Lost River - Karst Information Portal

Welcome to Indiana caving. Our caves
are located on private, federal, and state
lands. Each of these caves probably has specific
rules, requests, or procedures to follow when
you visit them. Please keep this in mind. But
above all, treat the landowners or property
managers you encounter with respect. The trip
leaders for the led cave trips have permission
from the owners and will know the special
procedures.
Unless otherwise advised by the convention
staff, cavers should ask permission to visit any
cave. The convention staff at the campground
will have the latest information on access to the
caves.
Cave owners usually give permission to
people who respect them and their property.
Of course they must make up their mind
quickly based upon first impressions. They
want to know that you will respect their
property including the cave and will do all of
this safely. Their judgment is based upon what
they see. Dressing in nice clean clothing, being
polite, and showing respect are a must. And the
people in the car are held to the same standards.
Needless to say, alcohol has no place at the cave
or on the cave property.
The state lands require a permit, which
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About Indiana Caving
By Bill Tozer
must be filed with the state. This is an easy
thing to do and keeps the caves open to cavers.
The permits require the usual information
regarding the cavers and the cave they intend
to visit. Permits may be obtained at the caving
kiosk at the campground or at the main office
at the entrance to O’Bannon Woods State Park.
Completed permits should be deposited at the
same location.
The Hoosier National Forest is federally
administrated and no written permission is
required.
The Indiana Karst Conservancy owns and
manages several caves. Most of these caves
will be available for trips. The Indiana Karst
Conservancy requires a liability release and a
statement acknowledging the dangers of caving
and the importance of conserving the cave.
Complete and turn these in at the campground
before leaving the convention site. And when
in doubt, always check at the campground at
the convention site for clarification.
There are plenty of caves to visit, from
easy walking caves to pits to wet, miserable
crawlways. So feel free to enjoy our caves,
but remember to treat the private and public
stewards of our caves with respect so we may all
continue to visit them for years to come.
Wyandotte Cave, inner end of the Air Torrent: George Jackson, Dick Hughes,
Bob Braybender. Photo by George Jackson about 1935.
From the John Benton photo collection.