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Jackpine Loop Campground is one of three shady campground loops in the Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area and includes 23 individual sites. The loop has centralized water, flush toilets, hot showers, and a recharge table for electric boat motors. A selection of single or extra-large sites are available. Two walk-in non-electric sites are also provided, the rest have electricity. The campground opens April 15 and remains open through October 31 (weather dependent). A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed in single sites, and 16 people and 4 vehicles are allowed in double sites.
North Face Loop includes 36 individual sites. The loop contains centralized water, flush toilets, hot showers, and a recharge table for electric boat motors. A selection of single or extra large, electric or non-electric sites are available in this shady campground. During winter months only 3 electric sites are available and several non-electric sites. Water is only at frost free hydrants (no flush toilets or showers, though pit toilets are available). ACTIVITIES Camping: This is one of two shady campground loops in the Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area. It includes 36 sites for tent or RV camping. Most of these sites are not electric. This loop is open year-round with reduced services and fees in the fall and winter months. A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed on a single site. The loop has two double sites which allow a maximum of 4 people and 16 people. Three of the sites are walk-in. Interpretive Programs: During the spring and summer seasons, visitors are encouraged to attend our interpretive programs. Programs are offered at the amphitheater near the Rickenbaugh House or in some cases a few programs may be held at other locations. For more information on programs at Indian-Celina Lake contact 812-547-7051. Recreational Vehicles: This is one of two shady campground loops in the Indian-Celina Lake Recreation Area. It includes 33 sites appropriate for RVs of various length spurs. Most of these sites are not electric. This loop is open year-round with reduced services and fees in the fall and winter months. A maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people are allowed on a single site. The loop has two double sites which allow a maximum of 4 people and 16 people.
A primitive campground with vault toilets, hitching racks, and a picnic shelter is available. Around 12 and half miles of trails are available for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding.
The Youngs Creek Campground provides access to the 12.7-mile Youngs Creek multiple use trail for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking.
Shady trails, scenic hardwood forests and a variety of terrain
Camping is available by reservation prior to arrival only, see "RESERVATIONS".
Day parking is available to those who call in advance of arrival to obtain a site assignment.
Assigned camp sites are subject to change for maintenance or to improve camper accommodations.
Upon arrival, pull your rig into the driveway toward camp on the left, leaving room for other rigs behind you, to verify your assigned camp site.
Check in at the office.
Or if no one is available, find your assigned camp site on the board by the office door to determine how you want to approach and park in your site. Norman or Melissa will soon welcome you and check you in at your site.Know that this is the only privately owned camp with a trail lease to access the 24,000 acre Harrison-Crawford State Forest using the horse trail system. Over 30 miles of well marked trails located north of the Blue River may be accessed from here, When the Blue River is at normal pool, approximately 50 more miles of trails may be explored by crossing the river.
20 camp sites with electric hook up & 10 non-electric camp sites, graveled among mature trees, with picket & hitching posts are available with reservations (no stalls). Water faucets (cisterned city water) are dispersed thru-out. A picnic pavilion is open to campers or can be reserved for group events. Clean portapots are provided, however no showers or dump station yet.
$20 / night
Guide
Obannon Overall, this is a nice state park to camp in. Staff was very friendly. They have ice and wood. My kids enjoyed the nature center, pioneer village, and one of the easy trails.
We stayed in 220. It was nice to be right by the playground and bathrooms (which is what we wanted). Some spots near the back would be nice and secluded like the 180s and 190s and they’re still not too far from the bathrooms and playground. The better playground is in loop A.
I will say, I didn’t see any staff members cleaning up trash, getting campsites ready, or anything the 2 days we were there. Even though we went in November, it was a nice weekend and wasn’t dead, so I was surprised I didn’t see anyone cleaning. Wasn’t the cleanest state campground we’ve been at in Indiana. Certainly wasn’t awful though either.
My biggest gripe was they were hosting a huge cycling group. Like the whole loop A. We were all the way back in C. They held a concert that went on from like 8-11 pm. Being in a pop up, it was so loud and never ending. Made it difficult for my kids to sleep. If they’re going to hold (or allow) events like these, it should be posted on their website. Even with our sound machine, we still couldn’t block it out. I realize quiet hours aren’t until 11, but to me there’s a difference.
There is also hardly any signage and spots are difficult to find. No arrows about which way to go, signs saying which loop you’re in, and spots are only marked on the electrical boxes.
Overall, may stay again and try out the pool since we’re not too far from home, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to stay here.
TravelerHad the typical state park experience. Bathrooms are decent, a little dated but oh well. The weekends in the middle middle of the season are typically busy. Plan your site well, many lack a level spot for tents and have a lot of slope near the pull off.
Scout
The chorus frog do roar through the night. 100% worth it, make sure to bring bug spray, and travel carefully up the roads. Lots of wildlife, and kind people.
TravelerThe park is well kept and organized. There are a ton of sites to visit and see. If you like hiking or mountain biking this is for you! Horse people love it also. The campground is near the trail to the old abandoned bridge which is well worth the hike. The fire tower has a commanding view. If you are not enjoying this park, not much else in Indiana will make you happy. Extra points: experienced cavers will enjoy the number of caves. These are by permit only however and novice non cavers should take a proper class and go with experts. There are multiple show caves in the area you can get a basic tour of also.
TravelerThis is a great place to camp and a wonderful spot for a stress-free getaway! There is a trailhead conveniently located within the campground, perfect for anyone who wants to hike without needing to travel to a secondary location. Our stay was peaceful and the nights were quiet and serene. Everyone was courteous and our neighbors were super friendly making our camping experience a great one!
TravelerA quiet, peaceful spot in the forest. A few horses on the trail on weekends. French Lick is 30 minutes away.
Traveler
We researched and though a fair bit of the forest was first come first serve. After stopping at many along the way we wound up here at Jackpine snagging up the last site electric site available. The fees were a bit more than listed as well 28.00 per night or 18.00 for seniors / interagency pass holders. I assume the info we found multiple place including from here is just outdated.
Traveler
This camp ground is delightful. All of the sites are spaced far enough away that you’ll have your privacy. The sites are clean and spacious as well as very flat for tents
TravelerPark is located a good bit away from Corydon but not too bad of a drive for supplies. Campground roads and campsite were well labeled, clean and electric was in working order. Bath houses were 2.5/5 and could use some maintenance. Some shower facilities were substantially better than others so we chose to walk. Hiking was pretty non existent for middle aged kids and playground was pretty basic but well maintained. Cell service was OK. (T-Mobile 1-2 bars LTE and AT&T 1-3 bars). Pool was very nice with a splash pad and two water slides (42” height requirement) and a small concession stand. Have to pay entry to the pool wether you’re swimming or not. Nature Center was basic but well prepared with critters and educational items. Everything except the nature center was reachable via bikes. Fire tower was a cool one time thing. There is also an Ohio river overlook but we did not make it there.
Tick were REALLY bad. Maybe the season, maybe the area, not sure.
TLDR: 2/5 bath houses 4/5 park
TravelerWeekend camping with local friends. We kayaked the Blue River and truly enjoyed this. A lot of spots in the park
Scout
It’s not the best campground I’ve been to. It is a little bit on the expensive end but it does offer electric hookups which I haven’t experienced having a lot of at the campground I’ve visited. Other than the hookups everything else is average.
TravelerI had been planning a trip to Youngs Creek for over a month and was happy to finally get there. YC horse camp is well laid out and fairly spacious, apparently only for the random hikers and hunters. I stayed at here for a couple of days, planning on a longer visit, and wasn't dissatisfied. It sports a good-sized pavilion and well-maintained his and hers vault toilets. The camp sites were generous in size with gravel parking, fairly level pads, picnic tables, and a fire ring. The only downside, besides the lack of horses, was an access road to adjacent to the camping area that is well used through the evening.
I'll be making a return in the spring to watch for the return of the equestrians.
ScoutPretty quiet place, with fire rings and vault toilet.
GuideOther states have stated parks and camping air cheaper. This is not worth $35
ScoutI’ve been camping at OBannon Woods for 25+ years. The campground is large, mostly shady and very well-kept. Bathhouses feel luxuriously clean and large compared to most campgrounds. There are multiple play areas for children and beautiful hiking trails within and around the campground itself.
GuideGreat quit place to rest up for a few nights. The site has a toilet and water. If you head into the town of Paoli be sure to hit up the farmers co-op for supplies.
TravelerWe loved all of this place
RangerVery clean campground near the Ohio River. Offers hiking horse back riding nearby fishing in the Ohio River. Or just kicking back and relaxing.
GuideA relaxing weekend well spent. My husband and I have been to Lake Celina for a day hike before, so when planning where to go for a weekend of car camping choosing this place was a no brainer. Lots of different kinds of campgrounds depending on your preference. If you’re the kind who wanna socialize or in a large group who needs a campground within eyeshot, south loop is more for your taste. There’s lots of RVs parked, people chatting,laid back drinking beer just having a good time! My husband and I wanted a secluded quite camp as we also have our pup who gets a little too excited around strangers and other dogs. We got that in #7 camp in north loop. We felt like we own the place!
TravelerGreat 25 mile loop with lots to see and unique camping shelters dispersed throughout the trail.
Overgrown in some areas, so a little bushwhacking.
Finished up with a swim in the Blue River.
RangerThis place was gorgeous! The hiking trails were amazing, the scenery was breathtaking, the sites were nice, and the nature center was so cool. We had a wonderful time and plan on returning many times to hike all the trails.
TravelerWe camp here every time we come to Indiana. We have camped there in a truck camper, and now we tent camp with our Jeep. The sites are large, and there are fire rings available. There are vault toilets and a fresh water pump not far from them. The only time this camp is full is when a trail ride is going on, then it fills up fast. It is only five miles from Paoli, and there is a Walmart there if you need supplies..
GuideSite accommodates both horse, drive in and walk-in camping. There’s a privy and water on site. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables. There is a trail that loops back to the site for easy hiking access.
GuideMy husband, 3.5yo, 1yo and myself went to O'Bannon Woods the weekend before the 4th of July and I can't believe I've never been there! It's an amazing little park. We camp in a 12' pop up and our site 111 was nice for it. We did have to back between two trees at about 10pm in the dark, but we made it!
We LOVED the nature center and the living history village! The nature center had plenty of critters for the kids to look at. The living village was a pleasant surprise since I didn't realize they had one. They also have demonstrations of the hay press on holiday weekends which was really neat to watch.
We only hiked one trail and that was the one from the campground to the nature center. It was fairly rough in spots but enjoyable. The nearby caves ran by the park were a nice escape from the summer heat. We went on the short one with the kids and it was just the right length for their ages.
Also, if you like wine, there's a little winery down the road, Scout Mountain and they had the best deal on firewood along with great wine!
I can't wait to go back, I honestly can't believe I've lived in southern Indiana my whole life and have never been here.
ScoutOne of our favorite campgrounds. The kids love the pool and trails. The campground sites are spacious and lots of shade in the summer. Beautiful in the fall!
ScoutThe pool is lots of fun, two slides for bigger kids and a large play pool for smaller kids. The campground is always clean and well managed.
LegendJackpine Loop is the largest of the campground loops at Tipsaw Lake Recreation area Hoosier National Forest.
The entire Tipsaw area seems to be oriented toward family and group camping. Jackpine Loop facilitates this but with a little more privacy between sites. You have your fire ring, picnic table and room to get comfortable.
There is a newer showerhouse and helpful camp hosts to answer any questions.
Tipsaw features a nice beach facility(no dogs on beach) with small picnic pavilions on cement walkways.
The Tipsaw Lake Trail is 5.9 miles of small hilled , technical single track trail that gives you a chance to enjoy the woods (and ticks). The trail is not marked very well around the boat ramp and beach area so it may take some searching to find it if your not familiar.
The boat ramp is adjacent the beach area, with parking atrea and dock, not much shoreline to speak of.
We enjoyed the trail , skirted the beach and checked out some of the local wildlife.
This camping area was a little more lively then the Celina Lake area but still a peaceful area to camp in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Santa Claus, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Santa Claus, IN is O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Santa Claus, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Santa Claus, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.