Tipsaw Lake

About

Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area is a comprehensive recreation complex located in southern Indiana's Hoosier National Forest, centered around a scenic 131-acre lake. The facility is operated by a concessionaire under special use permit from the Forest Service and offers both overnight camping and extensive day-use opportunities. The campground features three distinct camping loops offering primitive sites, electric sites, and sites with both electric and water hookups. Some campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov while others remain first-come, first-served. The paved roads wind through mixed hardwood and pine forests, with sites offering varying degrees of shade. The recreation area also includes two group camping areas for larger parties. Beyond camping, Tipsaw Lake offers a full range of outdoor activities. A sandy swimming beach with modern bathhouse operates seasonally, featuring playground equipment and both sunny and shaded areas. The 131-acre lake is renowned as one of southern Indiana's best panfishing lakes, with excellent populations of bluegill, crappie, and bass. A boat launch with ample parking provides year-round access, though only electric motors are permitted. The 5.9-mile Tipsaw Trail encircles the lake, offering scenic overlooks and traversing diverse forest types for hikers and mountain bikers. Two picnic shelters and multiple picnic sites overlook the lake near the beach area. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer, woodland songbirds, hawks, and occasional bald eagles and osprey sightings, particularly in winter months.

Directions

From Interstate 64, take exit to State Route 37 south near St. Croix. Travel south on SR 37 about 5 miles to the Tipsaw Lake entrance sign. Turn right and continue about 3 miles to the gatehouse and campground.