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Indiana
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Indiana State Parks

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Indiana
Southern Region
Ferdinand State Forest
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FERDINAND STATE FOREST
FERDINAND STATE FOREST
6583 IN-264
Ferdinand, Indiana   47532
(lat:38.2631 lon:-86.7928) map location

Phone: (812) 367-1524
In 1933, a local conservation club raised funds to buy 900 acres to build a lake and establish an area to hunt and fish. They offered management of the project to the Indiana Department of Conservation the following year, and this marked the establishment of Ferdinand State Forest.
Featured Areas within the Park
History of the Area
Established in 1934 as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, CCC workers built roads, service buildings, and one of the most beautiful forest lakes in the state. Ferdinand State Forest is well known for its excellent deer and squirrel hunting. The area surrounding Ferdinand is rich in German heritage, including St. Meinrad Archabbey, the Monastary Immaculate Conception and many other local landmarks and seasonal community festivals.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres7,657
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnic Sheltersyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Mountain Bike Trails, miles9
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
 Boating Limits-1
 Launch Ramps, #1
CampingPrimitive, #69
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Showersyes
Camping
Primitive(class C) camping is available for a fee. Campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis; please self-register for camping at the campground check-in booth. Vault toilets and seasonal drinking water are available. There is a picnic table and grill located on each of the campground's 69 sites.
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Swimming
Swimming is permitted in Ferdinand Lake beach area only. The swimming beach is available from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Restrooms, dressing facilities and showers are available to visitors.
Boating
A boat launch ramp is located on Ferdinand Lake; boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only. Rowboat and canoe rental is available on Ferdinand Lake from mid-April through October.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Ferdinand Lake, Coyote Lake, Campground Lake and Fossil Lake; a valid Indiana fishing license is required.Types of hunting include; whitetail deer, turkey, squirrel, fox and raccoon. A valid hunting license is required.



Picnicking
There are picnic areas and picnic shelterhouses available for day use. Picnic tables and grills are located at the picnic sites. Playground and horseshoe pits are located near the swimming beach.
Trails
Hiking Trails

Twin Lake Trail -1.9 miles

Kyana Trail - 2.6 miles

Firetower Trail - 1.2 miles

Foxey Hollow Trail - 1.3 miles

South Ridge Trail - 1.8 miles

Mountain Bike Trails

Ferdinand State Forest offers 8.8 miles of mountain bike trails. Mountain bikes are only permitted onthose designated trails.
Area Attractions
The area surrounding Ferdinand is rich in German heritage, including St. Meinrad Archabbey, the Monastary Immaculate Conception and many other local landmarks and seasonal community festivals.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
April 11 electric at camping sites by Michelle
park review stars; one to five I would love to see electric hook ups at Ferdinand forest. With more people camping every year, this would be a great opportunity for this park to grow. The income would be a blessing to a park that has become less popular through out the years.
April 4 Best kept secret! by outdoorlady, Jeffersonville
park review stars; one to five Our family loves to visit. The camping, fishing and hiking are all excellent. Its no wonder why when we talk with people there that everyone wants to keep it a secret! The last time we were there in March, lots of local people were coming in and clearing the trails for bikers...we thought that was great community pride! Everyone we talk with is so friendly and the game wardens came 2x a day, also very friendly. We LOVE IT!
May 3 What a treasure! by rsquared
park review stars; one to five Ferdinand State Forest offers some of the best hiking and biking trails anywhere in Southern Indiana. Camping and fishing areas look to be just as good.
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Area Campgrounds
Lake Rudolph Campground & R.V. Resort
78 North Holiday Boulevard
Santa Claus, IN

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Indiana
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Indiana State Parks

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