Anglers and swimmers can access Tipsaw Lake directly from this US Forest Service campground, which operates from mid-May through late September in southern Indiana's rolling hills. The facility accommodates RVs up to 102 feet with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections at rates ranging from $24 to $80 per night.
Three distinct camping loops provide different experiences, from the basic Primrose Loop with pit toilets to full-service sites with water and electric hookups. The lake restricts motorboats to electric motors only, creating conditions that work well for kayaking and fishing. A sandy beach area includes picnic pavilions and a playground, though dogs are not permitted in the swimming zone. Shelly S. notes, "Next visit I'm packing the kayak because Tipsaw Lake looked awesome!"
The 5.9-mile Tipsaw Lake Trail winds through forested terrain with technical sections and creek crossings that appeal to hikers and trail runners. Campers consistently report clean facilities and quiet conditions, with camp hosts providing local information about nearby attractions like Hemlock Cliffs. The area around campgrounds around Leopold offers additional forest recreation opportunities.
Reservations are available through the Forest Service, and the campground includes drinking water, restrooms, a dump station, and WiFi access. Visitors should pack insect repellent during summer months due to ticks and mosquitoes near water sources.
Description
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
Fee Info
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundTipsaw Lake is located in Indiana
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 only 3 miles from Interstate 64.
Address
20250 Tipsaw Lake Access Road
Branchville, IN 47514
Coordinates
38.1330556 N
86.6330556 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/26/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/26/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 51 min from Owensboro, KY
- 58 min from Louisville, KY
- 1 hr 3 min from Evansville, IN
- 1 hr 21 min from Elizabethtown, KY
