Tipsaw Lake

Star4.11
177 reviews
TIPSAW LAKE RECREATION AREA, ST. CROIX, IN, 47576, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

380 ft

Price

$21 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

65 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens BA Services Inc. site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Tipsaw Lake
$21.00 - $70.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $21.00 to $70.00 depending on the type of site and amenities. An $8.00 fee is charged per day for a second vehicle, and there is a...
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Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$31.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$21.00
Group Site Fee$70.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
812-843-4891
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What Campers Say

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 177 reviews

62 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslakebeach

Some mention

cell service

"Overall, Tipsaw Lake is well-regarded for its clean facilities, friendly staff, and beautiful natural setting. While most reviews are positive, some consistent complaints include issues with cell service, occasional maintenance delays, and the presence of ticks and poison ivy."

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Campground Map

TIPSAW LAKE RECREATION AREA, ST. CROIX, IN, 47576, USA

Tipsaw Lake

TIPSAW LAKE RECREATION AREA, ST. CROIX, IN, 47576, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The roads leading to Tipsaw Lake are paved, and the location is easily accessible via State Route 37. It is a short 3-mile drive off Interstate 64, making it convenient for travelers. However, some user reviews indicate that access could be confusing due to local areas; for example, one user noted, 'Use the location from Google Maps instead' to avoid navigation challenges.
Nearby places
St. Croix (5 miles, ~10 minutes), Branchville (3 miles, ~5 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The closest grocery and camping supply store is about a 20–30 minute drive from the campground. User reviews indicate that the nearest Walmart is approximately 30 minutes away, and visitors are advised to plan accordingly.

Best Time to Camp at Tipsaw Lake

From the gentle awakening of spring through the golden days of fall, Tipsaw Lake enjoys a wonderfully temperate climate that makes every camping trip comfortable and memorable. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days ideal for lake activities, while the campground's generous canopy of mature trees creates natural air conditioning, offering cool, shaded sanctuaries throughout your stay. The mild conditions during peak season mean you can fully embrace outdoor living without weather worries.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer brings beach, swimming and busy but well‑maintained conditions noted in reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Temperate fall weather, scenic foliage and quieter trails make fall highly appealing.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring openings start Apr 4; temperate weather and active wildlife make spring attractive.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 4–Oct 25 season; winter rating not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 4 to October 25, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open from April 4 to October 25, 2025, during peak season.

About Tipsaw Lake

Nestled within the rolling hills of southern Indiana, Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of woodland serenity and waterfront adventure. Whether you're seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat or an action-packed family getaway, this versatile destination delivers with its extensive camping options—from intimate individual sites to spacious double accommodations and welcoming group camping areas. Beyond the campground, discover a world of recreation with scenic hiking trails that wind through ancient forests, pristine waters perfect for boating adventures, and engaging educational programs that bring the natural world to life.
Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area accommodates a range of camping preferences, including tent, RV, and group camping. Some sites offer electric and water hookups, while others are primitive. Group sites can accommodate up to 65 people.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area offers a diverse range of activities to suit different interests. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking, and swimming. The lake is particularly praised for 'excellent fishing for panfish,' and electric motors are allowed on the water. The 5.9-mile trail around the lake is suitable for hiking and mountain biking, with scenic overlooks and a variety of forest types. A permit is required for mountain bikers aged 17 and older. Additionally, the beach area is a highlight, featuring playground equipment and a mix of sunny and grassy shady spots.
HikingA 5.9-mile multi-use trail loops around Tipsaw Lake, offering scenic overlooks and a variety of forest landscapes. Reviews mention the trails as 'challenging' and 'in great shape,' although some suggest better markings and trimming of overgrowth.
FishingFishing in Tipsaw Lake is considered 'excellent,' particularly for panfish. The lake allows electric motors, making it accessible for small boats.
SwimmingThe swimming area at Tipsaw Lake includes a modern bathhouse, a shaded hillside, and a sandy beach. Reviews praise its cleanliness, but some mention the presence of algae in the lake.
BikingMountain biking is supported with a 5.9-mile trail that is described as 'challenging' by some reviewers. Permits are required for bikers aged 17 and older.
BoatingBoating is a popular activity with a year-round boat ramp available. Only electric motors are permitted. Some reviews note that the boat ramp was under repair during their visits.
Wildlife viewingThe campground provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, with deer sightings reported by some visitors. Bald eagles have also been spotted, adding to the area's natural appeal.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome users reported high tick activity and poison ivy in the area.

Weather at Tipsaw Lake

Reviews

4.1
177 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Tipsaw Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Tipsaw Lake is well-regarded for its clean facilities, friendly staff, and beautiful natural setting. While most reviews are positive, some consistent complaints include issues with cell service, occasional maintenance delays, and the presence of ticks and poison ivy.
Review Summaries
Based on 177 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, the friendliness of the campground hosts, and the beauty of the lake and campsites. The beach area, fishing opportunities, and spacious...
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Based on 177 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints involve the lack of cell service, high firewood prices, and issues with maintenance, such as non-functional electrical hookups. Ticks, poison ivy, and occasional algae in the lake...
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Based on 177 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing a 50-to-30-amp adapter for RVs, as some electrical hookups may not function. Using Google Maps for directions is also advised to avoid navigation errors. Visitors suggest...
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Based on 177 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season reviews note the campground's busy but well-maintained condition. Off-season reviews highlight its peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those seeking solitude. Summer visits are marked by high...
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Based on 177 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground is beautiful but be careful when you select your site, some of the parking pads have dramatic slopes.' - Kendra D.\n2. 'The beach area is clean, and the modern bathhouse is a huge...
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Based on 177 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

'Site 015 in the JackPine Loop had non-functional 50-amp pedestals.' - John J.\n'Site 037 in Dogwood had a lot of ticks and poison ivy.' - Erin F.\n'Group site GS5 is fantastic for family...
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Based on 177 reviews

Accessibility Features

Facilities are praised for their accessibility, including the flush toilets, modern bathhouse, and paved roads. However, some reviews note that not all sites are equally accessible due to slopes.
Based on 177 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet owners note the lack of dog-friendly areas near the lake. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, and there are limited options for letting pets access the water.
Based on 177 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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