Redbird State Recreation Area
00 review15298 W. County Road 350 N, Linton, Indiana, 47441, United States
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
About this campground
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.
Campsite details
Total Campsites3 campsites
Best CampsitesBluejay Shelter, Cardinal Shelter, Whitetail Shelter with varying capacities (30 for Bluejay and Cardinal, 64 for Whitetail).
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes shelters such as Bluejay, Cardinal, and Whitetail with specific capacities and pet allowances.
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.
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
Hiking 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.Fishing
There are quality fishing lakes easily accessible within the property.Biking
Mountain bikes are welcome on the trails, and additional biking opportunities are expected as more non-motorized trails are developed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include muddy trails (as stated in user reviews: "Be prepared to get muddy") and sensitive reclamation areas requiring careful navigation.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Proximity to water featuresFeatures easily accessed quality fishing lakes within the facility.
Common complaintsSome users mentioned historically poor trail drainage, though improvements have been noted recently ("latest visit it had been raining for several days earlier, but the trails were very passable, apparently they have worked on some drainage").
Campground Map
15298 W. County Road 350 N, Linton, Indiana, 47441, United States
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 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
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...
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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.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring appropriate gear for potentially muddy trails. ORV enthusiasts should explore both the easy and challenging trails for a varied experience.
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...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The shelters are appreciated for group events, with Whitetail Shelter standing out due to its larger capacity of 64 people.
Last updated August 10, 2025