HARRISON-CRAWFORD STATE FOREST
Harrison-Crawford/Wyandotte Complex lies in the central and extreme southern part of the state,bordering the Ohio River. The forest contains about 26,000 acres including the Wyandotte Caves StateRecreation Area. The area offers Class A campsites, as well as the Stagestop Campground, which offersClass C and youth rally camping. A canoe access ramp is also available at the Stagestop Campground.
Harrison-Crawford State Forest is a forested area located in southern Indiana, United States. The forest was established in the 1930s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program, specifically the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was aimed at providing employment to young men during the Great Depression while also working towards conservation and development of natural resources.
The land on which Harrison-Crawford State Forest is situated was originally owned by Harrison County, Indiana. The county leased the land to the Indiana Department of Conservation, which later merged with the Department of Natural Resources. This partnership allowed for the establishment and maintenance of the forest.
The primary purpose of creating Harrison-Crawford State Forest was to address the severe deforestation issue in the area caused by extensive logging and unchecked agriculture. By acquiring the land and implementing reforestation efforts, the state aimed to restore the ecological balance and enhance wildlife habitat.
The CCC played a significant role in the development of Harrison-Crawford State Forest. Corps members were responsible for numerous conservation projects, including tree planting, dam construction, and trail building. They also constructed recreational facilities such as cabins, fishing ponds, and picnic areas, which remain in use to this day.
During World War II, the forest was temporarily used as a Prisoner of War (POW) camp, housing German and Italian prisoners. After the war, the forest reverted to its original purpose of conservation and public recreation.
Harrison-Crawford State Forest covers around 24,000 acres and offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. The forest also houses the Sycamore Interpretive Trail, which educates visitors about the region's natural and cultural history.
The history of Harrison-Crawford State Forest reflects its transformation from a heavily exploited landscape to a protected natural area, serving as a testament to the efforts of the New Deal program and the CCC.
GeneralLand, acres26,000
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Picnickingyes
Picnic Sheltersyes
Bridle Trails, miles80
Nature Centeryes
BoatingLaunch Ramps, #3
CampingPrimitive, #25
Electric Sites, #281
Flush Toiletsyes
Dumpstationyes
Showersyes
Group Camp, capacity100
Youth Group Camp, capacity100
Horsemen Campsites, #47
AccommodationsGame Roomyes
Restaurantyes
Class A camping facilities: electrical hookup, modern restrooms/showers (wheelchair accessible), picnictable, fire ring, parking spur, drinking water supply in area -281 sites. A dumping station is available.
Class C (primitive) camping facilities: pit toilets, fire ring, parking spur, drinking water supply in area -25sites. Please self-register for camping at the campground check-in booth.
Horseman's Campground (Class B): modern restrooms/showers, picnic table, fire ring, parking spur,drinking water supply in area -47 sites.
Group Camp: 100-bed group camp at Wyandotte Woods. Self-contained structures consisting of arecreation hall, shower house, dining hall and shelter.