Camping areas near Goshen, Indiana feature a mix of lakeside and wooded settings with elevations generally between 800-900 feet above sea level. Most campsite options within driving distance maintain moderate temperatures in summer, with July averages around 83°F. The region's glacial topography creates numerous lakes and wetlands that influence camping conditions throughout the area.
What to do
Amish country exploration: Visit Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park, located in the heart of Amish country where you can hear "the clopping of the horse drawn carriages of the Amish every so often." The park sits adjacent to "beautiful grazing fields with cattle and horses" and offers easy access to cultural experiences unique to the region.
Mini golf and recreation: Pla-Mor Campground features "mini golf, a driving range, laundry, an arcade and ice cream." The campground maintains "an in-ground swimming pool, mini golf, small arcade room, camp store, playground and fishing" making it ideal for activity-focused camping trips.
Nature walks and wildlife: Trails at many campgrounds connect to larger trail systems. At Ebys Pines, "trails lead to a local County park - Bonneyville Mill" giving campers access to extended hiking options beyond campground boundaries, where you can observe local wildlife and natural features.
What campers like
Peaceful settings: Campers appreciate quiet surroundings at many Goshen area sites. One camper notes that at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, you'll find a "nice quiet campground with lots of wildlife. Tent lots are flat and a good size. RR and showers nearby."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high on camper priorities. A visitor to Elkhart RV Resort mentioned: "Facilities are older but clean and the amenities for kids are great. The WiFi was very reliable if you have to work."
Convenience for RV service: The Elkhart area is known for RV manufacturing and service. Elkhart County Fairgrounds provides good access to these facilities: "We came to Elkhart for a week to have servicing done on our 5th wheel. The campground was easy to find and pull into just a short drive off the highway."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Goshen sit close to active rail lines. One camper warned: "There is an active railroad nearby this campground. 4 Trains woke us up during the night. I won't stay here again." Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
Site variations: Campsites around Goshen vary significantly in size and privacy. At Elkhart Campground, "the regular sites are very close together in this campground. The deluxe sites give you a cement pad and better spacing but are still fairly close together."
Extra fees: Watch for additional charges at some campgrounds. One reviewer noted: "Stayed here 3 nights in October campground has most of the attractions (pool etc) closed as expected but still charged visitors $5 per person per day. And charged $5 per device per day for WiFi."
Tips for camping with families
Pool and splash areas: Families with children should consider campgrounds with water features. Pla-Mor Campground offers a "pool with splash area for littles. Multiple playgrounds, even a new one recently built. Large sites, not crowded."
Dog-friendly options: For families traveling with pets, look for campgrounds with dedicated pet areas. Elkhart Campground provides "about a 1/4 acre fenced dog area plus there are plenty of areas within the campground to walk your dog including a short trail through the woods at the back of the campground."
Scheduled activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events. At Ebys Pines, campers enjoyed "a corn hole tournament, a golf cart parade, a wagon ride, and a live band. Fishing pond and river, laundromat, and nice camp store."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: RVers should note utility locations when selecting sites. At Elkhart County Fairgrounds, "the utilities are at the far end of the sites. In most areas, the sites back up to each other and share a utility post (separate outlets for each site) and share the water spigot."
Site selection advice: Choose your site carefully at Potato Creek State Park Campground, where experienced campers recommend "securing a spot in the back sites 230-287 for larger lots and quieter atmosphere. Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust."
Electrical needs: Be prepared with extra equipment at some campgrounds. At Potato Creek State Park, "be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up" - essential information for RVers planning their setup.
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