Top Free Dispersed Camping near Goshen, IN

Camping near Goshen, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to wooded trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What to do:

• Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Potato Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We love Potato Creek! The paved bike trails are amazing." Another camper noted, "Great spacing between sites and offers miles of hiking and biking trails."
• Fishing and Boating: At Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A reviewer shared, "Kayaking the 13 lakes can easily last from morning to sundown."
• Beach Access: Warren Dunes State Park Campground is perfect for beach lovers. One camper said, "The beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"

What campers like:

• Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the scenic views at Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park. A visitor remarked, "The campground was thickly wooded and beautiful."
• Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained amenities at Fort Custer Recreation Area. One review stated, "The showers and bathrooms are fine, and I think they're being upgraded this season."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Michigan City Campground. A reviewer noted, "The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your campsite."

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground. One camper warned, "The mosquitoes are prolific and abundant! We left early."
• Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, like Van Buren State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "The camp is clean and quiet, but it was crowded with families."
• Limited Privacy: Many sites are close together, particularly at Warren Dunes State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Clean campground with large sites but no privacy between sites."

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Van Buren State Park Campground has two playgrounds, making it a family-oriented spot. One camper noted, "Family-oriented campground with 2 playgrounds—thus very noisy during the day with kids."
• Activities for Kids: Choose a campground with various activities. At Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate, and it's a drive to the main boat launch."
• Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels. A camper at Michigan City Campground said, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small... Good for one or two nights."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify site dimensions before booking. A reviewer at Pokagon State Park Campground advised, "Some sites can accommodate larger rigs, most can't. Check the site descriptions carefully."
• Dump Station Access: Look for campgrounds with easy access to dump stations. One camper at Fort Custer Recreation Area mentioned, "The dump station needed a serious update."
• Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may require leveling. A visitor at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground noted, "Bring a lot of leveling blocks and no kids!"

Camping around Goshen, Indiana, has its perks and challenges. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!