Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area
Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area is located six miles south of Interstate 64, off of Indiana 37. It offers opportunities for both overnight and day use, with three camping loops, two group camping areas, a picnic area with two shelters available for reservation, a beach with modern bathhouse, Tipsaw Lake, which offers paddling, fishing, and boating (electric motors only) opportunities, and a 5.9 mile trail around the lake for hiking and biking. A boat launch with large parking area is provided. This area is operated by a concessionaire under a special use permit issued by the Forest Service from mid-April through late October.
Tipsaw Lake's beach and day use area are open to the public beginning Friday, May 23rd, 2025.
Active Alerts
Reservations
Make Reservations Here- The picnic shelter and some campsites sites may be reserved online or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
- Some sites are only non-reservabe and only available as first come, first served.
- A three day reservation window is required. All sites, cabins, and shelter may be available as a walkup site if not reserved within that time period.
General Information
Additional Resources
Operator Information
BA Services, Inc., 1257 Hammond Street, Bangor, Maine 04401. Managed by Karen & Stan Arthur, 812-837-9453
Open for hiking and other activities year-round.
- Camping loops are open April 15 through October 15.
- Beach is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting
Campground quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
Trail Use
- Mountain biking on the Tipsaw Trail requires a Hoosier National Forest trail permit.
Fishing and Boating
- Indiana state fishing permits are required for fishing.
- Boaters are required to follow Indiana state boat operating and registration requirements.
Hunting
- Indiana state hunting permits are required for hunting.
Day-Use and Annual Passes
- Day-use or annual passes are required April 15 through October 31 and are available at the gatehouse, or instructions provided if gatehouse is not staffed.
- Day-use and annual passes may be used at Hardin Ridge, Indian-Celina, and Tipsaw Lake Recreation Areas.
- Day-use and annual passes do not cover separate camping fees.
Interagency Passes
- Interagency Access, Senior and Military-Lifetime pass holders can receive discounts on base camping fees. No discounts are provided for day-use fees.
Trail Use
- The Tipsaw Trail is biking and hiking only.
Beach
- No glass containers or pets allowed on the beach
Firewood Restrictions
- Any firewood brought onto National Forest System land must meet ONE of the firewood requirements on Hoosier National Forest.
- Use of on-site firewood must only be from dead, downed material. Standing trees, living or dead, may not be cut or defaced.
A complete list of US Forest Service rules and regulations are posted on bulletin boards in the campground, as well as being provide upon check-in at the recreation area.
Day Use Fees
- Required from April 15 through October 15.
- $8/day for each vehicle
- Buses are $5 for the driver plus $1/person (no passes accepted)
- $50 Annual passes available
- No federal pass discounts are available for day use (expanded amenities) fees
Camping Fees:
- Primitive sites - $21/night
- Electric sites - $28/night
- Electric and water sites - $31/night
- Double sites - $41/night
- Double sites, with electric- $44/night
- Group Camping Loops - $70
- Campsites are allowed one vehicle. $5/night for extra vehicles
- Access and senior pass holders for receive half-off discount on primitive and single sites.
Shelters
- $40/day during recreation season
- Includes day-use fee for one vehicle
- No discount for Access or Senior Pass holders.
Address: 248 15th Street Tell City, IN 47586
Phone: 812-547-7051
Hours: Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00AM to noon and 1:00 -4:30PM CST. Closed Mondays and Fridays. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 38.1535672
Longitude: -86.60495716
Directions
Located 6 miles south of Interstate 64 off State Highway 37. Turn at the large entrance sign. The recreation area is actually a couple miles down this road. Continue down the road to the gatehouse and the recreation complex.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Vault and Flush Toilet available.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Drinking water is available.
Recreation Opportunities
Picnicking
Hiking
Biking
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Water Activities
Outdoor Science and Learning
Picnicking - Single Info
Overlooking the lake near the beach are 15 picnic sites and 2 shelter houses. Horse shoe pits and an open area for games are near the picnic shelters. Shelters may be reserved though a $25 use fee is charged when making reservations for the beach shelters (5/15-10/3). They are otherwise available on a first-come basis. Vehicles are still subject to the $5 charge (with the exception of the person making the reservation).
No. of Sites
15 sites and 2 shelter houses
Reservation Info
Reservations for picnic shelters can be made by calling toll free the National Reservation System at 1-877-444-6777 (TTY is 1-877-833-6777.) Reservations are only made Memorial Day through Labor Day. The fee for making the reservation is $10. There is a minimum cancellation fee of $10.00. Reservation information is available at: http://www.recreation.gov. If not previously reserved, occupancy is on a first come basis.
Fire Information
grills are available with each site
No. of Accessible sites
7 sites are accessible, 8 are not. The East Shelter House is accessible, the West Shelter house is not.
Picnicking - Groups Info
Overlooking the lake near the beach are 15 picnic sites and 2 shelter houses. Horse shoe pits and an open area for games are near the picnic shelters. Shelters may be reserved though a $25 use fee is charged when making reservations for the beach shelters (5/15-10/6). They are otherwise available on a first-come basis. Vehicles are still subject to the $5 charge (with the exception of the person making the reservation).
No. of Sites
15 picnic sites in close proximity and 2 picnic shelters
Reservation Info
Reservations for picnic shelters can be made by calling toll free the National Reservation System at 1-877-444-6777 (TTY is 1-877-833-6777.) Reservations are only made Memorial Day through Labor Day. The fee for making the reservation is $10. There is a minimum cancellation fee of $10.00. Reservation information is available at: http://www.recreation.gov. If not previously reserved, occupancy is on a first come basis.
Group Shelter
Two shelters
Group Cooking Facilities
none
Fire Information
Grills are available with the picnic shelters and near every picnic table.
Hookups - Electric
Outlets are available at the east shelter house but not at the West Shelter House.
Day Hikes Info
A 5.9-mile trail for hiking or 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 different forest types.
Biking - Mountain Info
A 5.9-mile trail for hiking or 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 different forest types. A trail permit is required for mountain bikers 17 years of age or older. The cost of the trail permit is $35 for an annual permit, or $5 for a daily permit. Mountain bike riders are required to stay on the designated trail and yield the right of way to hikers.
Biking - Road Cycling Info
This large recreation complex that includes several miles of paved roads with relatively light traffic. Rolling hills and great views offer the bicyclists an enjoyable place to spend the day with their friends and family.
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
The 131-acre Tipsaw Lake has been touted as one of the best pan fishing lakes in southern Indiana. The lakes offer many miles of shoreline and tranquil coves for fishing.
Fish Species
Variety of panfish and bass
Fishing Mode
boats or shore
Fishing Platform
none
Cleaning Station
none
Accessible Platform
none
Water Temperature
Depends on season.
Fishing Method
Fishing pole with bait or lures
Water/Flow Level
Water fluctuates with rainfall and seasons.
Boating - Motorized Info
Tipsaw Lake is one of four fishing lakes operated by the Forest Service in this area along State Highway 37. The 131-acre Tipsaw Lake is said to be an excellent fishing lake for pan fish. It offers many miles of shoreline and coves to fish for pan fish. Bring a pole and a pail of bait and spend an enjoyable afternoon.
Launch Ramps
launch ramp is open year-round
Trailer Parking
adequate parking
Size Restrictions
electric motors only
Type of Craft
Small boats.
Motor Type
electric motors only
Fuel availability
none
Corrals
electric motors only
Water/Flow Level
Varies
Marina/Mooring
none
Swimming Info
This beach includes playground equipment and a modern bathhouse. It offers a combination of sand and sun or shady grass-covered hillside. There are no lifeguards but a fully-accessible beach and swimming area provides an enjoyable place to spend the day.
State law does allow swimmers to swim from a watercraft between sunrise and sunset in a reservoir property but not within 300 feet of a designated launching ramp. Please use caution.
Beach status
Tipsaw Lake's beach and day use area are open to the public beginning Friday, May 23rd, 2025.
Fees
A parking fee is required for the recreation area.
Hours of Operation
Beach hours are 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. seasonally.
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
Tipsaw Lake is one of four fishing lakes operated by the Forest Service in this area along State Highway 37. The 131-acre Tipsaw Lake is said to be an excellent fishing lake for pan fish. It offers many miles of shoreline and coves to fish for pan fish. Bring a pole and a pail of bait and spend an enjoyable afternoon.
Launch Ramps
launch ramp available year round
Trailer Parking
adequate trailer parking
Size Restrictions
none
Type of Craft
Kayak or canoe
Fuel availability
none
Corrals
none
Water/Flow Level
Varies
Marina/Mooring
none
Viewing Wildlife Info
This recreational complex has abundant wildlife, birds, amphibians and part of the fun of visiting is to see what you might find there. Roads through the native hardwood forest mixed with pine provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Woodland songbirds are common in this area. Winter viewing is especially good in the pine plantations. High probability of seeing deer along the roads and trails, and beside the lake in early morning. Hawks and turkey vultures are often seen soaring above the lake. Bald egles and osprey are seen occasionally perched in shoreline trees during winter. Hike the trails in April and May to see an abundance of spring wildflowers.
Species
woodland songbirds, hawks, turkey vulture, deer, and turkey
Visitor Programs Info
Visitor Programs
During the summer season, visitors are encouraged to attend our interpretive programs. Programs are offered at the beach area or at the nearby amphitheater in the Indian-Celina Recreation Area near the Rickenbaugh House. For more information on programs at Indian-Celina Lake contact 812-547-7051.