Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground

For Hoosiers seeking a truly immersive and serene camping experience, the Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground, nestled within the magnificent Hoosier National Forest in Bristow, Indiana, stands out as an exceptional choice. This campground offers a remarkable blend of natural grandeur and essential comforts, providing a tranquil haven for those looking to disconnect and rejuvenate. This article is crafted specifically for you, our local Indiana residents, to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes this particular campground a "most amazingly beautiful" destination in the state's public lands. Whether you're an avid nature photographer, a dedicated hiker, a peaceful angler, or simply seeking a quiet spot for introspection, South Slope Campground invites you to experience the profound calm of Indiana's wilderness.

Camping is more than just an overnight stay; it's an opportunity to find peace, breathe fresh air, and create lasting memories amidst nature's beauty. Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground excels in providing this experience, offering spacious, secluded sites that allow you to feel "completely immersed in the grandeur of the forest." Reviewers consistently highlight its "quiet," "peaceful," and "good for the soul" atmosphere. This serenity is a testament to the continuous hard work and dedication of the "friendly staff" and forest management, who ensure this beautiful public land remains a pristine retreat. We'll explore its secluded yet accessible location, the practical services it provides, its unique features and highlights, and why it remains a highly recommended spot for anyone in Indiana looking for a truly peaceful and well-kept outdoor retreat.

All information presented here is based on publicly available data and genuine customer reviews, providing an honest and balanced portrayal of what you can expect from your visit. Our goal is to equip you with all the necessary details to plan a comfortable and memorable stay at this remarkable Indiana campground.

Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground is located in Bristow, IN 47515, USA, specifically within the larger Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area of the Hoosier National Forest. This places it in the heart of southern Indiana's beautiful forested landscape. Its accessibility for residents across Indiana is quite good, being just two miles south of Interstate 64 via Indiana 37. This proximity to a major interstate ensures a relatively straightforward drive for RVs and campers, allowing for a convenient escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

While the internal roads within the campground are described as "very windy and have some potholes," they are generally manageable, and the "angle of the site" often makes it "easy to back up into the site." Despite being relatively close to a major highway, the campground's dense forest setting ensures a sense of seclusion and quiet. "Some traffic noise" might be audible, but it's generally "not intolerable," allowing the sounds of nature to prevail. The surrounding Hoosier National Forest provides a verdant backdrop, making the journey to the campground part of the overall outdoor experience. The South Slope Loop is distinct from the North Face Loop, offering its own unique character, and it is considered very RV-friendly due to its electrical hookups, although this might result in sites being "closer together" than primitive spots. Nevertheless, "excellent tree cover" and "tree block between sites" help maintain privacy.

Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable and functional camping experience amidst its natural setting:

• Campsites: The South Slope Loop specifically contains 27 individual sites, accommodating RVs and trailers between 20 and 35 feet. A selection of single or extra-large sites are available.
• Electric Hookups: Sites in the South Slope Loop generally offer 30-amp electric hookups. It's noted that while electric is available, there are no individual sewer or water hookups at each site.
• Centralized Water: Drinking water is available at central points, including near the shower building, for filling tanks or containers.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: The campground features clean "modern flush restrooms" and "hot showers" within a dedicated building. Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of these facilities, noting them as "very clean and well kept" and a "nice large newer showerhouse."
• Vault Toilets: In addition to flush toilets, vault toilets are available, particularly during off-season or in more remote areas of the loop.
• Electric Boat Motor Recharge Table: Each loop, including South Slope, contains a recharge table specifically for electric boat motors, a convenient amenity for those utilizing the nearby lakes.
• Site Amenities: Each campsite includes a picnic table and a campfire ring with a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and gathering.
• Friendly Staff: The campground is staffed by "very friendly" and "Pleasant" individuals who are noted for being "always available when you need something."
• Firewood and Ice: Often available for purchase on-site, with some reviewers noting it's "fairly priced."
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under supervision.
• Paved Parking Surfaces: Most RV and tent sites feature paved parking surfaces for easier setup.

Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground boasts several features and highlights that contribute to its charm and appeal for campers in Indiana:

• Deep Immersion in Nature: The campground's setting truly immerses visitors "in the grandeur of the forest," offering "peaceful," "quiet," and "serene" surroundings. The abundance of tall trees, including "beautiful pine trees" (which are less common in this part of Indiana), creates a unique and calming atmosphere.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Reviewers frequently mention that the "sites are big and very spread apart," offering a good degree of privacy with "plenty of space between sites" and "tree block between sites," even in the electric hookup loop.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite its natural setting, the restrooms and showers are consistently described as "very clean" and "spotless," a significant comfort for campers. The presence of hot showers is particularly appreciated.
• Direct Access to Lakes: The campground is part of the Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area, providing easy access to Indian Lake (152 acres) and Celina Lake (164 acres). These lakes are popular for "quiet kayaking," "paddle boards," and "very good fishing" (electric motors only), known for panfish, bass, and crappie.
• Extensive Trails for Exploration: There are "lots to explore here," including various hiking and biking trails. The "Two Lakes Loop National Recreation Trail" encircles both lakes, offering options for short day hikes or longer, more strenuous treks through "beautiful scenery." Reviewers also mention the "Celina Interpretive Trail" and other trails that may require some maintenance ("a lot of down trees").
• Historic and Educational Opportunities: The nearby "historic Rickenbaugh House" (built in 1874) and an adjacent cemetery offer a glimpse into the area's past, providing a cultural element to the outdoor experience.
• Friendly and Accommodating Staff: The campground hosts are consistently praised for being "friendly," "helpful," and going "out of their way to assist." This positive interaction contributes significantly to the overall enjoyable experience.
• Wildlife Viewing: The "wooded hills" and diverse forest offer "excellent wildlife viewing opportunities" for various species, including woodland songbirds, deer, and even small lizards.

For reservations, inquiries about specific site availability, or to clarify any details about your stay at Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: Bristow, IN 47515, USA (Note: This is the general area address. The specific physical location is within the Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area).
• Phone: (812) 843-4880 (This is the specific information number for the campground/ranger district.)
• Mobile Phone: +1 812-843-4880 (Same as above)

For booking campsites, especially for the electric sites which are reservable, it is advisable to use the national reservation system for federal campgrounds, which is Recreation.gov. Their phone number is typically (877) 444-6777. While the local phone number can provide specific on-site information, reservations are generally handled through the national system. It's always a good idea to check for current conditions and any alerts from the Hoosier National Forest before your visit.

For locals across Indiana, Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for their next outdoor adventure. Its prime location within the Hoosier National Forest allows for a deep and genuine immersion in nature, providing a much-needed respite from daily life. The "quiet" and "peaceful" atmosphere, coupled with the spacious and private sites, makes it an ideal spot for individuals, couples, or families seeking a serene escape where they can truly unwind and reconnect with the natural world.

The availability of electric hookups in the South Slope Loop addresses a common need for RV campers, while the consistently clean and modern restrooms and hot showers ensure a comfortable stay, even for those who prefer a more rustic experience. The abundant recreational opportunities, from quiet lake activities like kayaking and fishing (electric motors only) to exploring extensive hiking trails and visiting the historic Rickenbaugh House, cater to a wide range of interests. The dedication of the friendly staff and volunteers further enhances the positive experience, making visitors feel welcome and cared for.

Whether you're an Indiana resident looking for a tranquil weekend retreat, an active outdoor adventure base, or simply a beautiful place to enjoy the unique pine forests of your home state, Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground provides a pristine, well-managed, and genuinely rejuvenating experience.

Indian-Celina Lakes South Slope Campground

Bristow, IN 47515, USA