Tipsaw Lake
Open for camping April through October. Some sites are first-come-first-served while others are reservable via Recreation.gov. The swimming beach and bathhouse operate Memorial Day through Labor Day. The boat ramp remains open year-round.
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 sits on the shores of a 131-acre lake in south-central Indiana's Hoosier National Forest. The campground consists of three camping loops offering individual, double, and group sites in a shaded hardwood and pine forest setting. Sites include standard non-electric, single and double electric, and RV electric options. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill, and loops feature centralized flush toilets, hot showers, and potable water. The lake is regarded as one of the best pan fishing spots in southern Indiana, and electric boat motors are permitted. A swimming beach with a modern bathhouse, playground equipment, and horseshoe pits operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. The boat ramp and parking area remain open year-round. A 5.9-mile trail for hiking and mountain biking loops from the day-use area around the lake, featuring scenic overlooks of the lake and valley through varied forest types. Mountain bikers 17 and older must purchase a trail permit. Seven campsites and the East Shelter House are ADA accessible.
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. Tipsaw Lake is 3 miles from Interstate 64.
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 - $80 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 102ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 102ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (812) 837-9453 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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