Best Campgrounds near Auburn, IN
Camping areas in northeastern Indiana surrounding Auburn include several established campgrounds along lakes and forested areas. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground near Albion offers tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin accommodations, all set among a series of connected lakes. Indian Springs Campground in Garrett provides a mix of tent and RV sites with cabin options, operating from April through October. Other nearby options include Pokagon State Park Campground approximately 30 miles northeast of Auburn and Bixler Lake Park & Campground in Kendallville, about 15 miles west of Auburn.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many sites closed during winter months. "Unfortunately, Indian Springs wasn't our greatest camping experience. Our site was dirty and the arrangement of electricity, water and sewer was poor," noted one visitor, highlighting the importance of researching specific campground conditions. Chain O' Lakes and Pokagon State Parks remain open year-round, though services may be limited in colder months. Reservation requirements vary by location, with state parks typically requiring advance booking, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, with water and sewer connections available at select sites. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly around the lakes and wooded sections.
Several visitors mentioned the quality of natural features as highlights of camping experiences in the region. The connected waterways at Chain O' Lakes State Park receive particular praise, with one camper noting, "I love the lilly pad maze through the lake, by far the most fun I had there, and it's the most beautiful part of the park." Bixler Lake Park & Campground earns positive reviews for its peaceful atmosphere, with a visitor describing it as "a quiet place to relax and enjoy a long weekend." Family-friendly activities appear common at many campgrounds, including Gordon's Campground which offers crafts, hayrides and organized events. Mixed-use campgrounds with both short-term and seasonal residents are common throughout the region, with varying reviews on maintenance and amenities at private facilities.