Tipsaw Campground

Open

Open for the 2026 season from April 15 through October 15. Some trail closures are in effect including Tipsaw Trail Bridge and Peninsula Trail. Beach and bathhouse open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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

Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area is situated in the rolling hardwood forests of south-central Indiana's Hoosier National Forest, six miles south of Interstate 64. The campground sprawls across multiple loops surrounding the scenic 131-acre lake, offering a mix of tent and RV camping options. Sites in the Catbrier Loop feature electric and water hookups suitable for larger RVs, while other loops provide non-electric options for tent campers seeking a more primitive experience. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill, and centralized amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, and potable water. The fully accessible beach area features a modern bathhouse with changing rooms and washing stations, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The lake itself has earned a reputation as one of southern Indiana's best panfishing destinations, with boating restricted to electric motors only. A 5.9-mile multi-use trail circles the lake, offering hiking and mountain biking through diverse forest types with scenic overlooks. Two group camping areas accommodate parties up to 65 people. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov, though some sites remain first-come, first-served.

Directions

Located 6 miles south of Interstate 64 off State Highway 37 in Perry County, Indiana.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi
Pets Allowed
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups Yes
Water Hookups Yes
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store
Price $24 - $49

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (812) 837-9453

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Photos

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