Ouabache State Park Campground allows pets at all campsites, with its 2355-acre area offering a mix of modern and rustic camping options for dog owners. KOA Campground Bluffton provides pet-friendly sites for tents, RVs, and cabins with a designated pet area where dogs can exercise off-leash. Most campgrounds near Bluffton require pets to be leashed except in designated areas, with leashes typically limited to 6 feet in length. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground welcomes pets year-round with a two-pet maximum per site. The unisex showers at KOA Campground Bluffton may be inconvenient for campers with pets needing to shower while their dogs wait. Camp Timber Lake offers cabin rentals that accommodate pets with additional cleaning fees typically ranging from $10-25 per stay.
Hiking trails throughout Ouabache State Park provide excellent opportunities for dog walking, with multiple trail options of varying lengths suitable for different activity levels. The paved bike trail near the campground connects to a path along the Wabash River into Bluffton, creating an easy ride for cyclists with dogs that can keep pace. Wildlife encounters require vigilance as raccoons have been noted as particularly active around campsites. While the water at Ouabache State Park appears brown and requires filtering, the lake areas at nearby J. Edward Roush Lake (Kil-So-Quah) allow dogs to swim in designated areas. Pet owners should note that Kil-So-Quah has pit toilets rather than full bathrooms, which may affect comfort during longer stays with pets. Many campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operating schedules, with full services typically available from April through October.
$20 - $33 / night
"The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground, and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River that goes into nearby Bluffton, and is an easy ride. "
"Plenty of trails to hike and a nice little lake to enjoy. Will definitely come back here"
"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."
"They have a pool, basketball area, playground, dog run area, and a volleyball net(but the ball is flat). Nicer than a lot of places we’ve stayed."
$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."
"The location here is pretty crazy it’s right in the middle of town but feels like a park there is a river and wooded area that makes you feel like you are in nature but you are just a parking lot **away **"
"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."
$14 - $35 / night
"It would have been nice if there were pet station placed around the campground to make it easy for dog walkers to rid themselves of their full poop bags and to provide folks a place to get poop bags if"
"This is one of the best parks we have been to in Indiana. We Volunteer all over our the USA at State Parks and National Forest. So we know what to look for."
$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. "
$14 - $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."
"Only stopped here for the night to catch a rest so cannot speak to the trails or lakes."
"My husband and I and our 2 dogs stayed 4 nights at the campground for an event. Right outside of Hartford city you never know what to expect."
"This was our second stay here…campground is surrounded by corn fields but park itself is quite picturesque with mature trees, a lake, and very well-manicured grounds."
LegendThe location here is pretty crazy it’s right in the middle of town but feels like a park there is a river and wooded area that makes you feel like you are in nature but you are just a parking lot away from an arena and college. There is a playground and a dog park. Here as well as ball diamonds. This is a great family friendly place but is very very busy during the season.
LegendWe love camping in the off season but with that comes closures. Some sections of the campgrounds might not be open, no camp hosts and limited bathrooms and showers houses. This is to be expected, but when I called the morning of our trip to make sure potable water was available and I was told yes it was only to drive 2 hours and realized they were wrong. No water 🙁. This would not have been a peas we have dry camped before but all the bathrooms were closed as well.
After called the park ranger he did let us get some water at the maintenance building so we were at least able to finish the weekend. Lesson learned always pull with at least some water.
Now back to the campground itself was nice and clean. Site are a little close together. The biggest down side is you are there to enjoy the lake but the lake had algae warnings everywhere not to go near the water.
They do have a dog park, pool and splash pad when in season and a marina. Also they have WiFi and good cell coverage.
TravelerI stayed with full hookups, but no cable (don't need it, so don't know if it's available) and we weren't close enough to connect to the WIFI (only close enough to occasionally see 1 bar pop up).
Friendly folks, catch and release fishing pond, and a pond with beach for swimming. Good size playground, jump pad, and off-leash"dog park" available as well.
On AT&T, I typically had 2 bars and no problem streaming music or browsing Facebook. My fellow travelers, on Sprint, said they had poor reception. I'm guessing 1 bar.
Worth noting that my wife said the water pressure in the shower house was fairly low. (I shower in the camper, so can't comment.) Water pressure was fine at our site, though. Also worth noting that many of the back-in sites can be pull-through if you get there when it's not busy.
TravelerI return to Salamonie River State Forest year after year because it truly feels like Northeast Indiana’s best-kept secret. This 21‑site primitive campground offers peaceful seclusion, 4 pit toilets, and two water sources—including a spring‑fed spigot with crisp, cold, delicious drinking water. I’ve stayed at several sites, with Site 18 and Site 20 as favorites. Tent‑friendly, small camper-friendly, pet‑friendly, and just $15/night, it sits beside horse trails, hiking routes, and great fishing. A small campground with big shine—highly recommended.
GuideThe beach was clean and fun. Not very busy when we were there, which was nice. We stayed on Campsite 208. Nice size campsite, which good shade. The campsite did have a bigger than expected slope, but nothing horrible. Some campsite s looked amazing and others looked to be in major need of some TLC. Most of the campsites were in need of a fresh layer of gravel for their parking pads. The restrooms were clean, and the hot water was plentiful for my shower. It would have been nice if there were pet station placed around the campground to make it easy for dog walkers to rid themselves of their full poop bags and to provide folks a place to get poop bags if they forgot to bring some. Overall a great weekend.
GuideThey have a tremendous pet park with a well maintained yard. The only problem so far has been the water distribution. But the price is very affordable. My site was 30 dollars a night. Bath house and bathrooms are very nicely kept clean. And there is a river right beside it.
ScoutClean! 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!
GuideWe have stayed at this park several times. The camp sites are mostly spaced out for room, but some can get very wet and flooded during a nice rain. The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground, and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River that goes into nearby Bluffton, and is an easy ride. The bison enclosure is always fun to check out, and the last time we stayed I actually walked to the top of the restored fire tower to take in the view. We have never used the lake, but plan on taking some kayaks out at some point.
TravelerEscaped to this little place on the outskirts of Fort Wayne, Indiana and it was absolutely worth it. Everyone was nice including the neighboring campers. Most importantly, everything was kept very clean. We loved the fact that fur babies are allowed in. However, they are not allowed in the water or near the beach. Next time we will have to try the zip-lines! We definitely will be repeat campers❤️.
Campgrounds near Bluffton, Indiana sit at approximately 830 feet elevation in the gently rolling terrain of Wells County. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from December through February, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s. Most campgrounds in this area feature wooded settings around lakes and rivers that were formed during the last ice age when glaciers carved through the landscape.
Climb the fire tower: At Ouabache State Park Campground, visitors can ascend the restored fire tower for panoramic views. "The last time we stayed I actually walked to the top of the restored fire tower to take in the view," notes Jacob A., who appreciates this unique perspective of the park landscape.
Visit the bison enclosure: Ouabache State Park maintains a bison habitat that provides educational opportunities about native wildlife. "The bison enclosure is always fun to check out," reports Jacob A., while Brad H. adds that "The kids loved the Bison" during their family camping trip.
Lake activities: Salamonie Lake at Lost Bridge West offers multiple water recreation options during the warmer months. "The beach was clean and fun. Not very busy when we were there, which was nice," reports Burns G., who enjoyed the lakeside amenities during their stay.
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal facilities, some campgrounds remain open year-round. "Love this place for winter camping. The campground comfort stations are heated all winter long," shares Lisa N. about Ouabache State Park, making it suitable for cold weather adventures.
Clean facilities: Johnny Appleseed Campground receives consistent praise for its bathroom cleanliness. "They have the best bathrooms that I have ever seen in the campgrounds. You can even look out at the skylight at the sky while you take a shower," shares Christie S., highlighting the exceptional quality of these facilities.
Affordable pricing: Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake offers budget-friendly options for campers. "Electric for $15. Lots of traffic in and out though," notes Shawn in their review, indicating the excellent value despite some drawbacks.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds feature abundant wildlife observation opportunities. "Good bird watching spot. Lots of eagles," reports Erica A. about Kil-So-Quah, highlighting nature viewing opportunities that don't require hiking or specialized equipment.
Urban convenience: Johnny Appleseed Campground provides proximity to city amenities while maintaining a camping atmosphere. "The proximity to downtown and everything else in the area is a huge plus," shares Derek N., making this an ideal option for campers who want outdoor experiences without complete isolation.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with water appearance or taste. "The potable water is brown and smelly... be sure to bring your water filter!" advises Emily P. about Ouabache State Park, suggesting campers should prepare accordingly.
Bathroom facilities vary: Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area has well-maintained but dispersed facilities. "They also have the nicest pit toilets I've ever seen ANYWHERE! They didn't even smell," reports Cynthia K., noting the surprisingly clean condition of even the more rustic options.
Noise considerations: Railroad proximity affects some campgrounds. "There is a train that blows its horn all night long," warns Kristine W. about KOA Campground Bluffton, suggesting light sleepers might want to consider alternative locations.
Site selection matters: At Lost Bridge West, "Some sites are very close together, while some offer a little more room. Sites 221-243, 202-204 offer lake views," advises Cynthia K., highlighting that research before booking can significantly improve your experience.
Playground options: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground offers multiple play areas for children. "Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," shares Jeremy C., indicating the diverse recreation options available for families with children of different ages.
Swimming restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific rules about children and pool access. At Wildwood Outdoor Escape, "We found out the hard way toddlers who are not potty trained are not allowed in the pool even with swimmy diapers on," reports Sammii D., an important consideration for families with very young children.
Educational programs: Naturalist-led activities enhance family camping experiences. "We spoke with the naturalist and volunteered our time she was absolutely fantastic," shares Julie B. about Chain O' Lakes State Park, highlighting the educational opportunities available.
Multiple activity options: Having diverse recreation choices helps keep children engaged. "There a basketball net, volleyball court, small playground and fishing ponds," notes Sammii D. about Wildwood Outdoor Escape, providing options for various interests and energy levels.
Hookup limitations: Water and sewer connections aren't universal at all campgrounds. "Only draw back is no water and sewer hook up at the campsite," notes Steve C. about Ouabache State Park, important information for RVers planning extended stays.
Site flooding risks: Weather can impact some camping areas more than others. "The camp sites are mostly spaced out for room, but some can get very wet and flooded during a nice rain," warns Jacob A. about Ouabache State Park, suggesting campers should consider seasonal timing and site selection.
Payment methods: Some campgrounds have specific requirements for transactions. "Payment needs to be by cash or check which I thought was strange in this day and age," reports Sammii D. about Wildwood Outdoor Escape, indicating RVers should plan their payment options accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bluffton, IN is Ouabache State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 12 reviews.
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