Camping spots near Leo, Indiana range across Noble, DeKalb, and Allen counties with terrain characterized by glacial lakes, rolling woodlands, and river corridors. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level, contributing to temperature variations between day and night. The region experiences average summer temperatures of 70-85°F during peak camping months, with rainfall amounts typically higher in spring and early summer.
What to do
Kayaking connected waterways: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers nine interconnected lakes that create an extensive paddling network. As one visitor noted, "I have stayed at this Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground many times since I was little. There is so much to do. Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored."
Beach activities and swimming: Several campgrounds maintain beaches with designated swimming areas for cooling off during summer months. A visitor to Pokagon State Park shared, "There's 500+ sites, but all nicely separated and shaded. There's an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach, toboggan run, etc. Tons of picnic areas and pavilions; would be a great spot for a family reunion."
City exploration with camping access: Johnny Appleseed Campground provides a base for exploring Fort Wayne while still maintaining a camping experience. A reviewer explained, "The campground is almost in the middle of Fort Wayne. The park is connected to the river greenway which is a beautiful walk along the river! I was also impressed with how clean the bathrooms and showers were!"
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Many campers highlight the well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities at campgrounds in the Leo region. One reviewer of Bixler Lake Park & Campground stated, "This is by far the place to just relax. It does have its moments..Holidays and special events. Even then campers here live by the lights out code. Been here nearly a month and definitely will be back."
Lake activities and access: Water recreation remains a significant draw for campers, with fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. A visitor to Blue Lake Campground commented, "We stayed in lot A-14. They are all gravel lots, but nice and level. The lake is clean and has a decent beach. You can rent kayaks for cheap. Has a pretty decent grocery store on site."
Nature observation opportunities: Camping sites offer chances to view local wildlife in their natural habitats. As one camper at Chain O' Lakes reported, "Nice quiet campground with lots of wildlife. Tent lots are flat and a good size. RR and showers nearby."
What you should know
Campground layout variations: The design and organization of campsites differ significantly between locations, affecting privacy and accessibility. A visitor to Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday observed, "We've been to many KOA campgrounds over the years. Some great, some I'll never go back to. Hogback Lake definitely ranks at the top of the list. The owners take excellent care of the property and you can tell they're continually reinvesting in maintenance and upgrades."
Site selection strategies: Choosing the right site can significantly impact your camping experience. A camper at Johnny Appleseed noted, "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."
Seasonal variations in crowds: Weekends and holidays typically see higher occupancy rates than weekdays, particularly during summer months. One camper shared about Chain O' Lakes, "We were in the tent portion and it was very loud, the pit toilets did not have doors, and there were some mosquitoes. It was Memorial Day weekend which could explain the noise/busy-ness. The RV sites have better bathrooms I believe."
Tips for camping with families
Consider activity options: Select campgrounds with amenities tailored to children of various ages. A visitor to Pokagon State Park Campground reported, "We stopped here for a night on our cross-country trip, wish we had 2 nights because we had lots of thunderstorms. We camped in our teardrop on the primitive tent loop. Sites were nice and secluded where we were, but you could hear a few late night partiers nearby. Tons of things to do (playgrounds, lake, beach, hiking, horseback and pony rides etc)."
Check bathroom proximity: Family camping often requires accessible restroom facilities. One camper at Chain O' Lakes mentioned, "I was not particularly happy with my campsite it was a lot smaller space for my tent then what look like in the picture. I would like to see them improve their trails and have better directional signs as to which path is which."
Prioritize safety features: Look for campgrounds with clearly defined swimming areas and well-maintained play equipment. A visitor shared, "The facility is clean and very safe."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds have uneven sites that may require leveling blocks. One RVer noted about Indian Springs Campground, "Unfortunately, Indian Springs wasn't our greatest camping experience. We were enroute and only there for one night which was plenty. Our site was dirty and the arrangement of electricity, water and sewer was poor."
Highway noise awareness: Some campgrounds in the region are situated near major roads, creating potential noise issues. An RVer at Angola/Hogback Lake KOA reported, "Highway noise was terrible. So many open spaces and we're assigned a highway space. They obviously cater to seasonal campers. Find another place if you're on the move."
Seasonal site advantages: Many local campgrounds have large numbers of seasonal residents who maintain their sites year-round. As one camper observed, "The transient sites are, near the US-20 road, to the north are and easily accessible. I do not consider this to be a extremely loud road but there is large truck traffic day/night."
