Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Indiana
12

Indiana State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Indiana
Southern Region
Yellowwood State Forest
start slideshow
Yellowwood State Forest yellow wood state forest © Wayne Fall
Nov.1,2015 Beautiful pond in state forest
Yellowwood State Forest a day to remember © Wayne Fall
Fishing with the family at one of the many creeks in Brown county the best fishing
Yellowwood State Forest Nature © Scott Hennsley
There is beauty everywhere in Yellowood
Yellowwood State Forest © Kurt Bauer
Yellowwood Lake
Yellowwood State Forest Tecumseh © Michael R. Johnson
Forest along the Tecumseh Trail
Yellowwood State Forest Flower at the lake © Ken Stalcup
This shot was taken at the top of the man-made dam with my Blackberry.
Yellowwood State Forest Yellowwood Lake © Michael R. Johnson
Yellowwood Lake as seen from near a campsite.
Yellowwood State Forest Hiking in Yellowood © Scott Hennsley
Excellent hiking trails in Yellowood
Yellowwood State Forest The spillway at Yellowood © Scott Hennsley
After a hard rain
Yellowwood State Forest The Lake at Yellowood © Scott Hennsley
This picture was taken early summer 2010.
Yellowwood State Forest © Kurt Bauer
Yellowwood State Forest Moonlit Pine Trees © Michael R. Johnson
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
YELLOWWOOD STATE FOREST
YELLOWWOOD STATE FOREST
Yellowwood State Forest was created in 1940 when federal land was leased to the State of Indiana. Theland was deeded to the state in 1956. Prior to that time, the Civilian Conservation Corps and WorksProject Administration completed three lakes, a shelterhouse and a residence, all presently in use. Othersuch buildings were sawn from the forest in kit form and shipped to other public properties.

Over 2,000 abandonded and eroded acres were planted to pine (red, jack, shortleaf, white and scotch), black locust, black walnut, white and red oak. Red and white pines are the true northern pines and are still in good condition. The other pines are succumbing to insects, disease and extremely cold winters.

Yellowwood Lake was completed in 1939. The 133-acre lake is about 30 feet deep.

Yellowwood State Forest, along with several other state properties, has gained parcels of landthrough the Indiana Heritage Trust Program. In 1994, 30 acres slated for the construction of aradio tower were purchased and became part of Yellowwood State Forest. A 36-acreinholding adjoing a nature preserve was purchased and added to Yellowwood in 1995.
History of the Area
Yellowwood State Forest is located in the state of Indiana in the United States. The history of Yellowwood State Forest dates back to the early 19th century.

In the early 1800s, the land where Yellowwood State Forest now stands was part of the Northwest Territory, a vast area comprising the present-day states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. As settlers moved westward, the area underwent significant changes.

In the mid-1800s, European-American settlers arrived and began clearing the land for agriculture. Much of Yellowwood State Forest's land was used for farming and logging during this time. However, due to poor soil quality and erosion issues, farming in the area became less sustainable.

In response to the deteriorating soil conditions, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was established in the 1930s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program. The CCC played a crucial role in the establishment and development of Yellowwood State Forest.

Beginning in 1939, the CCC worked on reforesting and restoring the degraded land in the area. They planted trees, built roads and trails, constructed fire lookout towers, and created recreational facilities. Many of the stone structures in the park, including picnic shelters and fireplaces, were built by the CCC and remain standing today.

On November 18, 1940, Yellowwood State Forest officially became a state forest reserve. The forest was established to protect and manage the land for future generations, providing recreational opportunities and preserving natural resources.

Since its establishment, Yellowwood State Forest has been managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The forest has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation.

The DNR has continued to manage and maintain the forest, balancing conservation efforts with recreational use. Yellowwood State Forest covers an area of approximately 23,326 acres and is known for its diverse ecosystem, including hardwood forests, ravines, and scenic views.

Yellowwood State Forest stands as a testament to the conservation and restoration efforts of the past, providing visitors with a beautiful natural space to enjoy and explore.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres23,326
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #1
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
 Boating Limits-1
 Launch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitive, #80
 Horsemen Campsites, #10
 Walk-In Campsitesyes
Camping
Primitive (Class C) campsites are centrally located within the forest and around Yellowwood Lake. Seethe fees page for a list of camping fees. There are 80 designated campsites south of the Forest Office anda carry-in tent site area north of the office. Vault toilets and drinking water are available near thecampsites. Two playgrounds are located within the campground area.

A Class C Horsemen's Camp with 10 sites is located south of the primitive campsites, and is convenientto the many miles of horse trails that wander through the forest. Please register for camping at the ForestOffice. Camping reservations are not taken.
Nearby Vacation Rentals
Search for a vacation rental


Location
Yellowwood State Forest is located near Bloomington, Columbus and Martinsville

Picnicking
There are picnic areas and one picnic shelter available for day use. Picnic tables and grills are located atmost picnic sites.
Trails
Hiking Trails

Jackson Creek Trail - 1.5 milesSelf-guiding interpretive trail. Traverses a variety of terrain and forest types. Trail begins 3/4 mile north ofthe Forest Office. Booklets are available at the Forest Office and trailhead. Wheelchair accessible toJackson Creek.

High King Trail - .5 miles Steep trail cut through a heavily forested hillside. The trail leads up to a scenic view, returning to startingpoint along the same path, and connects with the end of Scarce of Fat Trail. Trail begins below dam about1 1/2 miles from the Forest Office.

Lake Trail - 4.5 miles This trail loops completely around Yellowwood Lake. The trail uses several segment of other marked trailsso caution to follow the right trail is needed. The path also requires you to navigate a shallow streamcrossing. On the west side of the lake you will pass through an area that has been designated as OldForest and will one day take on the characteristics of Old Growth Forest.

Scarce O' Fat Trail - 4 milesSome parts follow fire trails, so watch for trail markers. Begins just north of High King Trail along road tothe spillway.

Tecumseh Trail - 36 milesThis trail follows the proposed national Tecumseh Trail route that was to to span from Florida to Canada.The trail begins near the head of Panther Creek. The trail ends 36 miles later at the Morgan-MonroeOffice. Trailheads are located near Crooked Creek Lake, the north boat ramp at Yellowwood Lake, atPrange Pond on Dubois Ridge Road, at Bear Lake and at the Morgan-Monroe office. Camping isallowed in the backcountry area along the Low Gap Trail, at the north end of Yellowwood Lake, andwhere the trail begins/ends at the Hoosier National Forest. Flooding may block several sections of trailduring wet weather and potable water can only be found at property offices.

Resource Management Trail - 1.5 miles Self-guiding interpretive trail. Brochure available at Forest Office. Trailhead across the road from theoffice.

Horse Trails (Horses allowed only on marked bridle trails.) An annual horse use tag is required. "Y" Horse Trail - 8.6 miles Starts and ends near Horse Campground. "SY" Horse Trail - 4 miles This shortcut creates a 4-mile loop on the Y Trail. "W" Horse Trail - 2.4 miles This trail is accessible off Crooked Road just south of Highway 46. The trail connects with Brown County State Park trail system. "Z" Bill Jack Horse Trail - 4 miles Starts at Horse Campground - traverses west side of lake and along Scarce of Fat Trail. "X" Brock Road Horse Trail - 2 miles Starts on Brock Road - connects to Bill Jack Trail.

Area Attractions
Yellowwood State Forest is close to Brown County State Park, the quaint village of Nashville,T.C. Steele State Historic Site, Monroe Reservoir, and Morgan-Monroe State Forest.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 4 the lake by ken dixon/ frankfort indiana
park review stars; one to five it is now july 4th, we were at yellowwood the week end of june 23 and 24th the lake looked fine, they were catching fish by boat rental area, we sure do love this place, we go every chance, camp in our pop up,we have a shower in it and water is close by. GREAT, place for family fyn
June 29 nice camping spot by dave
park review stars; one to five Just spent the weekend at yellowwood lake.the lake is full again and seemed much cleaner.fishing is ok, nothing major in there and never really has. All and all its a very enjoyable place
June 27 Yellowwood Lake is Back
park review stars; one to five They have finished the dredging on the north end of the lake. The water levels are back to normal.
write a review read more reviews
Share On

Area Campgrounds
Last Resort RV Park & Campground
2248 East State Road 46
Nashville, IN
812-988-4675
Westward Ho Camping
4557 East State Road 46
Nashville, IN
812-988-0008
Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground
5163 SR 135 N
Bean Blossom, IN
812-988-6422
Lake Monroe Village Resort
8107 South Fairfax Road
Bloomington, IN
812-824-2267

Directions
1. Start by heading south on IN:135 S/S College Ave toward E 10th St.
2. Continue straight onto IN:45 W/IN-46 W/W Jonathan Moore Pike.
3. Merge onto I:65 N via the ramp to Indianapolis (partial toll road).
4. Take exit 68 for US:31 N toward Taylorsville/Columbus.
5. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Nashville/Brown County State Park and merge onto US Hwy 31N/National Rd/Taylor Road (signs for Brown County/Yellowwood State Forest).
6. Continue on this road until you reach Yellowwood Lake Road where you will turn right.

state route ranger badge
Indiana
12

Indiana State Parks

X