Tipsaw Lake
FSU.S. Forest Service — Branchville · Indiana · Hoosier National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Hoosier National Forest |
| Location | Branchville · Indiana · Hoosier National Forest · 38.13306, -86.63306 · Map |
| Sites | 49 public sites counted from the federal listing — 16 standard electric; 15 rv electric; 10 standard nonelectric; 4 walk to; 2 group standard electric; 1 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 36 of 49 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 14 of 49 sites Sewer hookups at 2 of 49 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 2 of 49 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 102 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 39 sites · 30 ft: 37 sites · 35 ft: 37 sites · 40 ft: 15 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Each campsite fee includes a camping unit (tent,camper) & one vehicle (single sites) and two vehicles (double sites). There is a $8.00 charge per day for the second vehicle, and $8.00 charge per day for any additional vehicle (must be paid at time of check-in). Maximum two vehicles per single site, and four vehicles per double site. There is a surcharge for the site with electric and water. Annual Boat/Day Use Pass: $50.00 each (sticker must be applied to the windshield of the registered vehicle) $30.00 each additional in the same household. May be used at Hardin Ridge, Indian-Celina and Tipsaw Recreation Areas. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 50 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 4 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 812-843-4891 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview The Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area is located on the shores of its namesake lake in south-central Indiana's Hoosier National Forest. It offers camping, picnic areas, boating, swimming, hiking, biking and educational programs. Visitors enjoy the scenic views of the forest and all it has to offer. Recreation Boating, fishing and swimming in the lake are popular activities. Electric motors are allowed, and fishing for pan fish is considered excellent. The boat ramp and parking area is open year-round.
A beautiful swimming beach with playground equipment and a modern bathhouse is also available. The beach offers a combination of sand and sun or a shady, grass-covered hillside.
A 5.9-mile trail for hiking and mountain biking runs from the day-use area around the lake. The trail includes scenic overlooks of the lake and valley and traverses a variety of forest types. A trail permit is available for purchase and is required for mountain bikers age 17 and older. Facilities The area offers dozens of individual, double and group campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Group sites can accommodate up to 65 people.
Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. A beach area is fully accessible and is equipped with washing stations and changing rooms. Electric and water hookups are available at some sites and parking surfaces are paved.
A day-use area is also available and provides access to the beach and picnic areas and shelters, as well as the boat ramp. Horseshoe pits and and open areas for games are nearby. Natural Features The campground is adjacent to 131-acre Tipsaw Lake, in a hardwood and pine forest. Situated at an elevation of 380 feet, the campground is composed of five loops that offer dozens of campsites. Some sites are shaded and the roads are paved. Nearby Attractions Special Places on the Hoosier National Forest
Brooks Cabin
Buffalo Trace
Carnes Mill Site
Clover Lick Barrens
Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower
Initial Point
Lick Creek African American Settlement
The Jacob Rickenbaugh Homestead
Wesley Chapel Gulf
Directions, from the listing
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 only 3 miles from Interstate 64.
Nearest federal campgrounds
5 mi straight-line · Bristow IndianaFSU.S. Forest ServiceSaddle Lake Campground
5 mi straight-line · IndianaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBuzzard Roost Campground
9 mi straight-line · IndianaFSU.S. Forest ServiceGerman Ridge Campground
13 mi straight-line · IndianaFSU.S. Forest ServiceYoungs Creek Campground
27 mi straight-line · Indiana
Trip Card — Tipsaw Lake
Branchville · Indiana · Hoosier National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Branchville · Indiana · Hoosier National Forest |
| Fees | Each campsite fee includes a camping unit (tent,camper) & one vehicle (single sites) and two vehicles (double sites). There is a $8.00 charge per day for the second vehicle, and $8… |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 36 · full hookups at 2 |
| Max RV | Up to 102 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 49 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232114 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.