Saddle Lake Campground — Hoosier National Forest

13 total sites, 2 of which are tent/primitive only and set 50ft or so back into the trees. No electric or water. A single vault toilet of average cleanliness, but was stocked with 6 partial rolls of tp. Tent pads are all flat and level, but parking pads are definitely not. It's all gravel roads including the "Saddle Lake Road" entrance all the way from Old State Road 37. There is a parking lot and boat ramp further down the hill at the lake, but state law does not permit swimming from the shore without a designated beach. $5/night fee paid by honor system drop box near camp entrance.

Pretty close to other camp grounds and stores, lacks water ok bathrooms

Most sites were larger than normal. There was a nice big fire pit, big picnic table and a lantern post. It was a quiet campground when we were there.

This is a small campground (13 sites). Lots of trail located within a short drive. Sites are nice, but small if you rv camp. We have a 29 ft. camper and could only use 3 or 4 of the sites. 

This was our first stop of our summer road trip and it was just what we were looking for. After driving from Virginia we wanted to find a nice, easy place to set up camp for the night and the Saddle Lake area was perfect. There were a bunch of sites still available when we got there in the evening. The site we chose was level and had plenty of room. My only complaint with the place was there were a ton of bugs, so may sure to bring some bug spray or a citronella candle. 

The campground is $5 per night and the sites are first come first served. There is a pit toilet, but no running water. Primitive but still a nice spot!

We didn't end up checking out the lake, but we did get some rock climbing in at Hemlock Cliffs which was awesome. Small little crag but it was worth it to get on the rock. I would definitely recommend this place, we had a great time in the one night we stayed!

There are 8-10 spots available, all but one of which are drive-in. I think a smaller RV or third-wheel could get into the first and last spots, otherwise, all the spots looked suitable for tent or hammock camping. 

We had enough Verizon coverage to get emails and make calls but not enough to have worked on for a longer stay. The campsite is near Saddle Lake and it is walkable at a stretch but there is no swimming allowed there. Based on the other visitors, fishing is the main draw here. The sites were somewhat divided by trees and undergrowth but you will see or hear other campers and the occasional truck flying up the nearby gravel road at 2 am. Site #11 is more private and not visible from the drive in, it is on the right as you pull in going toward the lake.

Collecting firewood is not permitted here. Bring whatever you need out, I did not see anywhere to get ice or firewood between the campsite and I-64.

The vault toilet was adequately clean. 

Dry camping (no water). 

All drive-in sites had a fire pit and picnic table. 

We had a hook for trash and whatnot. Be advised that bears are only very rarely seen in Indiana but the racoons are ruthless and highly organized.

I wrote about my visit here: Saddle Lake camping un-fails

This is a centrally located primitive campground that my siblings and I use often for weekend expeditions. The long winding gravel road takes you away from the highway and deposits you in a serene location that is perfect no matter which season you visit. Each site offers ample space for multiple vehicles and occupants; each site also has a picnic table, double lantern hook, and a nice iron fire ring with a swiveling grate. We have spent many weekends here and have never had any issues with any of the other patrons. Each site is $5 a night, they use the honor system, and they have a pit vault bathroom that is usually in pretty clean condition.

Pretty drive going in. The place seem to be well maintained, for $5 per night it sure is a good deal. Camps were a little bit close to one another. My husband and I hiked in the early in the morning. Watching sunrise over the lake sure was a serene experience I feel like everyone should give a try. The lake was a bit small but there’s hardly a lot of people around so I think it would be great for kayaking or even fishing..

This camp site is small but nice. Most of the sites are within eye shot of another site, but a couple are more secluded. Nice fire pit, picnic table and lantern hook. Well maintained. It was a short drive or .5 will to the lake and trail around the lake.

Again, spent most of my time on the water, but was nothing short of exciting! I was slightly dissapointed with some of the lack of scenery or again, maybe I missed it! Fishing was a hit!

Saddle Lake Recreation Area and Campground is located of IN37 right outside Tell City, IN in Hoosier National Forest. 

I thought I had already found my favorite campground in Hoosier NF when I stayed at Celina Lake but then we visited Saddle Lake. To me this campground of 13 sites down a gravel road in the woods is the model for good basic camping. Only thing missing is being able to put in to the lake directly from your campsite. At Saddle you have to continue down the road to the boat ramp. 

Otherwise the sites are a little open to each other but it depends on which one you pick. There are two walk ins that are secluded ;) there is a pit toilet and each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Very dark at night and quiet, nice! 

The Ranger Station is in Tell City , not open on the weekends. The sites are pay on the honor system and there is a host. 

There is a parking area at the boatramp, electric motors only.

The Saddle Lake Trail Trailhead is at the boat ramp , it is a 2.2 mile hike around the lake. If you want a longer trail the Mogan Trailhead is north on IN37. Mogan is about 24 miles of intersecting trails shared with horse riders. 

We enjoyed the hikes and the dogs played along the boat ramp, next visit we are bringing the kayak ;)