Clark State Forest advisories
- The Clark State Forest fire tower will be closed beginning on June 16, 2022 for improvements. This closure restricts use of the stairs that provide access to the towers lookout cab. This is a historical structure that requires specific processes and procedures to be followed before improvements can be made. As a result, improvements are expected to take up to one year. Once all improvements are completed, the tower will reopen. We apologize for the inconvenience.
- This section of trail on Clark State Forest will be will be temporarily closed beginning on or shortly after July 17, 2023. The trails will reopen after completion of forest management activities.
- Description
Clark State Forest, established in 1903, is the oldest state forest in Indiana. The original appropriations to purchase a 2,000-acre tract took place during the administration of Governor Winfield Durbin. In the ensuing 96 years, additional acquisitions have increased this area to the present 24,000 acres. Much of this land was originally part of Clark's Grant, lands provided by a clause in the Virginia Cession of Claims to the Northwest Territory on December 20, 1783.
Clark State Forest was used as an experimental forest for many years, early in the development of forestry into a science and profession. More than 150 experimental tree plantings, established from 1905 through 1935, can still be observed in many areas throughout the forest.
Nature Preserves
- White Oak - 160 acres
- Chestnut Oak/Virginia Pine - 20 acres
- Activities
Camping
Primitive(class C) camping is available for a fee. Self-check-in stations are located at the entrance to each campground. Sites have pit toilets and seasonal drinking water available. There is a picnic table and grill located on each of the campground's 38 sites. The Horseman's Campground offers 26 Class C sites for those visitors who are camping with horses. A dump station is available.
Fishing
Seven lakes are open to fishing; a valid Indiana fishing license is required. Schlamm Lake (18 acres), Franke Lake (12 acres), Bowen Lake (7 acres), Oak Lake (2.5 acres) Pine Lake (2 acres), Shaw Lake (13 acres), and Wilcox Lake (5 acres). Boat launch ramps are available in all except Pine and Shaw Lakes; boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only. Swimming is not permitted in any of the lakes. A summary of fishing regulations is available online at the Division of Fish and Wildlife's web pages.
Hunting
Whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, turkey, squirrel, fox, woodcock, and raccoon. A valid hunting license is required. Hunting and trapping regulations are available online at the Division of Fish and Wildlife's web pages.
Shooting Range
Clark's shooting range provides users of firearms a place to hone their skills. Be sure to review the Gun Range Regulations for rules of use and hours of operation.
Picnicking
Several picnic areas and 8 picnic shelters are available for day use. Picnic areas, with picnic tables and grills, are located throughout the forest. In the past, all shelter houses have been available first-come, first-served. Three of the shelter houses can now be reserved: Old Franke, New Franke, and Firetower. The cost is $40/day. One of the enclosed buildings on the property can also be rented. This building has electricity and an indoor restroom facility. The cost is $100/day. Please call 812-294-4306 to inquire about availability.
The property also includes seven playgrounds, two baseball fields, a tennis court, a basketball court, firetower, and a public gun range.
- Trails
Hiking Trails
Hiking is permitted on the entire property including firetrails and horse trails. Hikers and horseback riders are advised to wear hunter orange or other bright clothing while on trails during hunting season.
- White Oak Nature Trail - 0.9 mile loop, self-guiding
- Resource Trail - 1 mile, self-guiding
- Knobstone Trail - 59 miles (backcountry) 32 miles in Clark State Forest 27 miles in Elk Creek and Jackson-Washington State Forest. Visit the Knobstone Trail page for more information.
Mountain Bike Trails
Clark S.F./Deam Lake S.R.A. offers five miles of mountain bike trails. Mountain bikes are only permitted on those designated trails. View our publications page for further details and a trail map.
- Maps
- Photos & Videos