Saddle Lake Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lower Lake Levels
Starting in December lake levels will be lowered to allow more water storage capacity for spring precipitation. Boat launches will not be available during low-water.
Mogan Ridge Road Opening September 26th
Mogan Ridge Road is open from September 26th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026. Please exercise caution when driving. Share the road with mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders.
Acts Prohibited within the Charles C. Deam Wilderness
The following acts and omissions are prohibited in the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area of the Hoosier National Forest.
Hoosier National Forest fire, camping, motor vehicle use, trail use, occupancy and use prohibitions
The following act(s) is/are prohibited within the Hoosier National Forest
Seasonal Cave Closure in Effect
All Hoosier National Forest caves are closed to visitors from August 16 and May 14 to prevent the disturbance of hibernating bats and reduce the spread of White-Nose syndrome in bats.
Rainbow Lake Area Closure
This Order restricts access to an 2.33-acre area, consisting of a 100 foot no activity buffer from the Northwestern cliff edges of East Rainbow Lake as identified in Exhibit A.
Hickory Ridge Trail 16 Closed
Hickory Ridge Trail 16 is currently closed from the junction of trail 17 on the west to junction with trail 17 on the east, south of trail 17.
Mano Point boat launch is open for small watercraft only
Mano Point boat launch is open for small watercraft only due to sediment under the water level.
Tower Ridge Road Temporarily Closed
Beginning Thursday, July 3, Tower Ridge Road will be closed temporarily for public safety. Several months of heavy rains and high use have led to hazardous conditions. It will remain open from IN 446 to Blackwell Campground, and from the east to Grubb Ridge Trailhead.
Tipsaw Trail Bridge Closed Temporarily
Bridge #3 on Tipsaw Trail at Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area failed inspection and is closed for public safety. The trail remains open and visitors can bypass the bridge if they feel safe doing so.
Peninsula Trail Closed
The Peninsula Trail and Campsites 12 and 21 will remain closed until further notice. A severe storm in June 2024 caused significant damage.
About
The Saddle Lake Recreation Area was one of four associated with flood control lakes built along the Middle Fork of the Anderson River. Once a fully developed recreation area, Saddle Lake now has a primitive campground with 13 sites, a boat ramp, and a 2.4-mile hiking trail. This scenic, somewhat remote lake is an excellent place to get away from crowds and you will often have the place to yourself. The 41-acre Saddle Lake offers excellent fishing for panfish and bass from both shore and boat. Only electric motors are permitted on the lake, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. The recreation area features hardwoods and conifers with opportunities for wildlife viewing including woodland songbirds, water birds, and deer. The hiking trail around the lake provides scenic views and is designated for hikers only. This is a primitive campground with basic facilities. Sites are available first-come, first-served for $5 per night, paid at the self-service station. Campers should bring their own water as none is available on-site. Firewood must meet Forest Service requirements, and only dead, downed material may be collected for fires. Standing trees may not be cut. The deeply wooded setting gives the feeling of being tucked in amongst the forest and hills.
Directions
Take I-64 to IN 37 south (Exit 79), then south approximately 12-13 miles to the turn off on old Highway 37 to the Saddle Lake Recreation Area. Follow the signs to the campground and boat ramp.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SM.FS.R9HOFwebsite@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (812) 547-7051 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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