recreation Area

Reviews

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

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

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

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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