Buzzard Roost Recreation Area
A scenic location for walking, picnicking and camping. Parking areas are available at the first trailhead access and at the picnic/camping spur. Tables, grills, and a portable toilet are available at the picnic area. Benches are located on the bluffs overlooking the Ohio River. Water is not available on site.
General Information
Maps and Brochures
Campground Camping
Buzzard Roost has a primitive campground and picnic area though no toilets or water are provided. Camping and Picnic Sites are not separately designated, but either activity is allowed in the sites.
There are 5 campsites.
- 1 site that is 12 x 52
- 1 site that is 12 x 57
- 3 sites that are 12 x 50
Each site has a campfire grill established where campfires must be built.
There is no sleeping shelter.
Area History
This was once the location of the Buzzard Roost Lookout Tower.
Year-round
Quiet hours are 10 pm to 6 am
Firewood Restrictions
- Any firewood brought onto National Forest System land must meet ONE of the firewood requirements on Hoosier National Forest.
- Use of on-site firewood must only be from dead, downed material. Standing trees, living or dead, may not be cut or defaced.
A complete list of US Forest Service rules and regulations are posted on bulletin boards in the campground.
Address: 248 15th Street Tell City, IN 47586
Phone: 812-547-7051
Hours: Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00AM to noon and 1:00 -4:30PM CST. Closed Mondays and Fridays. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.12166656
Longitude: -86.47283322
Directions
From I-64 take exit 86. Go south on Ind. 66 through Oriole. 1.5 miles south of Oriole, turn left onto Onido Road. Bear right at the intersection of Onido and Orchard Roads. Continue on Onido Road to Boone Creek Road, to Buzzard Roost Road. Turn left at the marked entrance of Buzzard Roost.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
One Vault Toilet
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Scenic Driving Info
Buzzard Roost is just off the alternate route for the National Ohio River Scenic Byway and many people taking this route detour in to see the view from the cliffs. This 967-mile byway is a popular draw for travelers in the Midwest.
Pavement Type for Parking
asphalt
Size Restrictions
Two lane paved road
Corrals
Two lane paved road
Vehicle Clearance
adequate
Picnicking - Single Info
Buzzard Roost has several primitive sites for either camping or picnicking. Though the sites are not seperately designated and no water is provided, they are popular sites to come and have a family picnic and explore the trail and watch the boats go by.
No. of Sites
5 picnic sites
Reservation Info
not reservable
Fire Information
grills are available with each site
No. of Accessible sites
5 sites
Viewing Scenery Info
Buzzard Roost has perhaps the best view on the Hoosier National Forest. From the cliff tops a visitor can see far into Kentucky and get long views of the Ohio River and the bottomlands. You can see birds catching air currents over the river and there are benches to sit and watch the boats and barges go by and enjoy the amazing view.
Special Feature
Benches are provided
