Northern Indiana offers campers a flat landscape with elevation around 950 feet above sea level and hardwood forests that provide limited shade. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler nights and occasional rain. Campsites near Kendallville typically have crushed limestone or gravel surfaces and range from wooded to open lakeside settings.
What to do
Boating on connected lakes: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground offers access to a unique chain of 13 connected lakes perfect for extended paddling trips. "Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored. The facility is clean and very safe," notes a camper. The park rents canoes though availability can be limited.
Explore Amish country: Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney puts you in the heart of Amish attractions. "We stayed here to go tour the manufacturers process," mentions one visitor who combined their stay with an RV factory tour. The resort is 10 minutes from Shipshewana with its markets and cultural attractions.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can access multiple lakes at Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday, which sits directly on Hogback Lake. "This long chain of lakes that this RV park is located on and you can go on for days," reports a camper who kayaked extensively in the area. The campground offers docks, boat rentals and a launch for those bringing their own watercraft.
What campers like
Lake access with swimming: Crooked Creek Campground and Cabins earns praise for its water features. "Clean restrooms, easy lake access, friendly vibes. Very quiet and laid back," explains one regular visitor. The campground provides river access for kayaking with trips lasting approximately 5 hours to the public access point.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a standout feature at campgrounds in the area. At Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, visitors note "RR and showers nearby" and describe it as a "Very clean state park." Several campgrounds maintain air-conditioned restrooms, which campers appreciate during summer months.
Spacious sites: Site configuration varies significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are a mixed bag. Some are level, some have an incline," according to reviewers. Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park offers a unique layout: "The Park offers mainly alternating pull-through sites which means you will be facing your neighbor's door not their street side of the camper. This makes for great buddy sites."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most RV parks near Kendallville operate seasonally. Twin Mills Camping Resort runs from April 15 to November 1, while Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park operates from April 1 to October 30. Some facilities like Angola/Hogback Lake KOA remain open year-round but with reduced amenities in winter.
Road noise considerations: Traffic can impact camping experiences at certain locations. One camper at Angola/Hogback Lake KOA noted, "Highway noise was terrible. So many open spaces and we're assigned a highway space." When booking, request sites away from main roads if noise is a concern.
Weather preparedness: Spring camping requires flexibility. A Chain O' Lakes camper reported, "Had reservation but had to move to another site due to my first one under water." Northern Indiana experiences periodic heavy rainfall in spring, making site selection important during this season.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Twin Mills Camping Resort offers multiple family-friendly water options. "There are cabins and tent sites and a large lake access point with a beach area. The playgrounds seemed to be in good shape," reports one visitor. The resort features both lake swimming and a separate pool area.
Organized weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events, particularly on weekends. "Events every weekend and some fun for everyone," mentions an Angola/Hogback Lake KOA visitor. Another camper at Twin Mills noted they "had lots of various activities going on" during a holiday weekend.
Playground options: For families with children, playground availability varies between campgrounds. Twin Mills receives good marks with one camper noting it's "really fun for families, nice pool and bathrooms, putt putt, bring your bikes." However, Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park has "not many amenities" and primarily attracts adult campers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: RV sites near Kendallville, Indiana require careful selection based on rig size. "The sites are a mixed bag. Some are level, some have an incline," notes a camper about navigating certain parks. At Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park, "It is a crushed limestone/asphalt drives with grass in between the sites. The trees are not mature, so no shade is really offered."
Utility considerations: Power reliability varies between campgrounds. One RVer reported, "Power went off and on 5-6 times in an hour" during their stay, highlighting the importance of surge protectors. For consistent connections, check recent reviews about electrical service before booking.
Check-in timing: Several campgrounds have specific check-in windows with fees for early arrival. One camper mentioned a "$15 (plus tax) charge for 45 minutes early check-in" at a nearly empty campground. Plan arrivals accordingly or call ahead to confirm current policies.
