Potato Creek State Park and Maple Ridge Campground sit within a 30-minute drive from Bremen, Indiana, in the glaciated landscape of northern Indiana. This region features multiple fishing lakes, wetlands, and mixed hardwood forests at elevations ranging between 800-850 feet above sea level. Summer nights often drop to the mid-50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, making camping comfortable with proper preparation.
What to do
Hiking trails for all skill levels: At Potato Creek State Park, visitors can explore diverse terrain with varying difficulty. "I've probably hiked it two dozen times at least and it's got nice trails for the part of Indiana that it's in. Most of them are relatively flat with some trails, like number two, having some hills and stairs," notes Kaley A. The park's trail system includes both paved and natural surface paths through wetlands and forests.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked ponds at Spaulding Lake Campground provide excellent fishing within 20 miles of Bremen. "3 fishing ponds that are well stocked," reports Erwin Y., who recommends specific bait choices. "Live crawlers work best," adds another camper who found success at the campground's small ponds.
Off-leash dog areas: Dog owners appreciate designated pet-friendly spaces. Warren Dunes State Park features a specific section for four-legged companions. "The best part, dog friendly off-leash beach! If you travel with dogs, it's a great campground," shares Amy G. Most campgrounds in the region permit pets but enforce leash requirements outside designated areas.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Maple Ridge offers strategically arranged sites that maximize personal space. "The campsites are setup for two pull through a side by side with shared yard in the middle," notes Tony G. This arrangement allows both privacy and community spaces for families camping together.
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathhouses rank high with campers at Elkhart Campground. "The shower house is clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," mentions one visitor. Another noted the campground's "clean, well maintained sites" and that staff members are "exceptionally friendly and helpful."
Family-friendly activities: Weekend events keep younger campers engaged. "Multiple activities on Saturday included tractor ride, kids bingo, and elephant ears," reports a visitor to Maple Ridge. At Pla-Mor Campground, families appreciate "planned events, awesome putt putt, pool with splash area for littles. Multiple playgrounds, even a new one recently built," according to Abbie K.
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Summer mosquitoes can affect camping comfort in this region. At Tippecanoe River State Park, one camper warns it's the "worst place for mosquitoes." Another visitor suggests timing alternatives: "The mosquitos get bad in the summer, so come prepared... Spring and late fall would be a good time to visit."
Varying cell service: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. "I have AT&T service and could not use my phone at all, my husband has Verizon and had no problems with cell service," reports Monica C. at Tippecanoe River State Park. Other campgrounds offer WiFi but may charge additional fees.
Yurt camping near Bremen, Indiana: While traditional yurt accommodations are limited in the immediate Bremen area, Warren Dunes State Park offers yurt camping options within a 40-minute drive. These provide an alternative for those seeking shelter between tent and cabin camping experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Choose sites with direct playground views for easier supervision. "Sites 2,3,4,6, and 7 have direct access to a playground and you can watch your children from your site," notes a visitor to Tippecanoe River State Park. Similarly, all interior sites near comfort station B allow parents to monitor children from their campsites.
Weekend activities: For peak family programming, schedule weekend stays. "The owners are very nice and plan activities every weekend for the kids," reports Shayna E. about Maple Ridge Campground. Activities typically run Saturday mornings through early evening at most family-oriented campgrounds.
Water features for kids: Mini-pools and splash areas provide safer alternatives to lake swimming. "Pool is clean and well maintained," notes a visitor to Maple Ridge. At Pla-Mor Campground, parents appreciate the "pool with splash area for littles" designed specifically for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup preparation: Pack extension cords for potentially distant connections. "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," advises Frank M. about Potato Creek. This preparation prevents frustration when assigned to sites with inconveniently placed utility connections.
Site selection strategies: For quieter experiences, request specific campground sections. "We recommend securing a spot in the back sites 230-287 for larger lots and quieter atmosphere. Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust," suggests a repeat visitor to Potato Creek State Park.
Driving time considerations: Factor in campground navigation when planning day trips. "Takes 10-15 mins to drive out of campground, so keep this in mind," notes one RVer about the size of Potato Creek State Park. Some of the larger parks require significant internal driving time before reaching main roads.
