Martin State Forest
7,023 acres
Martin County
Shoals, IN 
Martin State Forest offers a variety of educational opportunities through its woodland management trail and arboretum. The forest features rugged hills, deep woods and long hiking trails.
Camping
Primitive(class C) camping is available for a fee. There are 26 designated campsites located within the forest. Pit toilets and drinking water are available near sites. A self check-in station is located in the campground. We do not accept reservations, camping is available on a first come, first served basis.
Fishing
Three lakes are open to fishing; a valid Indiana fishing license is required.
- Martin Lake (3 acres)
- Hardwood Lake (4 acres)
- Pine Lake (3 acres).
Species of fish are channel catfish, bluegill and largemouth bass, as well as some crappie and redear. Boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only. Swimming is not permitted in any of the lakes.
Hunting
Whitetail deer, turkey, gray squirrel, ruffed grouse, quail, rabbit and raccoon. A valid hunting license is required.
Picnicking
Several picnic areas including 4 picnic shelters are available for day use. Picnic areas, with picnic tables and grills, are located throughout the forest.
Hiking Trails
Tank Spring Trail - 3 miles
Moderately rugged. The trailhead is located approximately three miles from the Martin State Forest office.
Go straight out of the forest entrance to State Road 650 and follow the signs to the trailhead. Hikers are advised to wear hunter orange or other bright clothing while on trails during hunting season.
Woodland Education Trail - 1.25 miles
Easy. Self-guided trail - follow yellow arrows on the posts. Information signs are located throughout the trail to point out interesting facets of the woodland environment. This trail serves as a sampler of the variety of activities found within the state forest system. Hiking this trail allows you to better understand the philosophy of multiple-use management on Indiana's state forests.
Arboretum Trail - .25 mile
Easy. This informal arboretum (a place for the study and exhibition of trees) was established in an existing wooded area. Species are being added to those which were already present; the collection currently contains about 60 different species identified by signs along the trail. The most common species, such as oaks and hickories, are represented within the arboretum by several specimens. Eventually the collection will contain between 80 and 100 different species. The goal of the Martin State Forest Hoosier Woodland Arboretum is to offer a representation of the common woodland trees if Indiana.
Mountain Bike Trails
Martin State Forest offers 7 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.
Firelanes
Easy. Numbered and mapped firelanes.
Address & Directions
Property Manager: Jim Lauck
Assistant Property Manager: Vacant
Martin State Forest
14040 Williams Road
Shoals, IN 47581
(812) 247-3491
MartinSF@dnr.IN.gov
Located 20 miles southwest of Bedford, Indiana, or 4 miles east of Shoals, Indiana on U.S. Highway 50.
