Potato Creek State Park offers diverse camping options near Granger, Indiana, with sites numbered 230-287 preferred by campers seeking quieter experiences. The campground features wetlands requiring mosquito protection during summer months. Full hookup sites often need extension cords, with some requiring 75-foot lengths to connect.
What to do
Hiking trails and biking paths: Potato Creek State Park provides a mix of hiking and biking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. According to Kaley A., "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." The park features dedicated mountain bike trails described as "beginner MTB trails" alongside paved bike paths.
Beach and water activities: Warren Dunes State Park features substantial sand dunes alongside Lake Michigan beaches. A visitor notes, "The dunes themselves were cool. If you go, definitely hike up to the top." The park's Mt. Randall dune presents a significant climbing challenge. One reviewer cautions: "beware, the sand does get HOT midday."
Fishing opportunities: Shamrock Park provides direct river access on the St. Joseph River. According to Erik O., "Fishing the river was fun and easy to access." The campground features specialized facilities for anglers: "What impressed me most was that they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks," reports Brian O.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campers appreciate sites with natural barriers for enhanced privacy. At Fuller's Resort and Campground, one camper noted: "We stayed at site 123, and it was very private feeling with a wooded backdrop. Next time, I'll try to stay at site 124, which is wooded on two sides." The campground offers a selection of both open grassy areas and wooded tent sites.
Clean facilities: Maple Ridge Campground maintains exceptionally clean bathroom facilities. According to a reviewer: "The shower and bathroom was the best I ever saw at a campground." Another camper noted the newly remodeled facilities: "This is an excellent family run campground. The bath house is newly remodeled and very clean."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds near Granger offer swimming areas. At Elkhart Campground, "The grounds are clean with decent amenities," including a pool that receives regular maintenance. The campground provides additional recreational facilities including volleyball courts and mini-golf for visitors seeking various activities.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping options near Granger operate seasonally. Spaulding Lake Campground runs from April 1 through October 31, while Elkhart Campground operates from April 1 to November 25. Exceptions exist: "Shamrock Park" remains open year-round for those seeking winter glamping experiences near Granger.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. At Dunewood Campground, one visitor observed: "The campground was fully booked, but not everyone showed, meaning that it didn't really feel crowded there." Securing reservations well in advance is advisable for summer weekends.
Alcohol policies: Campground alcohol policies vary significantly in the region. While most private campgrounds permit alcohol, state parks often restrict it. A Warren Dunes visitor warns: "One setback was that you can't bring alcohol into the park. I wasn't planning on getting tanked or anything, but it would've been nice to drink a beer around the fire. And if you think the rangers don't enforce that rule, you're wrong."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Ebys Pines Campground offers extensive activities for children. A visitor reports: "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." The campground's proximity to these amenities makes it suitable for families seeking organized activities.
Noise considerations: Families should select sites strategically based on desired atmosphere. At Potato Creek, "Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust." Those seeking quieter glamping experiences in Granger should request sites farther from playground areas.
Water safety planning: Lakes in the region can present varying water conditions. At Fuller's Resort, "Water is warm and the lake is big enough to have boats on it. You can rent canoes & paddle boards, and there's a section of beach that allows dogs to play and swim as well." However, another lake had limitations: "Unfortunately, the lake was a little on the undesirable side...blue-green algae warnings made us not want to put more than our feet in the water."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Potato Creek State Park, electrical hookup locations require planning. One RVer advises: "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up." This requirement affects site selection for larger rigs requiring dependable electrical connections.
Site spacing: Site dimensions vary considerably between campgrounds. At Bear Cave RV Campground, "Nice sites with fire pits, picnic tables, electric & water (including at tent sites)." However, at other locations, "RV Sites are stacked on each other. We chose 306 and it was OK by the pond... Our friends had 310 and there was barely room to put their awning out."
Dishwashing facilities: RVers appreciate Shamrock Park's dedicated washing facilities. "Another nice feature is the outdoor sink at the shower & restroom building for campers to wash dishes. As tent campers I wish more places had a set up like that," notes one reviewer. This amenity proves particularly valuable for glamping setups lacking kitchen facilities.
