Northern Indiana's camping region near Howe sits at approximately 950 feet above sea level, with gently rolling terrain featuring numerous glacially-formed lakes. The area experiences warm summers with average high temperatures around 82°F and winters that can drop below freezing, creating distinct camping seasons. Lakes James and Hogback serve as focal points for water recreation with 14 interconnected bodies of water forming the chain of lakes system.
What to Do
Lake activities and water recreation: At Pokagon State Park Campground, campers can explore the extensive lake system. "There are trail, beaches, boats, horses... so many things to do," notes Becky N. The park provides boat rentals and swimming access from late May through early September.
Biking on dedicated trails: The Pumpkinvine Bike Trail connects several communities near Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park. "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 and Mooey's ice cream near Middlebury," shares Cindy B.
Horseback riding: Several campgrounds maintain equestrian facilities with guided trail rides. "There are trail, beaches, boats, horses... so many things to do," mentions a reviewer about Pokagon State Park. Guided pony rides for children operate during summer months at select locations.
Winter activities: Pokagon State Park maintains its famous refrigerated toboggan run from late November through February. "There's 500+ sites, but all nicely separated and shaded. There's an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach, toboggan run, etc," reports Amy K.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention site spacing as a positive feature. "There are 500+ sites, but all nicely separated and shaded," notes Amy K. about Cade Lake County Park & Campground. "Clean and large campsites, with full hook up for campers and RVs. Cade Lake can be seen from most campsites which adds to the scenery," adds Josh N.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower cleanliness stands out in reviews. "The bathroom and shower facilities were clean and updated," writes Mary H. about Pokagon State Park. Another camper at Cade Lake notes, "Beautiful place, wish I could have stayed a lot longer. The grounds are immaculate."
Access to Amish Country: The proximity to authentic Amish communities draws many glampers. "About 10 minutes drive to Shipshewana with very kind Amish community folks," mentions Lisa D. about Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney. "Definitely loved this campground in the middle of beautiful Amish country. Staff was very friendly and helpful," adds Dusti H.
What You Should Know
Seasonal operations: Most glamping sites in Howe operate from April through October, with limited winter availability. "Open 4/1/2020 - 10/31/2020" is noted for Elkhart RV Resort, while Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday offers some year-round accommodations.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds have sites near highways. "Sites 47-52 are close to the road so you will hear road noise, but Sites 11-35 are farther from the road and are more shaded," notes Lee D. about Shipshewana North Park. One reviewer warns, "Highway noise was terrible. So many open spaces and we're assigned a highway space."
Reservation timing: Popular glamping sites fill quickly during peak season. "Need to plan about 6 months to a 1 year ahead to get in," advises Derrick P. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake. Holiday weekends typically require booking 9-12 months in advance.
Site specifics: Campsite quality can vary significantly within the same property. "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," shares Leann O. about Ebys Pines.
Tips for Camping with Families
Family-friendly amenities: Jellystone Park offers dedicated children's activities. "This campsite is so much fun. It's not where I would choose to go if it were just me, but the fun they have for kids is unbeatable," shares Nicole R. The park includes multiple pools, water slides, and scheduled activities throughout summer months.
Multi-generational activities: Many parks provide options for various age groups. "Tons of stuff to do for campers of all ages. Roller skating, mini bowling, laser tag, and an arcade at the fun center," notes Jason S. about Ebys Pines Campground.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds connect to nature centers with interpretive programs. "There is an extensive trail system to enjoy that connects with the nearby nature preserve," mentions Shelly S. about Pokagon State Park, which offers ranger-led programs on weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers recommend researching specific site dimensions before booking. "Sites are shorter and sometimes uneven," warns J C. about Pokagon State Park. Calling ahead to discuss RV length and slide-out requirements can prevent arrival surprises.
Utility placement: Pay attention to where hookups are located. "It was nice that the utilities were on the center of the pad," notes MickandKarla W. about Shipshewana Campground South Park, which can matter for RVs with multiple holding tanks.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service and WiFi vary significantly by location. "We got 4 bars on Verizon. If we wanted to put out satellite, we could have as there are not many trees in the central area to block the signal," shares MickandKarla W. Elkhart RV Resort provides "air-conditioned bathrooms" according to Kelly F., which proves valuable during humid summer months.
