PIKE STATE FOREST
Pike State Forest was placed under the management of Ferdinand State Forest in July 1997. The PikeState Forest consists of 2,939 acres in southwestern Indiana. Acquisition of the land that makes up PikeState Forest began in the 1930s, and continued through the 1950s. Most of the buildings on the propertywere constructed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) using material cut from local timberstands.
Land acquisition for Pike State Forest began in 1924, with the objective of returning abused hill farms and fire-damaged timber lands to productive forests. Most of the reforestation work was completed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Division of Forestry. Pike State Forest now covers 12,084 acres in western Pike County and eastern Highland County. State ownership is broken up into 13 separate, irregular tracts, which make it difficult to manage for continuous recreational facilities, as well as the management and patrol of the forest resource.
The forest offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities. Located off of State Route 124 is the Pike State Forest APV area. The facility has 10 miles of trail open to motorcycles and off road all-terrain vehicles. The trails wind through the hollows and ridge tops, offering the visitor a challenging ride as well as some beautiful scenery and breathtaking views. Parking, latrines, and a novice area are all provided on the site. Note: The AVP area is open from April 1 through November 30.
For the equestrian there are 33 miles of bridle trail located on the forest.
Hiking is available on the Buckeye Trail which runs through the forest. Hiking is also permitted on the 33 miles of bridle trails.
For those who want to stay on the beaten path, there are numerous county and township roads that pass through the forest.
Pike State Forest is open to public hunting and fishing in season. Fishing is available at several ponds located in the forest. Anderson Lake off of Dry Bone Road is a popular spot that offers quiet seclusion among the hills and trees.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres2914
Day-UseFishingyes
Huntingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Picnickingyes
Picnic Shelters, #1
Bridle Trailsyes
CampingPrimative, #11
Horsemen Campsites, #25
Primitive camping is available for a fee. Campsites are available on a first come, first serve basis. Self-registration is required. Pit toilets and seasonal drinking water are available. There is a picnic table and grill located on each site. Eleven sites are available in the family camping area and 25 sites are located in the Horseman's Campground.
 | 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. |
 | 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 |
 | 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. |
I agree that there was alot of trash left behind on the trails!! Very sad!!!! I follow the rule what you bring in you take out!! That means everything!!!! Also it would have been very helpful if the trail markers were alittle more detailed!! The map we got at the office was really confusing! We had to use the GPS on one of our riders I-phone. Thank God for technology!!
A nice place but the horse riders litter up the horse trails real bad. Beer and soda cans and food containers all over the place. Also ATV users ride unchecked on foot traffic only areas to reach outer lying areas for hunting. Both of these things need to be stopped. Great camping areas with a playground and running water. A nice place.
Fishing great, hunting is going down, cutting a lot of trees down in the forest.Hope it will pick up next 2 or 3 years.