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.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres7657
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Picnic Sheltersyes
Swimming Beachyes
Mountain Bike Trails, miles8.8
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
Boating Limits-1
Launch Ramps, #1
CampingPrimative, #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.
 | White River Cabin Rental - Shoals, IN Cottages and Cabins Enjoy the quiet atmosphere of a well appointed luxury 5 star cabin on the peaceful White River in scenic Martin County. Located directly on the rivers edge and surrounded with the serenity of natures hills. With the convenience of town located a mile away. |
 | Willowbrook Cabin Rental - Golconda, IL Cottages and Cabins LARGE 2 and 3 bedroom private CABINS located near many of the major ATTRACTIONS of the Shawnee National FOREST and the surrounding Southern ILLINOIS area. All cabins offer incredible VALUE as they are fully furnished with everything needed including full kitchens with cookware, microwave, liens, fire pits and wood, outdoor grill, satellite TV and even FREE internet. Open all seasons |
 | Rim Rock's Dogwood Cabins - Elizabethtown, IL Cottages and Cabins Southern Illinois Cabins with all amenities, surrounded by The Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. All cabins have air conditioning, heat, kitchen including stove, frig, microwave, coffee maker, toaster bathroom with shower, screened in porch, electric fireplace, satellite tv with HBO and DVD, all linens, cookware, plates, utensil, outside grill and picnic table. |
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.
 | Family RV Rentals - Whiteland, IN Motor Home Campers Whether you are vacationing with family, going to a race, or traveling for business, build some memories and travel by RV. We carry select RVs for sale on our lot. We can also do consignment sales and RV leasing. Our techs are certified on all RV systems. We work on RVs of any style, year, make or model. |
 | Central Marine - Shoals, IN Boat Rentals A store that caters to all of your boating, hunting, fishing and outdoor adventure needs. We offer canoe and kayak rentals for one and two day trips on the White River. New G3 brand jon boats as well as a used inventory. NEW White River Cabin on a peaceful river bank setting. |
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!