Tipsaw Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from mid-April through late October under concessionaire management. Reopens April 4, 2026. Some facilities like the boat ramp and trails remain accessible year-round.

About

Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area sits on the shores of its namesake 131-acre lake in the Hoosier National Forest, six miles south of Interstate 64. The campground features three main loops (Catbrier, Jack Pine, and Dogwood) offering a mix of primitive sites, electric sites, and sites with both electric and water hookups. Many sites are paved and shaded within the hardwood and pine forest setting. The recreation area is operated by BA Services under a special use permit from the Forest Service. The campground provides modern amenities including flush toilets, showers, and drinking water during the operating season. A fully accessible swimming beach features playground equipment, a modern bathhouse with changing rooms, and offers both sandy areas and shady grass-covered hillside. The lake is known for excellent pan fishing and allows electric motors only. A boat launch with ample parking is available year-round. Two group camping areas accommodate up to 65 people, and two picnic shelters overlook the lake near the beach. The 5.9-mile Tipsaw Trail circles the lake and is open for hiking and mountain biking, offering scenic overlooks of the lake and valley through varied forest types. Mountain bikers age 17 and older require a trail permit. The recreation area charges a day-use fee separate from camping fees. Some campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov while others remain first-come, first-served with a three-day reservation window.

Directions

From St. Croix, Indiana, travel south on State Route 37 about 5 miles to the Tipsaw Lake sign. Turn right and continue about 3 miles to the campground entrance. The recreation area is located 6 miles south of Interstate 64 off Highway 37.

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