Best Campgrounds near Elkhart, IN

Camping areas around Elkhart, Indiana, include several state parks within driving distance. Tippecanoe River State Park Campground has both basic sites and ones with more facilities, plus you can canoe or fish on the river right there. Van Buren State Park Campground sits close to Lake Michigan, with trails and beach access nearby. If you camp at Pokagon State Park, you'll find electric hookups and clean bathrooms in a wooded setting. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground works well for water-loving campers, as you can boat and fish on multiple connected lakes. You'll need reservations during busy times, especially summer weekends. Local fire rules change throughout the year, so check before you go. Most campers prefer spring and fall here since summers get humid and winters are cold. The roads to these campgrounds are in good shape, though a few remote spots might need a short walk or boat trip. Don't plan on gathering firewood - bring your own instead, as collecting is typically not allowed in these parks. These camping spots range from quiet to activity-filled, depending on what you want.

Best Camping Sites Near Elkhart, Indiana (120)

    1. Elkhart Campground

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

    "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."

    "Very clean, nice sized dog park, quiet and close to restaurants. If had an occasion to stay here again…we definitely would!"

    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, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 641-5429

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Just stay away from our upstairs area 😅"

    9. KOA Campground Middlebury

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

    10. Maple Ridge Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Liberty, IN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 784-8532

    "Great quiet place to get away from town."

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Showing results 1-10 of 120 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elkhart, IN

618 Reviews of 120 Elkhart Campgrounds



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 camping is available near Elkhart, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Elkhart, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 120 campgrounds and RV parks near Elkhart, IN and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Elkhart, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elkhart, IN is Elkhart Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elkhart, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Elkhart, IN.

What parks are near Elkhart, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Elkhart, IN that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.