BEDFORD, Ind. – The final phase of campsite reservations at the Hoosier National Forest for the period of the 2024 total solar eclipse (March 29 to April 10) is scheduled to begin this Monday, February 5.
Seven remaining campgrounds across the National Forest have been added to the reservation portal (recreation.gov) and will open for reservations including Blackwell (Bloomington), Hickory Ridge (Bloomington), Shirley Creek (Orleans), Youngs Creek (Paoli), Saddle Lake (Tell City), Buzzard Roost (Sulpher) and German Ridge (Cannelton).
All developed campground campsites are by reservation only from March 29 to April 10 due to the expected high number of visitors to southern Indiana to view the eclipse.
Camping fees are waived for German Ridge and Saddle Lake during this period, and the other five sites have no fee to camp. However, with the reservation system in place, there is an $8 service fee for each online reservation and a $9 service fee for each phone reservation (877-444-6777).
The reservation system is in place to allow visitors the peace of mind of knowing they will have a site in advance of this unprecedented event. Varying levels of amenities are provided at these sites, and most do not have potable water.
Free, dispersed camping will be available throughout the National Forest with certain restrictions. Visitors can find more details on the dispersed camping webpage.
More information on the eclipse, the National Forest, and related opportunities is available on the Hoosier National ForestĀ website.