Ferdinand State Forest: Is It Worth Visiting?
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Ferdinand State Forest is one of Indiana’s 15 state forests. It covers more than 7,000 acres and offers camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and mountain biking.
Where Is Ferdinand State Forest?
It is located roughly 2.5 hours south of Indianapolis, off State Road 241. The closest town, Ferdinand, is roughly a 10-minute drive away and is definitely worth exploring.
We spent three nights and days exploring the Forest and the surrounding areas. This is what we learned about the park.
A Short History Lesson About The Park
In 1933, a local conservation club wanted an area for fishing and hunting; they raised funds to buy 900 acres of land and develop a lake, and in doing so, began the establishment of Ferdinand State Forest.
The following year, they handed the project over to the Indiana Department of Conservation, and that same year the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) set up camp in the area and began work on the beautiful forest lake now known as Ferdinand Lake, as well as building roads and several service buildings.
The small towns around the park became rich in German heritage and Catholic faith. Two prominent monasteries, including St. Menard Archabbey and the Monastery of the Immaculate Conception, are located near the State Forest and are well-known local landmarks.
Is There An Entrance Fee?
Sometimes, and sometimes not. It all depends on what time of year you visit the park. From mid-May through October, there is an entrance fee charged at the gatehouse.
At least that is what the website says at the time of writing. However, we went in the first weekend of May and were charged an entrance fee. So the website may be out of date, and the season the gate is manned may be longer.
Otherwise, in-state plates are charged a lower fee than out-of-state plates. For up-to-date fees, visit the Indiana DNR website.
If you plan to visit at least 7 Indiana State Park properties during a calendar year, consider purchasing an annual entrance pass, as it will save you money. Annual entrance passes are good for the current year only. So if you buy in March, it’s good until the end of December; if you buy in December, it’s good until the end of December. Keep that in mind when deciding whether it makes economic sense to purchase.
Is There Camping?
Ferdinand State Forest will soon be the only State forest in Indiana to offer two campground styles.
Primitive Campground
We stayed at the primitive campground and were satisfied with the levelness of our site and the cleanliness of the nearby vault toilet, and we enjoyed how quiet it was.
When tent camping, we use our 10-by-10 Kodiak canvas tent. If you have owned nylon tents your whole life, the price of a canvas tent can be a shock; read our reasons why we think it is worth it and can actually save you money in the long run.
Most primitive campgrounds within Indiana state forests operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and typically allow visitors to self-register; this includes the one at Ferdinand.
The campground has three campsites, each with a picnic table, a fire ring, and access to a nearby vault toilet. Only two of the three are ideal for tent camping.
The third campsite doesn’t have a level, grass-covered area for a tent, so it’s better suited to a small travel trailer, truck camper, B-van, or smaller Class C with a few leveling blocks you’ll put to work during your stay.
Someone did tent camp in the gravel driveway at that third site while we were there, but the minute the other grassed site became available, they moved their tent over, and I don’t blame them; sleeping in a tent set up on gravel isn’t comfortable. Plus, gravel is abrasive, making it not tent-floor-friendly.
This is the vault toilet. Not glamorous, and it got pretty dark at night, so if you stay here, bring a headlamp or flashlight for any nighttime potty runs.
I like knowing what amenities a campground has, so if you are like me, here is a peek inside the vault toilet. It was clean when we got there, and it stayed clean the entire time we were there. I saw a worker come by once to check on it and to restock it with toilet paper.
Modern Campground
The Modern campground on the grounds was closed for updating while we were visiting, but once it is done, it will have over 50 electric sites with concrete pads, several water fill stations, and new comfort stations with flushing toilets and showers.
Once it’s complete, this campground will be part of the DNR Indiana online reservation system.
If you are primitive camping, like we were, you can access the showers and modern restrooms. However, it is quite a long hike up a steep hill, so be prepared to use your vehicle to access them unless you want a mile or so hike both ways. But it is a nice perk to have access to a hot shower nearby. No other State forest campground in Indiana offers that.
Check the Ferdinand State Forest website page for updates about the new campground.
What Is There To Do At Ferdinand State Forest
Go Boating On The Lake
The State Forest has four lakes, with Ferdinand Lake being the largest.
If you stay at the primitive campground, Ferdinand Lake is just a few feet away, and a nearby bench lets you sit and enjoy the sunset over the water.
The lake has a small boat ramp for those who wish to bring their own boat. Boats must have the correct permits, and motors are limited to electric trolling motors only. Human-powered boats are also allowed.
If you don’t own a boat but still want to get out on the water, you can rent a canoe or rowboat from mid-April through October at the little rental hut near the boat launch ramp.
Skip renting fees with this Intex inflatable kayak for two. Use it two to three times, and you start saving money. You can read our complete review of the Kayaks here)
Fishing is allowed, but you must have a valid Indiana fishing license. The lake is popular for Bass and Bluegill fishing
Enjoy Ferdinand Lake Beach Area
There is also a swimming beach on the main lake, open daily from sunrise to sunset, starting the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
No lifeguards are on duty, so it is swim at your own risk. As with any open-water swimming area in Indiana, it is highly recommended to rinse off after swimming due to the presence of Blue Algae.
To make it easier to follow the recommendations and avoid health problems caused by Blue Algae in the water, change rooms and a shower are located across the street from the beach.
I have swum in plenty of open water in Indiana over the years and have never had any health problems from it. I do as they say and take off my wet swimming clothes and shower as soon as possible. I also make sure to keep my mouth closed when swimming to avoid drinking it.
If you hit the trails with your pet, make sure they don’t drink the water, either.
Explore The Three Other Lakes
The other lakes are Coyote Lake, Campground Lake, and Fossil Lake.
You cannot boat or swim in these smaller lakes, but you can fish from the shoreline.
Hike or Bike The Trails
The park has 10 miles of trails, and eight are open to mountain bikers with an Off-Road Cycling Permit (ORC).
Hunting for squirrel, raccoon, turkey, fox, and whitetail deer is allowed in certain areas of the property by those with a valid hunting license. If you hike during any of these hunting seasons, consult the map showing hunting areas near trails and wear hunter orange (here is a vest two-pack with good reviews that should fit easily in your camping gear box).
Jack and I didn’t hike all the trails during our stay, but we enjoyed what we did. The trails we hiked were lush with green trees in early May. Rolling hills kept our cardio up, and a few spring wildflowers were in bloom.
Climb The Historic Forest Fire Tower
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC workers) in 1935, this 100-foot fire tower is showing its age, but if you are brave enough to climb as high as you can ( the viewing platform at the very top is closed off), you will enjoy spectacular views of the forested areas and farmland that make up Dubois County.
We climbed it!
Host A Gathering In One Of Several Shelter Houses
The park has several day-use-only picnic sites and shelter houses. These picnic areas are first-come, first-served and include tables and grills.
Play A Round Of Horseshoes
Near the swimming beach, several horseshoe pits are available for public use.
Is This a Good Indiana State Forest for Families?
Yes! The kids will love the beach in the summertime. Just down the road from it is a large playground that should help them burn off some of that never-ending energy!
State Forest campground booked? Try a Harvest host stay nearby. Two farms near the State Forest currently offer overnight accommodation to RVers with a membership. Not a member? We would love it if you would support our writing by using our referral link to sign up; it gives us a free month within the program.
What Is There Nearby?
Places within 30 minutes
10 minutes from the town of Ferdinand
This town might be tiny, but it has plenty to offer to visitors. Make sure to read our post on things to do in this small Indiana town.
25 minutes to Yellow Birch Ravine
The three short trails in this nature preserve offer wonderful examples of what makes Indiana hiking trails hidden gems. Here are more pictures and our thoughts about the trails at Yellow Birch Ravine.
15 minutes to St. Meinrad Archabbey
24 minutes to Holland
See a replica of a windmill, explore the park, grab ice cream across the street, and see the murals downtown
28 minutes to Lincoln Boyhood Home National Memorial
28 minutes to Lincoln State Park
22 minutes to Santa Claus, Indiana
When you think of a town named Santa Claus, you might think it is only worth visiting in December, but you would be wrong. Holiday World and Splashing Safari are located in town, making it an all-year-round destination.
24 minutes from the town of Jasper
23 minutes from the Barnes-Seng Wetland Conservation Area
We hope our post encourages you to explore Ferdinand State Forest. To learn of more areas like this to explore, follow us on Facebook