Saddle Lake Campground
Open year-round, first-come first-served. No potable water available; bring your own. Outside firewood is prohibited to prevent invasive pest spread. Dead and downed wood may be collected on-site.
Mano Point boat launch is sedimented in
Mano Point boat launch is sedimented in due to high water levels this spring on the Ohio River.
Offices Closed April 29
Staff will be conducting a forest-wide clean up on April 29 and our Tell City and Bedford Offices will be closed. Offices will reopen on Thursday, April 30 at 8 a.m. local time. If you need assistance, visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/R09/Hoosier
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.We use the Code of Federal Regulations which defines a cave as - "Cave means any naturally occurring void, cavity,…
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.
Section of Tower Ridge Road temporarily closed for safety
A section of Tower Ridge Road was closed to the public on July 3, 2025 due to its deteriorating condition from storm damage and the hazards that posed to the public. Blackwell Campground can be accessed from the west. For Grubb Ridge Trailhead, Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower and points east, use…
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
Saddle Lake Campground sits within the Saddle Lake Recreation Area, one of four areas associated with flood control lakes built along the Middle Fork of the Anderson River in southern Indiana. The 41-acre lake features wooded shoreline hideaways and tranquil coves that make it an excellent destination for pan fishing. The somewhat remote location means you will often have the place to yourself. The primitive campground offers 13 nonelectric sites with a single vault toilet and a garbage can. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 PM. A self-service pay station accepts the $5 per night fee. The 2.4-mile Saddle Lake Trail is a hiking-only path that loops around the lake, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding hardwoods and conifers. A boat ramp provides lake access for fishing and paddling. There is no designated swimming beach.
Directions
From I-64, take Exit 79 to IN 37 south. Continue approximately 12-13 miles to the turnoff on old Highway 37 to Saddle Lake Recreation Area, then follow signs to the campground and boat ramp.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| 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 |
Availability
Photos
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