FERDINAND STATE FOREST
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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 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.
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. 
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!
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