TIPSAW DOGWOOD LOOP
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 15, 2025 through October 31, 2025 (weather dependent). Reservations available via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
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
Dogwood Loop Campground is one of three shady campground loops within the Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area in Hoosier National Forest. The loop includes 14 individual campsites, including a selection of single or extra-large sites, plus two walk-in sites. Only two sites offer electric hookups, while the remaining sites are non-electric. The campground provides centralized water, flush toilets, and hot showers. Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area is located six miles south of Interstate 64 off State Highway 37 in south-central Indiana. The area offers extensive recreational opportunities centered around the 131-acre Tipsaw Lake, known for excellent panfish and bass fishing. Boating is permitted with electric motors only. The recreation area features a swimming beach with a modern bathhouse (open Memorial Day through Labor Day), a 5.9-mile trail around the lake for hiking and mountain biking, picnic areas with two shelter houses, and a boat launch. Day-use fees apply during the season. Campers can enjoy a variety of forest environments, scenic overlooks of the lake and valley, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Woodland songbirds, deer, turkey, hawks, and turkey vultures are commonly seen. The area is operated by a concessionaire under Forest Service permit from mid-April through late October. Indiana state fishing and hunting permits are required. Mountain biking on the Tipsaw Trail requires a Hoosier National Forest trail permit.
Directions
Located 6 miles south of Interstate 64 off State Highway 37. Turn at the large Tipsaw Lake entrance sign and continue about 3 miles to the gatehouse and recreation complex. The campgrounds are to the north past the gatehouse.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $21 - $44 |
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 | None |
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