Best Campgrounds near Arcola, IN

Camping opportunities near Arcola, Indiana include a mix of developed campgrounds, lakeside settings, and dispersed options within a short drive from Fort Wayne. Chain O'Lakes State Park Campground in Albion provides a range of accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping facilities. Johnny Appleseed Campground in Fort Wayne serves as a convenient urban camping option with full hookups. Several private campgrounds like Blue Lake Campground and Camp Timber Lake offer additional choices for recreation-focused stays with lake access.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though some like Chain O'Lakes State Park maintain year-round availability. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends and fall color season when facilities reach capacity. Electrical and water hookups are common at established sites, with many campgrounds providing shower facilities and dump stations. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area. Weather considerations include occasional summer storms and potential for muddy conditions during spring. A visitor noted, "The lake is clean and has a decent beach. You can rent kayaks for cheap. Has a pretty decent grocery store on site."

Campers consistently rate waterfront sites highest among local options. Camp Timber Lake features primitive spots directly on the lake, though some campers note the sites can be positioned close together. Several visitors mentioned the quality of facilities at Johnny Appleseed Campground, particularly the bathhouse which one camper described as "the nicest cleanest we've used." Despite its urban location, Johnny Appleseed offers surprising seclusion, with a reviewer noting, "During our stay, I continued to forget that I was in the city." For those seeking more rustic experiences, dispersed camping options exist but are limited compared to developed facilities. Camping in this region tends to be family-oriented with amenities focused on activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking along established nature trails.

Best Camping Sites Near Arcola, Indiana (91)

    1. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Albion, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 636-2654

    $12 - $80 / night

    "Met up with 18 other skoolies our first Indiana meet. Met great people had a fantastic time. Great park kids swam, showers are clean. Electric at sites but water isn’t but very close by."

    "Chain is perfect for kayaking and canoeing with 9 connected lakes and 11 total. A couple lakes are perfect for boat fishing as long as you have an electric motor only."

    2. Johnny Appleseed Campground

    15 Reviews
    Fort Wayne, IN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 427-6720

    "Easy access to downtown, the Coliseum, IPFW, and shopping. The River Greenway path cuts right through the park, and there is also a boat launch for the river."

    "For $24, we got a day of drive in spot with electrical + water hook-ups and wifi. The campground is well-maintained and very clean."

    3. Indian Springs Campground

    10 Reviews
    Garrett, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 357-5572

    $20 - $89 / night

    4. Blue Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Huntertown, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 693-2265

    $40 / night

    "Blue Lake Resort is a hidden gem for campers! The serene atmosphere and beautiful lake views make it a perfect getaway. The amenities are well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and accommodating."

    "The lake is clean and has a decent beach. You can rent kayaks for cheap. Has a pretty decent grocery store on site. The bathrooms are huge and clean. Wifi is good at our lot."

    5. Camp Timber Lake

    4 Reviews
    Roanoke, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 672-3251

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Escaped to this little place on the outskirts of Fort Wayne, Indiana and it was absolutely worth it. Everyone was nice including the neighboring campers."

    "Campground is located on private property and all of the primitive spots are right on the lake or very close to it. "

    6. Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake

    11 Reviews
    Huntington, IN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 468-2165

    "It was very relaxing and I also enjoyed walking on different paths to enjoy nature as it was. I would highly recommend this campground to anyone. It is also family friended"

    "Kil-so-qauh, used to be a little hidden gem right outside of town but has turned into quite a popular place, but for good reason."

    7. Kilsoquah Camp

    7 Reviews
    Huntington, IN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 468-2165

    $12 - $15 / night

    "Some sites around the back are more private than others. There are not trails to hike but some space to bike. Access to the lake is quite a distance from the actual campground."

    "We found a cozy camp site along the back ring near the river. We didn’t have a view but there was an area to go walk over to that had a very picturesque."

    9. chainolakes

    2 Reviews
    Leo, IN
    13 miles

    "Even though we were close in proximity to eachother, everyone remained respectful of the noise and helped eachother as much as we could. Good little camping trip community. Had a great experience"

    10. Eel River Campgrounds Inc

    1 Review
    Huntertown, IN
    7 miles
    +1 (260) 693-6465
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Showing results 1-10 of 91 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Arcola, IN

373 Reviews of 91 Arcola Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Indian Springs Campground

    500 Campsites and ONE BATH HOUSE!

    This campground has around 500 sites and ONLY ONE BATH HOUSE! It is cramped and is full of long term campers. It is geared toward kids with all kinds of bounce houses, etc. It is listed as a reaort but this is no resort. We paid more than the other sites we have stayed at in this area. So sorry we did but we did have trouble finding places in Indiana.

  • S
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake

    No Lake access from campground

    Forest settings, electricity for only $15/night. Lots of traffic in and out. A lot of older rigs.

  • Matthew H.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Art's Country Park

    Arts country Park

    Quiet,kid friendly, fur babies friendly (dogs),nice place, friendly and accommodating staff, fishing and swimming,hot showers and lots of activities in summer 👍

  • Shawna T.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    chainolakes

    Camp out

    I loved how neighborly and extremely kind our camping neighbors were. Even though we were close in proximity to eachother, everyone remained respectful of the noise and helped eachother as much as we could. Good little camping trip community. Had a great experience

  • L
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Johnny Appleseed Campground

    Great location, but no privacy

    The campground is almost in the middle of Fort Wayne. Most of the sites are very close and no vegetation to allow any privacy. On the positive side, the bathrooms were very nice and clean. The staff was also very helpful.

  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Shipshewana Campground South Park

    Nice stay

    Bathrooms clean Campground well maintained. Showers clean. Push button operation not temperature control little on the cold side for me.

  • Paula  S.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Blue Water Campground

    Our stay at bluewater

    The staff is extremely friendly, and try to accomadate with anything you could need. The campesites are fairly large with gravel pads. They offer water and electric hook-up for 30&50 amps. There is not a sewer hook up but they do offer a weekly pump out for a small fee and a dump station on the way out. The pool, ponds, playground and pavillion are all within walking distance from almost any site.

  • Allie H.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Huggy Bear Campground

    Overall a great experience

    Clean! Tons to do especially for kids, pet friendly, definitely get rowdy on the weekends- book ahead to snag the best sites. We stayed 5 days and it was awesome. Mini golf, fishing, 3 pools, inflatable in the water, they have a whole schedule for the weekends here. It’s great!


Guide to Arcola

Camping near Arcola, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Johnny Appleseed Campground. A visitor said, "Restrooms are very clean and comfortable."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many enjoy the welcoming atmosphere at Johnny Appleseed Campground. One camper remarked, "Nice place and very friendly camp hosts."
  • Spacious Campsites: At Gordons Campground, families love the room to spread out. A reviewer stated, "We had our kids and grandkids with us a few times, and everyone had a blast."

What you should know:

  • Site Variability: Campsites can vary in size and privacy. A camper at Ouabache State Park Campground mentioned, "The campsites are variable; size and privacy definitely depend on the site you book."
  • Crowded Beaches: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak times. One visitor at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground noted, "The beach is often overcrowded with local partiers."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A reviewer at Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake mentioned, "No bathhouse, just pit toilets."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Site: Look for private sites at campgrounds like Johnny Appleseed Campground. One camper said, "Our site was one of the more private which earned the 5-stars."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, like fishing or hiking, to keep everyone entertained. A family at Gordons Campground enjoyed, "Lots of activities for the kids, crafts, hayrides."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids during outdoor adventures. A camper at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, "It was a great weekend with the family!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake noted, "Electric sites are small and not private."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Indian Springs Campground said, "Very loud and rambunctious campers on the weekend."
  • Bring Your Own Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have firewood or other essentials. A visitor at Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake mentioned, "Bring your own toilet paper and firewood."

Camping near Arcola, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Arcola, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Arcola, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 91 campgrounds and RV parks near Arcola, IN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Arcola, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arcola, IN is Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 52 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arcola, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Arcola, IN.