Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area

For folks across Indiana looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy a relaxing weekend, or embark on an outdoor adventure, Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area stands out as a prime destination. Nestled within the picturesque Hoosier National Forest, this beloved campground offers a serene escape with an abundance of recreational opportunities, making it a perfect spot for individuals, couples, and families alike. From its inviting lake to its well-maintained facilities, Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area truly embodies the spirit of Indiana's natural beauty and hospitality.

This gem in the Hoosier National Forest provides an authentic outdoor experience that feels both remote and conveniently accessible. Many local campers rave about the welcoming atmosphere and the dedication of the camp hosts, ensuring every visitor has a pleasant and memorable stay. The area seamlessly blends a sense of wild tranquility with the comfort of modern amenities, making it a versatile choice for various camping styles. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or pulling in with your RV, Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area offers a slice of peace away from the everyday hustle.

Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area is conveniently situated in St Croix, Indiana, within the scenic expanse of the Hoosier National Forest. Its address is St Croix, IN 47576, USA. This location makes it an ideal spot for many Hoosiers, being just six miles south of Interstate 64, off of Indiana 37. This proximity to major roadways ensures easy accessibility for campers traveling from various parts of the state. Despite its easy reach, once you arrive, the campground provides a sense of being deep within nature, offering that much-needed escape. The drive itself is often described as pleasant, winding through the beautiful Indiana countryside, building anticipation for the outdoor adventure ahead.

The area is open for hiking and other activities year-round, while the camping loops are generally open from April 15 through October 15, weather permitting. This seasonal operation ensures the best conditions for camping and recreational use. The well-maintained roads within the recreation area make navigating to your chosen campsite or day-use area straightforward, whether you're in a car, an RV, or a truck pulling a trailer. For those who enjoy a sense of discovery, the journey to Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area is as much a part of the experience as the stay itself, leading you into the heart of Indiana's natural landscape.

• Camping Loops: Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area features three distinct camping loops: Dogwood, Jackpine, and Catbrier, offering a total of 48 campsites, including seven double sites.
• Group Camping: Two dedicated group camping areas, Primrose and Goldenrod Loops, are available, accommodating up to 65 people.
• Electric and Non-Electric Sites: A variety of sites are available, including walk-in, single, double, electric, and non-electric options, catering to different camping preferences. Catbrier Loop specifically offers ten sites with electricity and water, ideal for larger RVs.
• Centralized Water and Restrooms: Each camping loop provides centralized water access, flush toilets, and hot showers, ensuring comfort during your stay. Vault toilets are also available in some areas.
• Boat Launch: A convenient boat launch with ample parking is provided for access to Tipsaw Lake (electric motors only allowed on the lake). A seasonal courtesy dock is also available.
• Swimming Beach: A beautiful swimming beach with playground equipment and a modern bathhouse is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting. No pets or glass are allowed at the beach.
• Picnic Areas and Shelters: The recreation area offers 15 picnic sites and two shelter houses overlooking the lake, perfect for day use and gatherings. Shelters are available for reservation.
• Firewood: Bundles of firewood (1 cubic foot) are available for purchase on-site.
• RV Hookups: Catbrier Loop offers sites with 50-amp electrical service and water hookups, while Goldenrod Group Site has one 30-amp electrical hookup.
• Dump Station: A dump station is conveniently located across the highway from the entrance to Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area.
• Recharge Table for Electric Boat Motors: Available in Dogwood and Jackpine loops for boaters.

• Tipsaw Lake: The centerpiece of the recreation area, this 131-acre lake is perfect for paddling, fishing (excellent for pan fish), and boating (electric motors only). The lake is highly praised by visitors for its beauty and cleanliness.
• Historic Stonework: The area features impressive stonework, giving it a historic feel and adding to its unique charm, a testament to craftsmanship from a bygone era.
• 5.9-Mile Tipsaw Trail: A scenic trail encircles Tipsaw Lake, offering opportunities for both hiking and mountain biking. The trail includes scenic overlooks and traverses various forest types. Mountain bikers (age 17 and older) require a permit.
• Diverse Camping Experience: Whether you prefer primitive camping in areas like Dogwood Loop with decent cell coverage or full RV hookups, Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area caters to a range of camping styles.
• Friendly Camp Hosts: Numerous reviews highlight the exceptional hospitality of the camp hosts who go out of their way to ensure visitors feel welcome and have a good stay.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Visitors consistently commend the cleanliness and upkeep of the restrooms, shower houses, and overall campground facilities, often noting them as some of the nicest in the National Forest service.
• Abundant Wildlife: The surrounding hardwood and pine forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and various bird species, offering ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Playground Equipment: Located near the beach, a playground provides a fun space for children.
• Horseshoe Pits and Open Areas: Near the picnic shelters, visitors can find horseshoe pits and large grassy areas for games, perfect for family fun.

While specific, ongoing promotions can vary and are best confirmed directly with the recreation area or through the National Reservation System (Recreation.gov), there are typically a few considerations that can impact your visit's cost. Day-use fees are generally required for vehicles entering the recreation area between early April and late October, unless an overnight camping fee has been paid. Annual passes are often available from the concessionaire for frequent visitors, which can provide savings over multiple day-use entries. Additionally, America the Beautiful Senior and Access Pass holders may be eligible for discounts on certain fees, though these discounts usually do not apply to amenities like electricity. For the most current information on fees, potential discounts, and any seasonal offers, it's always recommended to check the official Hoosier National Forest website or Recreation.gov when planning your trip.

To get in touch with Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area for inquiries about your stay or to make reservations, you can use the following contact details:

Address: St Croix, IN 47576, USA

Phone: (812) 843-4891

Mobile Phone: +1 812-843-4891

For campsite and shelter house reservations, the toll-free National Reservation System can be reached at 1-877-444-6777 (TTY is 1-877-833-6777) or you can visit www.recreation.gov.

Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area is an absolute treasure for Indiana locals, offering a quintessential outdoor experience right in our backyard. What makes it so suitable for us is its perfect blend of accessibility and immersive natural beauty. It truly "feels remote but close to everything," as one satisfied visitor put it, meaning you don't have to travel far from home to feel completely disconnected and rejuvenated. The presence of a beautiful lake with a sandy beach provides a refreshing escape during warmer months, and it's a testament to the area's charm that its historic stonework still stands, hinting at a timeless quality.

For families, it’s an ideal spot for creating lasting memories, whether it's swimming in the lake, exploring the well-maintained trails, or enjoying a picnic by the water. The variety of camping options, from primitive sites that offer a true wilderness feel to RV-friendly spots with electric and water hookups, ensures there’s a perfect fit for every comfort level. Local reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness of the facilities, especially the bathhouses, which is a major plus for any camper. Furthermore, the dedication of the camp hosts, who are often praised for going "out of their way to make you feel welcome and ensure a good stay," adds a personal touch that enhances the overall experience. This welcoming atmosphere, combined with the abundance of recreational activities like hiking, fishing, and boating, makes Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area not just a campground, but a community hub for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a place where you can easily spend a day or a week, unwind, and appreciate the natural splendor that Indiana has to offer, fostering a deep connection with the Hoosier National Forest right here in our beloved state.