Northeastern Indiana offers a range of camping options within 30 miles of Columbia City. The area features gently rolling terrain at elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level, with numerous lakes and ponds scattered throughout the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity levels during July and August.
What to do
Explore connected waterways: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground provides access to nine interconnected lakes perfect for paddling. "Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored," notes Amanda J. from Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground.
Visit Amish communities: The Shipshewana area offers authentic cultural experiences within 30 minutes of Columbia City. "Easy access to the Shipshewana Flea Market and E&S Sales (greatest bulk food shopping EVER!) Campground was impeccably clean and quiet," shares Lisa D. about Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park.
Bike the Pumpkinvine Trail: This paved rail-trail connects several communities near Columbia City. "This campground was very convenient to the town of Shipshewanna, Amish Country and the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail. We enjoyed our stay, two days of riding on the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail," reports Cindy B.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many rv parks near Columbia City prioritize cleanliness. "The shower and bathroom was the best I ever saw at a campground," shares a visitor about Maple Ridge Campground, which features newly remodeled facilities.
Family-focused activities: Weekend programming keeps kids entertained at several campgrounds. "Owner operator campground where the family knows how to cater to the kids. Multiple activities on Saturday included tractor ride, kids bingo, and elephant ears," explains Tony G. about Maple Ridge.
Security features: Some Columbia City area campgrounds offer added protection. "The park has a gate entrance for security," mentions Laura H. about Twin Mills Camping Resort, which provides controlled access to the camping area.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in northeastern Indiana close during winter months. "Open 4/1/2020 - 10/31/2020" is the listed season for Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney, with similar timeframes at other parks.
Cell service variations: Coverage differs between carriers across the region. "Cellular: T-Mobile had good signal strength and bandwidth, AT&T was not as good but still doable," reports Laura H. about connectivity at Twin Mills.
Site spacing concerns: Some campgrounds have tighter layouts than others. "Sites deep not very wide. Good for a quick stop," notes Barbara P. about Twin Mills, while another review mentions the seasonal sites "look like a homeless shanty town" in certain areas.
Tips for camping with families
Lakeside recreation: Beach areas provide cooling options during summer heat. "Very clean state park. Reasonable prices. Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," shares Jeremy C. about Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground.
Playground options: Check which campgrounds maintain play equipment. "The playgrounds seemed to be in good shape and the dumpsters were centrally located," notes Laura H. about Twin Mills Camping Resort.
Bathroom proximity: Consider site location relative to restrooms when booking. "RR and showers nearby," mentions Karson G. about tent sites at Chain O' Lakes, while others note that some campgrounds have limited facilities requiring longer walks.
Tips from RVers
Site configuration: Many Columbia City area RV parks use alternating layouts. "The Park offers mainly alternating pull-through sites which means you will be facing your neighbor's door not their street side of the camper. This makes for great buddy sites," explains Andrew M. about Shipshewana RV Park.
Electric options: Check for appropriate amperage before booking. "Most of the sites are full hook up, some have 30amp and some have 50amp," notes Laura H. about Twin Mills Camping Resort.
Surface conditions: Prepare for various pad materials throughout the region. "It is a crushed limestone/asphalt drives with grass in between the sites," explains Andrew M., which affects leveling and stability depending on weather conditions.
