Tipsaw Lake sits among the stunning landscapes of Hoosier National Forest in Indiana . With 65 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, potable water, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Apr, Jun, Aug-Oct when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of Hoosier National Forest
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Tipsaw Lake located in Oil, Indiana, offering 65 camping sites.
Tipsaw Lake
A Rural campground in Indiana
Overview
Situated at an Elevation of 380 Feet, the Campground Is Composed of Five Loops That Offer Dozens of Campsites. 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. Visitors Enjoy the Scenic Views of the Forest and All It Has to Offer. the Trail Includes Scenic Overlooks of the Lake and Valley and Traverses a Variety of Forest Types. 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. 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. a Trail Permit Is Available for Purchase and Is Required for Mountain Bikers Age 17 and Older. 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. Some Sites Are Shaded and the Roads Are Paved.
Nearby Attractions
Special Places on the Hoosier National Forest
Lick Creek African American Settlement
the Jacob Rickenbaugh Homestead
Managed by: Usda Forest ServiceSite Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 65
- Hookup Types: Electric, Water
- Max RV Length: 35 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: Available
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: Available
- 🛝 Playground: Available
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address: 18 Primrose Loop
City: Oil, Indiana 47576.0
Coordinates: 38.1330556, -86.6330556
Area Type: Rural
Phone:
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Boat-ramp|swimming|fishing|hiking|biking|playground|picnic|shower|hookups|electric|water|fire-ring|beach|lake|trail|group-site|rv|tent|cabin|shelter
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: $25-35
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS
Signal Quality: Fair
Total Stations: 10 stations
Nearest Market: Indianapolis/FORT WAYNE
Notes: Signals FROM Indianapolis/FORT WAYNE MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 22 stations (7 AM, 15 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: Country, Classic ROCK, NEWS/TALK
Local News: WIBC 1070 Am
Market: Indianapolis
Notes: 7 AM, 15 FM Stations from Indianapolis
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ Saint Meinrad Archabbey
Distance: 10.1 miles away
Address: 200 Hill Dr, St. Meinrad, IN
Network: non-networked
Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • J1772
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 232114
- Managing Agency: Usda Forest Service
- Agency Email:
- Agency Website: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wohgcz7vxwcg1ncuw52e6/Special-Places-on-the-Hoosier-NF-stelprdb5211657.pdf?rlkey=086bxvccc64i056wipd5uki99&dl=0
- Parent Park: Hoosier National Forest
- Park Website: /parks/hoosier-national-forest/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: National Forests
- Parks Post Name: hoosier-national-forest
- Parent Park Name: Hoosier National Forest
- Correct Park Type Mapping: hoosier-national-forest
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 10.0
- States Covered: Indiana
- Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 131.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 1080
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1080
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: indiana
- Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
- Park Type Slug: national-forests
- Parent Park Slug: hoosier-national-forest
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
Explore More Camping Options
View all campgrounds in Indiana | Browse our Indiana camping guide
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