Tipsaw Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates April 15 through October 15. The beach is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Day-use fees apply during the season.
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
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $21 - $70 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 102ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 102ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (812) 547-7051 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!