tipsaw lake recreation area

The area and park are nice. A bit spread out. A view of the lake would be nice. No campsite near the lake. Playground area needs some work. Mostly the couple f host we encountered were rude and pushy. An older man was very talkative and bragging. An intrusion we did not want. The bathrooms and shower had poor paper products and not enough shelving or hooks. Webs and bugs in the corners. Even though it is the forest the grass around the picnic tables was high. Dirty fire pits too. Stayed in Catbrier. Better restrooms in that loop would make it more attractive.

Our family has been camping at Tipsaw Recreation Area for over ten years. We love the size of the sites, the modern restrooms and shower facilities, the beautiful and well taken care of beach area, and the wonderful wildlife that greets us each and everytime we visit. I hate to brag on this park because I don't want to share. However, there's just not enough nice facilities close by that are this well kept. The camp hosts are great. Marilyn is our favorite. She made you feel as YOU are the guest and she is there to make sure you have a great time. Whether it's in Catbriar or Jackpine, there's not a bad site. Even the primitive sites are big and nice. You can't go wrong by staying at Tipsaw. Lovely park with lots to do!

Went to Tipsaw Lake to Hike. The six mile trail was well marked trail that pretty much followed the lake shore completely around the lake. It was a moderately easy trail that went though or started at the lakefront park depending on where you started. Saw a lot of wildlife and enjoyed the varied woods that were part of the trail. Several small streams needed to be crossed. A good way to spend part of a day.

Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area is within the Hoosier National Forest. This hidden gem is seldom full. The campsites are now able to be reserved online. There are some sites with water and electric, some with only electric, and some primitive. There are no sites with sewer, though, except for the host sites. The sites are spaced a good distance apart, especially in Jack Pine loop. I like that the shower house (renovated in the last 10 years) is kept very clean and the showers are actually a room that you can deadbolt for security. It should be noted that Catbriar Loop doesn't have a shower facility, only outhouses, and the Dogwood loop seems to be mostly primitive. We saw several fish caught in the lake and we enjoyed canoeing around without much other traffic on the water. There is a swim beach with a modern playground on it. The beach/boat ramp is a short trail walk from the campgrounds.The dump station for RV's is located across the highway. It is posted for no parking, but apparently this is a common parking area for some that are going to the prison or for those employees to smoke or something. When we pulled in to the dump station, there were 3 cars parked there unattended and one that the driver was parked there smoking and talking on the phone. That made the loop a little tight, but not too much trouble. Wildlife is abundant in the park, but we didn't have any issue with raccoons or other pests at our site. We saw several deer and many beautiful birds, etc. This was also one of the quietest parks we've visited in some time, so you can actually enjoy the nature that you're there to take in. This is a park that we always think we should visit more often, then usually forget to return to.

I really loved this facility with the great camping spots, new bathhouse improvements, and the lake area. The campinfg was always fun but busy, and the great campfires at night. Sometimes the Milky Way was in full bloom at night and what a sight to behold.

Take the 6 mile hike around the lake. It was lovely and not too tough.

Good times...good times....is all that can be said about this family destination! Camping, swimming, fishing, canoes, hikes, picnics, and sooooo much more!

My wife and I are novice mountain bikers. Last year we took the Tipsaw Trail, and were quite surprised by it. We had read that the trail was beginner to moderate, and went away feeling as though we had been through hell and back. Not because the trail was poor, but because the trail was amazing, and we were not prepared.Beware of poorly-marked rocks, however. Also, be prepared for rigorous climbs and sharp V-shaped trenches throughout.Great experience! We're going back this year to show it who's boss.Unfortunately, we did not snap any pictures. Hopefully we will this year, though!