Saddle Lake Campground's 13 primitive sites in Hoosier National Forest welcome pets for an affordable $5 per night, operating on a first-come, first-served honor system. Vastwood Co Park provides lakeside pet-friendly camping with water and electric hookups, while Lake Lincoln Campground in Lincoln State Park offers cabins that accommodate pets. Most campgrounds provide picnic tables and fire rings at each site, with varying levels of amenities from primitive vault toilets at Saddle Lake to full showers and water hookups at Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area. Hoosier National Forest's Jackpine Loop Campground features spacious, private sites with trees and greenery separating most areas, creating a sense of seclusion even when fully occupied. Sites at German Ridge Campground include hitching posts for equestrians bringing horses.
The 2.2-mile Saddle Lake Trail circles the lake, connecting with the larger 24-mile Mogan Trail network shared with horseback riders. Wildlife encounters are common, with campers frequently spotting deer and their fawns walking through wooded campsites, sometimes followed by wild turkeys. The regional campgrounds enforce varying pet policies, though all require dogs to remain leashed in campground areas. German Ridge offers a day-use swimming area, though pets are not permitted on designated beaches. Tipsaw Lake's 5.9-mile trail provides rolling, technical single-track terrain suitable for hiking with dogs, though some trail markers near the boat ramp and beach areas can be difficult to follow. Most campgrounds have well-maintained, clean facilities with automated bathrooms at more developed sites like Jackpine Loop.
$45 - $101 / night
"This is a great location near the lake, dog park and community center and has excellent internet access."
"Pets are allowed and the sites are gravel or concrete. Relax at the pool, enjoy mini golf, playing at the game room, mining for gems, or shooting some hoops."
$5 / night
"Saddle Lake Recreation Area and Campground is located of IN37 right outside Tell City, IN in Hoosier National Forest. "
"There are 8-10 spots available, all but one of which are drive-in."
$20 - $100 / night
"Very pet friendly. Nice, clean bath houses for a state park."
"Lincoln State Park is right down the road from Santa Claus , Indiana and Holiday World. Needless to say it was a little busy, but not as bad as the Rudolph RV Park in town."
$8 - $20 / night
"Beautiful lakeside campsites. Great for small groups or individuals."
"Park features playground, paved biking and walking trails, disc golf, plenty of shade, lake with boat dock (non-motorized boats only), bath house, and dump station."
$24 - $80 / night
"This was my first time camping in Indiana and it did not let me down!"
"Catbrier Loop is the more wide open campground with large RV sites, a pit toilet, pavilion and small field for group events and a path to the beach."
$24 - $52 / night
"Indian Lake is co-located with Celina Lake and two campground. Once you turn off of IN37 you just keep straight to get to Indian Lake."
"This was a very quiet campsite in southern Indiana. We had a hard time finding dispered camping in the national Forest so we settled for this site."
$8 / night
"We had a hard time finding any in Tell City but finally got some at Tractor Supply. We also found a bunch at the host at the Tipsaw Campground a short drive away."
"I wrongfully assumed the horses would be at Saddle Lake across IN37, but then I rolled into German Ridge. "
"It used to have a sweet little walk in spot down the bouldering trail that looked over the river. Now it is overgrown and you can't get back there."
"There actually wasn’t any camp grounds open when we got there but we were so exhausted from the drive and it was 4am so we parking at the trail head and got a 3 hour nap in."
"Tipsaw features a nice beach facility(no dogs on beach) with small picnic pavilions on cement walkways. "
"Wildlife is everywhere, as it is not unusual to have a Momma deer and her little one walk through the woods by your campsite or down by the boat launc, often followed by a turkey or two."
$14 - $45 / night
"Only waterfill location was at the camp store. Shower house was open and warm water was available. Big DNR presence and staff was friendly and helpful. Quiet campground wasn’t many occupants."
"Patoka has always had a hype about it for years; big lake, tons of boats, and fishing. This was our first trip here. We stayed in the Fishermans Primitive Campground."
ScoutBesides picking the only weekend where the camp had plumbing issues… my 4 year old daughter and I loved this place. This was my first time camping in Indiana and it did not let me down! The rangers were very nice and was pleased to answer any of my questions, the lake and bathrooms were clean and the place was nice and quiet. I’ll be back again.
LegendSaddle 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 ;)
LegendGoldenrod group campground at Tipsaw Lake Recreation area Hoosier National Forest is laid out in a lollipop design with no sites at the circle. It is an excellent group camp area cause it’s all you. Reservable and self contained with its own pit toilet , picnic tables and fire rings and you can easily set up a get together area near the entry. However...if you want a shower the showerhouses are a short walk down to the adjacent areas.
The beach facilities are also within easy walking distance and the boatramp is right next to the beach.
There is the 5.9 mile Tipsaw Lake Trail to hike, pay attention to your map and trail signs, we lost the trail twice and meandered around some before finding it again.
If you pack everything you need ( I’m never that lucky) you can park your vehicle for the duration of your visit. If, like me, there’s always something that got left sitting on the kitchen floor....then you are in luck! Citgo is south down IN 37 and Tell City with a Wally World and fast food is not to far beyond that.
And if you want to add some more adventure and hiking to your stay there is a zipline Eagles Wing and additional trail Mogan Trail (24ish miles shared with horse back riders) south on IN 37.
ScoutThis is a great location near the lake, dog park and community center and has excellent internet access.
GuideThe sites are well-spaced and there’s a beautiful lake where you can kayak, canoe, fish, let your dog swim, etc. Disc golf is the big activity at this park. Awesome walking path and a petting zoo. The park is exceptionally clean. Sites on the lake view side are noisy due to traffic on the highway.
LegendIndian Lake is co-located with Celina Lake and two campground.
Once you turn off of IN37 you just keep straight to get to Indian Lake. Along the long twisty road there are several parking spots to pull off and access the Two Rivers Trail which is a 15 mile loop around both lakes. You can disperse camp for $5 a night at least 300 ft off the trail.
We visited Indian Lake while we were in the area and it is the boatramp, small float dock, parking area and pit toilet only. No picnic tables, no swimming, not much shore line to speak of. The lake looked nice and with the electric motor restriction it was very quiet. Definitely not as busy as Celina Lake while we were there.
Also in the area there is a Citgo for basic supplies and Tell City further south for Wally World and food choices.
LegendSouth Slope Loop At Hoosier National Forest is located second campground in on your way to Celina lake. This is the RV friendly campground with electrical hookups for your toys. You give up some privacy and quiet to have your electric as the sites are closer together and of course your neighbor may not be as courteous with the noise said electronics create.
There is excellent tree cover and you do have some tree block between sites. A nice large newer showerhouse, water points, picnic tables and fire rings to finish off the homeyness.
All of the hosts that i interacted with were very friendly and went out of their way to assist when they could. The local Ranger Station is located in Tell City and closed on the weekend.
We spent our time hiking on the Interpretive Trail (1mi)near Celina Lake and Two Rivers Trail (15 mi) which encompasses both Celina and Indian Lake . You can disperse camp for $5 a night as long as you are 300 ft from the trail. And take your bug spray or you may be nothing but a dried out husk by the end of your visit, ticks are horrible right now!
We spent time at the lake also. Very peaceful, electric motors only so no waves or tubers flying by. There is a small handicap accessible fishing pier adjacent the parking area. A nice area to visit.
LegendTipsaw Recreation Area Hoosier National Forest is the place to visit if you have a large group or family event planned.
We had a good time doing basic camping activities while here, nothing flashy just fun water sports, campfire activities and hiking. ( no signal so appreciate the quiet :)
5 camping areas which are mostly group based and reservable. Catbrier Loop is the more wide open campground with large RV sites, a pit toilet, pavilion and small field for group events and a path to the beach. Goldenrod (camping side by side) and Primrose (camping around the loop)offer more shade and area to spread out with pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Dogwood has double RV sites and some singles, and you feel more “in the woods” with full canopy coverage. A showerhouse and pit toilet, picnic tables and fire pits. The largest area is Jackpine Loop, good shade, showerhouse and more privacy.
The beach area on Tipsaw Lake is very family oriented, nice bathhouse facility, small picnic pavilions on cement walkways and a nice beach with play area for the kids. We did not visit the beach because dogs are not allowed. Adjacent is the boat ramp which is ramp, dock, pit toilet and parking. The dogs had fun here playing in the water along the ramp, not much shore to speak of.
The Tipsaw Lake Trail is 5.9 miles of technical rolling hills with complete tree coverage. We hiked it and I noticed that it is a little overgrown but overall a nice trail. With all the rain the trail was muddy and several of the small streams still had water in them. Ticks are bad with the rain and overgrowth so apply your bug spray liberally!
In addition to the recreation area there is the Mogan Trailhead in the area which is shared with horses. A zip line Eagles Wing and Citgo gas station. Tell City to the south has the usual stores and fast food for any needed amenities, the ranger station is also located there but closed on the weekends.
I spoke with several of the camp hosts and they were very informative about the area and took good care of their areas. They also have the firewood if you need some.
LegendWe received an information email the day before prior to arrival with general info and wifi password plus how to pre check in. The morning of arrival, we received another email with specific instructions to not trust GPS and follow their instructions. Our Trip Wizard and Waze GPS instructions actually brought us right to the campground (CG). Since we had pre checked in, we were instructed in the directions email to go directly to deluxe pull-through site 78, where our welcome package would be in the electrical box. The site was plenty long enough for our 40’ toy hauler and F450. Not sure why this is a deluxe site as its gravel with a picnic table and portable fire pit? The utilities were more towards the front of the pad with no issues reaching the connections. It was a nice touch to see a small cement circle pad on the sewer connection. This is a new CG, so amenities like the laundry and gift shop were not opened yet. Water pressure was good. We got 4 bars on Verizon and 3 bars 5G on T-Mobile. We used our T-Mobile Internet versus Starlink. It would not have been an issue to use satellite as there are no mature trees in the campground. They have one large(about 1/4 acre) fenced dog area. The dog park slopes down a hill and connects with a fence that goes around the property. Do not throw small balls down the hill as they can go through the fence and there’s no way to recover the ball due to no openings/gates near by to get to the back of the dog park. There’s also a smaller fenced dog area near the front of the CG. Great customer service before and during our stay.
Hoosier National Forest surrounds Tell City, Indiana with over 200,000 acres of hardwood forests and rolling hills at elevations ranging from 400 to 900 feet. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Campgrounds in this area typically receive 45 inches of rainfall annually, contributing to the lush forest environment.
Hiking trails with varying difficulty: The 2.2-mile Saddle Lake Trail at Saddle Lake Campground offers a gentler option for families. "We 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," shares Rica Z. For more advanced hikers, several nearby trails provide rugged terrain.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can catch multiple species at Celina Lake Recreation Area. "The lakes are nice for fishing in a boat. Not much bank space to fish," notes Clarence B. Most lakes in the area permit only electric motors or non-motorized boats, creating peaceful water conditions.
Historical exploration: Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home sits adjacent to Lake Lincoln Campground. "This park has the Lincoln boyhood memorial that is a must see," writes Keith M. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing pioneer life in southern Indiana during the early 1800s.
Privacy between sites: Jackpine Loop Campground receives praise for its thoughtful layout. "Sites are large and private, with trees and greenery between most all sites. Even when the campground is full, you don't feel like there are a lot of people," explains Cathleen T. This natural separation creates a more secluded camping experience.
Wildlife encounters: Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities. "Wildlife is everywhere, as it is not unusual to have a Momma deer and her little one walk through the woods by your campsite or down by the boat launch, often followed by a turkey or two," according to a Jackpine Loop camper.
Affordable camping options: Buzzard Roost Campground provides free camping with basic amenities. "Only five sites. Reasonably quiet. Nice vault toilet. No hookups but it's free. Right along the Ohio River," reports Bonnie F. These sites fill quickly during peak season.
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds operate strictly first-come, first-served while others require advance booking. At Saddle Lake Campground, "most sites were larger than normal. There was a nice big fire pit, big picnic table and a lantern post," notes Marilynn K. The $5 nightly fee uses an honor system payment method.
Limited cell service: Many camping areas have minimal or no connectivity. One camper at Buzzard Roost noted, "One bar with AT&T, was able to get online when the neighbors left." Consider downloading maps and information before arriving.
Seasonal considerations: The best camping weather occurs April through October. "Sites at German Ridge Campground were ant infested and dirty," warns a summer visitor, highlighting the importance of proper food storage during warmer months when insects are active.
Beach facilities: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas for children. "The beach has a play area for children right on the beach which makes it ideal for parents," notes a camper at Tipsaw Lake. Some beach facilities close after Labor Day with limited hours in shoulder seasons.
Kid-friendly activities: Vastwood Co Park offers "playground, paved biking and walking trails, disc golf, plenty of shade, lake with boat dock (non-motorized boats only)," according to Chelsea B., making it ideal for family outings across the river in Kentucky.
Pet policies: Most campgrounds allow leashed pets in camping areas but restrict them from beaches and swimming areas. German Ridge offers "a day-use swimming area, though pets are not permitted on designated beaches," making it important to check specific pet-friendly camping policies near Tell City.
Site length considerations: For larger rigs, check site dimensions carefully. "We have a 29 ft. camper and could only use 3 or 4 of the sites," at Saddle Lake Campground, advises Ronald H. Most primitive campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles.
Hookup availability: Water and electric sites are available at several campgrounds for additional fees. "We stayed in a water/electric site in Ornament Circle which was perfect because it was very close to the fishing 'lake', bathhouses, mini golf, and tram stop," reports Danielle V. about accommodations at Lake Rudolph Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "Pretty drive going in. The place seems to be well maintained," notes a Saddle Lake camper, though many forest service roads have narrow sections with overhanging branches that may challenge larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Tell City, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Tell City, IN is Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph with a 3.9-star rating from 33 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 72 dog-friendly camping locations near Tell City, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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