Clark State Forest
00 reviewPO Box 119, Henryville, Indiana, 47126, United States
Clark State Forest
$10.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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, New Franke, and Firetower are $40/day, while an enclosed building with electricity and indoor restroom facilities costs $100/day.
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe forest includes accessible toilets and some other amenities, but no detailed information on comprehensive accessibility features is available.
Sites SizeThe campsites are equipped with a picnic table and grill, but no specific size descriptors are available.
Sites PrivacyNo specific information on the level of privacy between campsites.
Total Campsites38 campsites
Recommended CampsitesHorse camps are available for visitors camping with horses. Reviewers noted that shelters vary in guest capacity from 30 to 75.
Best CampsitesNo specific best campsites highlighted in the provided reviews or authoritative content.
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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but seasonal water availability for camping.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Laundry Facilities
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.
Hiking
The 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.'Fishing
Fishing 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.Boating
Boating is allowed on five lakes with boat ramps. Only electric trolling motors are permitted.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not detailed, but boating with electric trolling motors is allowed.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings and grills are provided at each campsite.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours stated.
Hazards
General hazardsTrails 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.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available within 10 miles of the campground, including a convenience store, gas stations, and firewood sources.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates provided.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the sources.
Proximity to 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.
Common complaints"Trails are muddy and steep in the early spring" (Lesli Popa). "Needs bathrooms and showers" (Nathaniel Taylor). "Manager of Clark State Forestry is anti-horse" (Ron Knox).
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Clark State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
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.
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...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visit during dry conditions to avoid muddy trails. Check the availability of facilities like showers and bathrooms before visiting.
Seasonal Insights
Trails may be muddy and steep in early spring, affecting usability. No specific summer or winter reviews are available.
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...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are available for numbered campsites, but group shelters' capacities range from 30 to 75 people.
Accessibility Features
No user reviews explicitly mention accessibility experiences.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at most sites, and no complaints or praises specific to pet policies were noted.
Last updated August 10, 2025