Best Campgrounds near Elkhart, IN

Campgrounds near Elkhart, Indiana primarily offer established camping with full hookups and amenities rather than primitive or dispersed options. The area features several family-friendly RV parks including Elkhart Campground, Potato Creek State Park Campground, and Elkhart County Fairgrounds, all offering varying levels of facilities. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, while several also provide cabin rentals and glamping options. These developed campgrounds typically operate within easy driving distance of Elkhart, making them convenient bases for exploring the region.

Most campgrounds in the Elkhart area operate seasonally, with the majority open from April through October or November. Full hookup RV sites with 50-amp service are widely available, though tent campers will find designated areas at most locations as well. Reservation requirements are common, particularly during summer months when occupancy rates increase. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with humid summers and cold winters limiting the camping season. Facilities like showers, flush toilets, and dump stations are standard at most developed sites. As one visitor noted, "Clean, with decent amenities. The front and side sites seemed nicer and had ample shade with some concrete sites."

Family-oriented amenities represent a common theme among Elkhart area campgrounds. Swimming pools, playgrounds, mini-golf, and game rooms appear frequently in visitor reviews. Several campgrounds provide fenced dog parks and walking trails for pet owners. Noise concerns emerge in some reviews, particularly at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds where train traffic is mentioned repeatedly. A camper wrote, "The campground is clean and well kept. The trains are kinda annoying. It's easy to get around to all the great area and explore." Site spacing varies considerably between locations, with some reviews noting tight quarters while others highlight more spacious arrangements. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities and offer reliable utilities, contributing to generally positive review scores across the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Elkhart, Indiana (122)

    1. Elkhart Campground

    11 Reviews
    Elkhart, IN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 264-2914

    "Elkhart Campground is great Clean , easy access, lots of pull through sites with full hook up - pool, Close to big lake too!!!"

    "We were looking for a campsite particularly in Elkhart as we were visiting family and stumbled upon this one. It is family run and they are all wonderful! We had a nice spot not too close to anyone."

    2. Potato Creek State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    North Liberty, IN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 656-8186

    $20 - $90 / night

    "Great walking trails, great for families with youngsters. Park activities and lots of trail walking. 25 mins away from South Bend/Mishawaka and 40 mins away from Elkhart and there RV Hall of Fame."

    "I feel this is one of the best state parks in Indiana. Come with your own water as they don’t have water hookups at your campsite but there are some nearby. The sites are very spacious and clean."

    3. Ebys Pines

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 848-4583

    "Trails lead to a local County park - Bonneyville Mill. There’s a roller skating rink and laser tag across the street."

    4. Elkhart RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Granger, IN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 800-2069

    $39 - $47 / night

    "This campground is close to home so we spent a couple days here so the kids could play while I worked. All staff was extremely helpful and friendly from the minute we pulled in."

    "The sites were set with nice gravel onto a cement patio surrounded by large trees. So it had the nice feel of outside with no mud and dirt tracked into our pull through RV site."

    5. Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney

    11 Reviews
    Middlebury, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 347-6889

    "Near Elkhart and the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum. Great place to visit, really interesting. Also, near Shipshewana."

    "They have trails that are a nice walk for the dogs and a pond to catch and release fish."

    6. Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    7 Reviews
    Goshen, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 533-3247

    "Elkhart County 4-h Fairgrounds: Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)"

    "A little close to your neighbors but the way the sites are angled you had plenty of room. Very friendly people. Easy in and out."

    7. Spaulding Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Niles, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 684-1393

    "The surrounding area seems like the camp is in a bad location, but the bushes that surround the place block out all the noise."

    8. Willow Shores Campground

    1 Review
    Bristol, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 641-5429

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Just stay away from our upstairs area 😅"

    9. Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 426-4013

    "There is a path to the beach for walking but it is a long walk. We tried walking a wagon to the beach via the road but regretted it. A kind family drove us half the distance."

    "There are sand dunes in the park just walking distance from some campsites. You can climb these dunes to the beach ( a farther walk) or take a short drive. They have restrooms/showers."

    10. KOA Campground Middlebury

    5 Reviews
    Middlebury, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 825-5932
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Recent Reviews near Elkhart, IN

639 Reviews of 122 Elkhart Campgrounds


  • Therese S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    Nice Campground But Spendy

    Nice campground with easy access to dunes and lake, but the nightly fee for a motorhome with electric only (no water) was $60 a night. Quite a bit higher than we would typically go for, but other campgrounds in the area were shut down for the season. The spaces are small but it wasn’t too crowded, bathrooms and showers were very clean.

  • v
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Markin Glen County Park

    Clean and near bike trails

    Great park. Well maintained. Very clean. Lots of bike trails, a beach area. Helpful staff!

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Small, lakeside, chill

    This was our first time staying at Covert Park Beach + Campground. We stayed in site 52 with our 21 ft travel trailer. The site is a good size. Tree placement made it a little tricky to back into, but nothing crazy. We stayed Sunday to Saturday, so we got to see it at its bustling weekend peak and the quiet, cozy weekday vibe. Family friendly, dog friendly and kid friendly. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach, but there's a beach a few minutes down the road (Hagar Beach) where you can bring leashed dogs. Sunset views were beautiful. Bathrooms were very clean and showers nice and hot. The two guys who were running the check-in and campground operations were super cool- they were the perfect mix of attentive and laid back. No sewer on campsites but there's a dump station when you enter/exit. Ice and firewood are abundantly available and can be delivered to your site. We loved our stay here. Tree cover is generous, and it really preserves the camping feel. Weekend crowd was fun, friendly and lots of locals. Would definitely stay again!

  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Shipshewana Campground South Park

    Nice stay

    Bathrooms clean Campground well maintained. Showers clean. Push button operation not temperature control little on the cold side for me.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Michigan City Campground

    66$ for a good overnight!

    Staying here started off as a last minute thing as we’re driving through and made no arrangements for overnight lodging. With our rooftop tent, staying here was no problem! There was water hookups and electricity if desired, although we didn’t use them.

    The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing.

    I do recommend this place, however, few things to know: the campground space is tight. You will be pretty close to people around you, many with kids. It seems kind of like a family retreat type of location and honestly? It’s a whole vibe and if that’s for you, then this place is too!

    #GoAnyway

  • Sarah and Philip H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Tippecanoe River Run

    Tippecanoe River Run

    Don’t think I’ve ever stayed anywhere so peaceful. Birds chirping, right on a nature spring, everyone is respectful but laid back,. Full hook ups and amazing stay.

  • G
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Weko Beach Campground

    Wonderful site, easy beach access

    Campground was clean, with trails leading directly to Weko beach with gorgeous walking paths. Highly recommend, definitely a hidden gem.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    Clean and quiet

    The grounds were well kept and clean. Even though it was pretty booked when we were there it didn’t feel crowded. Overall pleasant experience.

  • Ray L.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Bixler Lake Park & Campground

    Quiet.

    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.


Guide to Elkhart

Camping near Elkhart, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Potato Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great spacing between sites and offers miles of hiking and biking trails."
  • Beach Access: Spend a day at the beach near Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. A camper shared, "It's only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times."
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy fishing or kayaking at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Kayaking the 13 lakes can easily last from morning to sundown."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Michigan City Campground. One visitor said, "Very well kept, safe supervision, quiet clean facilities."
  • Wooded Campsites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by the wooded sites at Fort Custer Recreation Area. A camper remarked, "Huge beautiful campground. Lots of privacy."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Pokagon State Park Campground. One review stated, "The camp host are very nice couple. Everyone was very friendly."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground. A visitor warned, "The mosquitoes are absolutely terrible due to the campground's proximity to the Tippacanoe River."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, particularly on weekends. A reviewer at Warren Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "The place was a little crowded, but once it got dark it was quiet and peaceful."
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites are close together, like at Van Buren State Park Campground. A camper noted, "Clean campground with large sites but no privacy between sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Van Buren State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Family-oriented campground with 2 playgrounds—thus very noisy during the day with kids."
  • Cabin Rentals: Consider renting a cabin at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground for a more comfortable stay. One family said, "The cabins are small but perfectly fine for our group."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan activities like hiking or fishing to keep kids engaged. A camper at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, "This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites, especially at Pokagon State Park Campground. A reviewer advised, "Some sites can accommodate larger rigs, most can't."
  • Dump Station Access: Be aware of dump station locations, as noted by a camper at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground. They mentioned, "The dump station needed a serious update."
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground fill up quickly, especially in summer. A visitor warned, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."

Camping around Elkhart, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Elkhart, Indiana?

Elkhart Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, easy access, and numerous pull-through sites with full hookups. The family-run operation offers a pool and is conveniently located close to the lake. Another excellent option is Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney, situated in the heart of Amish country near the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum. This resort features numerous amenities including a pool, miniature golf, volleyball courts, a fishing pond, bike rentals, and a play area.

Is there free camping available near Elkhart, Indiana?

True free camping options are limited near Elkhart, Indiana. The Elkhart County Fairgrounds offers reasonably priced camping at $35 for water and electric hookups, making it one of the more affordable options in the area. For those willing to travel a bit further, Warren Dunes State Park Campground offers semi-modern sites at competitive rates. While not free, these campgrounds provide good value for budget-conscious campers. Always check with local authorities about potential boondocking opportunities on public lands if seeking completely free options.

What tent camping sites are available near Elkhart?

Twin Mills Camping Resort offers beautiful tent sites under tall trees in a quiet setting, with amenities including lake access and a beach area. It's a popular choice for tent campers visiting Elkhart. Another excellent option is Potato Creek State Park Campground, located about 40 minutes from Elkhart. This family-friendly park features spacious sites with electric hookups, numerous walking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and organized park activities. The sites are described as big and roomy, perfect for tent setups.

Are there RV campgrounds in Elkhart with full hookups?

Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park offers full hookup sites that are spacious and level, conveniently located near the town of Shipshewana and the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail in Amish Country. For those staying in Elkhart itself, Michigan City Campground provides premium 90-foot pull-through sites with 50-amp service, water, and sewer connections. Their sites also feature cement patios and excellent WiFi connectivity. Both campgrounds are well-maintained and offer easy access for large RVs with all the necessary hookups for a comfortable stay.