Pokagon State Park Campground
Great site/ DNR presence too much
Great site, however, DNR drives by every five minutes. The primitive bathroom facilities are absolutely horrid, the newer ones up the road from site 238 are beautiful.
84 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping opportunities near Woodburn, Indiana span from established parks to dispersed locations across northeastern Indiana and northwestern Ohio. Several well-maintained campgrounds populate the region, including Johnny Appleseed Campground in Fort Wayne and Chain O' Lakes State Park near Albion. Most developed sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Indian Springs and Kimpels Hickory Acres also offering cabin rentals. These camping areas typically provide electric hookups, water access, and picnic tables, while several feature full amenities including showers, dump stations, and laundry facilities.
The camping season around Woodburn generally runs from April through October, though some sites like Chain O' Lakes and Ouabache State Parks remain open year-round. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. "This is a great little campground if you are wanting to explore Fort Wayne or are local and want to campout. Easy access to downtown, the Coliseum, IPFW, and shopping," noted one visitor about Johnny Appleseed Campground. Water access varies by location, with several campgrounds situated along rivers or lakes. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this region, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-90°F and occasional thunderstorms.
Campground experiences in the Woodburn area feature varying levels of privacy and amenities. Urban camping options like Johnny Appleseed provide convenient access to city attractions while maintaining a natural setting. A review mentioned, "Even though we were close in proximity to each other, everyone remained respectful of the noise and helped each other as much as we could." Most developed campgrounds in the region offer fire rings and allow fires when conditions permit. Water activities represent popular attractions at many sites, particularly at Chain O' Lakes State Park and Woodbrige Campground, where swimming, boating, and fishing enhance the camping experience. Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews across campgrounds, with Johnny Appleseed earning consistently high marks for cleanliness while other locations draw criticism for maintenance issues.
"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."
"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 **"
"Chain O Lakes State Park, Albion Indiana. Northwest of Fort Wayne. 416 electric, nonelectric & primitive campsites. Water is available & 3 dumps.
This was our 3rd time camping here."
"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."
from $14 - $90 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $129 / night
Check Availability"Even though we were close in proximity to eachother, everyone remained respectful of the noise and helped eachother as much as we could. Good little camping trip community. Had a great experience"
"Lake front sites are hard to come by as most were for permanent sites. The beach and swimming area were very nice. Our boys loved the water slide anchored in the lake to play on."
"Nice pools and small lake with beach. Place was swarming with sweat bees while we were there"
"There's 2 dump stations located in loops 3 & 4. IN THE CAMPGROUND! NEXT TO CAMPSITES!!!!"
"Pokagon (po KAY gun) has everything from a toboggan run to a lodge to lakes all around...you cannot be bored here. Open year round (limited campgrounds and services in winter)."
from $20 - $480 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Very close to the event center and auto center where they have alot of big events. Its a gravel lot in the middle of a field but they have all the normal amenities."
from $25 - $38 / night
Check Availability"The pool, ponds, playground and pavillion are all within walking distance from almost any site."
"Pool, lakes, very dog friendly, activities, food, washer and dryer, showers!"












Great site, however, DNR drives by every five minutes. The primitive bathroom facilities are absolutely horrid, the newer ones up the road from site 238 are beautiful.
Nice playground for kids, public trees all over but our site didn’t have private trees for hammocks.
The lake was nice, had water snakes.
Small, quaint, peaceful, and beautiful campground. Lots of amnesties, nice clean pool and very friendly staff. The lots here are very spacious and the site we were at was a FHU with a concrete pad, picnic table, and fire ring. We will definitely be visiting again.
Chain O Lakes State Park, Albion Indiana. Northwest of Fort Wayne.
416 electric, nonelectric & primitive campsites. Water is available & 3 dumps.
This was our 3rd time camping here. We were in handicapped site 325 which was a pretty good site. We had good neighbors which helps. The campground is well established & shaded. Read the site descriptions carefully for inclines & site dimensions.
What is really interesting is they have 7 canoe campsites. They have their own pit toilets & a little dock. Site 3 is behind the pit toilet, but the rest looked ok. They're just off trail 4 as well.
Cabins are also available.
Hot showers& bathrooms. They were state park clean, but definitely need some upgrading.
This is a boating/fishing/hiking park.
There's 29 miles of fairly easy trails- all can be looped.
9 connecting glacial kettle lakes make for great kayaking & canoeing. Electric motor only makes for a peaceful lake experience. Fishing was pretty good according to my fisherguy.
There's a 1915 schoolhouse that's open on the weekends.
There's a small swimming beach with food for sale. There's also boat rental with canoes, kayaks & small boats.
Nice campground for a summer weekend!
We really enjoy this place it's so peaceful n quite. The manager here is absolutely is the best. He's always on the watch. Feel very safe w him here.
$25 a night for a place to sleep is not bad I guess but there have been no updates for them to charge the $10 extra. This place is deserted, bug filled and honestly a bit sad.
Campground is nice people are friendly but playground for the kids was not in the camping area it was across the street in another area of the park. Really well maintained and close to town
This would be ok if you were here for a night but
This is the second time I’ve been to this park. Neither time was I able to really see the park (kids), so that is the only reason I have it a 4.
I really liked our campsite. We were in the middle of a circle drive and had the whole inner circle to ourselves, which was nice for the kids to play. It was a HUGE campsite with a fairly long back in driveway. The site was slopped, especially close to the power source. It was a bit annoying for us as tent campers but not so much that I wouldn’t rent this site again.
We weren’t all that far from water, the bathhouse, and trash services as well as a natural water spring and a trail to hike.
Camping opportunities near Woodburn, Indiana include options on public lands and private properties throughout the region. Located in the St. Joseph River watershed at approximately 750 feet elevation, the area features mostly flat terrain with occasional small hills. Most campgrounds in northeastern Indiana remain open from April through October, though winter camping is available at select locations like Ouabache State Park where comfort stations are heated year-round.
Hiking trails: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers multiple trail options for varying skill levels. "Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored. The facility is clean and very safe," shares one visitor to Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground.
Bison viewing: Ouabache State Park maintains a bison enclosure that families can visit. "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," notes a camper at Ouabache State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Multiple campgrounds provide lake or river access for fishing, boating, and swimming. "The beach and swimming area were very nice. Our boys loved the water slide anchored in the lake to play on," mentions a visitor at Woodbrige Campground in nearby Paulding, Ohio.
Modern facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds in the area. "They have the best bathrooms that I have ever seen in the campgrounds. You can even look out at the skylight at the sky. Why you take a shower and while you go to the bathroom is well. It's a beautiful bathroom very well kept," reports one camper about Johnny Appleseed Campground.
Fire tower views: Ouabache State Park offers a 200-foot restored fire tower visitors can climb. "The last time we stayed I actually walked to the top of the restored fire tower to take in the view," shares a visitor. The tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding forest and farmland.
Accessibility to urban amenities: Indian Springs Campground in Garrett offers convenient shopping access while still providing outdoor recreation. "Absolutely love this peaceful, quiet campground. We stay here weeks at a time when visiting Cincinnati. It's no frills, but the view, the ducks and the serenity are well worth staying here," notes one camper.
Site privacy varies: Many campgrounds near Woodburn feature sites with limited privacy. "The campground is almost in the middle of Fort Wayne. 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," reports a visitor to Johnny Appleseed Campground.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds in the region have water issues to be aware of. "The potable water is brown and smelly.. be sure to bring your water filter! But we did enjoy our weekend here," advises a camper at Ouabache State Park.
Seasonal considerations: The camping season affects availability and amenities. "Boat & kayak rentals are available, but closed after Labor Day," notes a Pokagon State Park Campground visitor who stayed in late September.
Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities, though some charge additional fees. "There is a Waterpark, pool, and hot tub at this campground you can access for an additional price," explains a visitor to Kimpels Hickory Acres.
Playground options: Many campgrounds include playground equipment for children. "Bathrooms are nice, and there is also a playground!" mentions a Johnny Appleseed Campground visitor. Some campgrounds also offer additional recreational facilities like jump pads.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for wildlife interactions, particularly at state parks. "The raccoons were pretty annoying though," warns an Ouabache State Park visitor. Store food securely to prevent attracting unwanted wildlife to your campsite.
Site length limitations: Some campgrounds have shorter sites that may not accommodate larger rigs. "Sites are shorter and sometimes uneven. Bike trail, hiking trails, store, beach, inn, nature center," advises a Pokagon State Park camper.
Hookup availability: Electric hookups are standard at most campgrounds near Woodburn, but full hookups are less common. "Only draw back is no water and sewer hook up at the campsite," notes an Ouabache State Park visitor. Many campgrounds offer dump stations instead of sewer hookups.
Campground layout: For RVers seeking specific site characteristics, research the campground layout in advance. "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," explains a visitor to Chain O' Lakes State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Woodburn, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Woodburn, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 84 campgrounds and RV parks near Woodburn, IN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Woodburn, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Woodburn, IN is Johnny Appleseed Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 17 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Woodburn, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Woodburn, IN.
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