Indiana's Elkhart County offers multiple glamping and camping options near Goshen, situated in the northern part of the state with elevations ranging from 750 to 850 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 80°F and cold winters with temperatures often below freezing. Several campgrounds remain open from April to October, aligning with the region's most favorable weather conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Potato Creek State Park Campground offers hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. "Hiking, biking swimming, fishing, what more could you ask for. We love it here," notes one visitor, while another adds, "I've probably hiked it two dozen times at least and it's got nice trails for the part of Indiana that it's in. Most of them are relatively flat with some trails, like number two, having some hills and stairs in them."
Water activities: At Potato Creek State Park Campground, campers can enjoy fishing and swimming during summer months. A visitor explains, "Bike trails, hiking trails, fishing, beach fun for the whole family."
Local attractions: Visitors staying at the Elkhart area campgrounds can explore nearby Amish communities and markets. One camper at Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park comments, "This campground was very convenient to the town of Shipshewanna, Amish Country and the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail. We enjoyed our stay, two days of riding on the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail, the Krider Nurseries World's Fair Garden, the RV museum in Elkhart."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Numerous campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. As one camper at Elkhart Campground states, "Clean, well maintained sites, a bit tight. Amenities are somewhat outdated. Near a lot of manufacturers."
Family-friendly activities: Pla-Mor Campground offers numerous recreation options. "Lots of things to do with kids. Planned events, awesome putt putt, pool with splash area for littles. Multiple playgrounds, even a new one recently built. Large sites, not crowded. Clean bath house," reports a visitor.
Convenient locations: Many glamping sites near Goshen provide easy access to regional attractions. A camper at Ebys Pines shares, "Tons of stuff to do for campers of all ages. Roller skating, mini bowling, laser tag, and an arcade at the fun center. There was a corn hole tournament, a golf cart parade, a wagon ride, and a live band."
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Some campgrounds have tight spacing between sites. One Ebys Pines visitor notes, "RV Sites are stacked on each other. We chose 306 and it was ok by the pond. No misquitos. Our friends had 310 and there was barely room to put their awning out."
Seasonal variations: Most glamping near Goshen operates seasonally. A visitor to Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park states, "Gravel sites, electric, play areas for kids. Close to the flea market! Nice place to park for a few days in Amish country."
Fee structures: Some campgrounds charge additional fees. A visitor to Maple Ridge Campground comments, "Nice campground in a convenient location... There are many options here: back-in or pull-thru tent sites, w/e sites, full hook-up sites, camper cabins, and fully equipped cabins. The campsites range from $32-$46 per night and the cabins range from $69-$144 per night."
Tips for camping with families
Designated family areas: Some campgrounds have specific sections better suited for families with children. "My wife and I come here every year since purchasing our travel trailer. We 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," shares a visitor at Potato Creek State Park.
Recreation options: When glamping in Goshen, Indiana with children, seek out campgrounds with diverse activities. A visitor at Pla-Mor reports, "Great campground for the family. Has in-ground pool, mini golf, small arcade room, camp store, playground and fishing."
Weekend programming: Many campgrounds offer structured activities. A visitor at Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney notes, "Owner operator campground where the family knows how to cater to the kids. Multiple activities on Saturday included tractor ride, kids bingo, and elephant ears. Nice pool and playground."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: Check utility locations when selecting sites. An RVer visiting Shipshewana Campground South Park shares, "The utilities were in the center, which made it nice to dump our two black tanks. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi. It was nice that the utilities were on the center of the pad."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on location preferences. A visitor at Elkhart Campground states, "It is a very large older CG with a few upgrades. Clean, with decent amenities. We were placed in the rear section, which was just ok. Site needed leveling, had no shade at all and was close to major hwy. The front and side sites seemed nicer and had ample shade with some concrete sites."
Road access considerations: Plan your route carefully when approaching with larger rigs. One RVer advises, "Coming from the West, stay on I-80 to IN-13(exit 107) as it makes for an easier route than on the local roads versus following your GPS or Waze which may have you exit off in Elkhart."
