Chain O'lakes State Park Dispersed Campsite offers primitive camping at $12 per site for tents. These sites include a fire ring, picnic table, and level ground for setting up camp. Electric hookup sites cost more but provide essential amenities for longer stays. Located in northeastern Indiana, the park features multiple connected lakes accessible by boat or kayak.
What to do
Mountain biking at Potato Creek State Park: The park features beginner-friendly mountain bike trails and paved bike paths suitable for all skill levels. A visitor noted, "Peppermint Hill mountain bike/hiking loop was really fun and not to be missed," while another camper mentioned that the park offers "hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, what more could you ask for."
Explore Amish country: Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park provides easy access to local Amish attractions. "This campground was very convenient to the town of Shipshewanna, Amish Country and the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail," shares one visitor who enjoyed "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."
Lakeside activities: Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday sits on an all-sports lake with boat rentals and water recreation. "This place was fantastic... There are lakes all around and a playground for the kids," notes one camper. Another mentioned, "They have docks, pontoon rentals and a launch if you wish to bring your own boat."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Johnny Appleseed Campground near Fort Wayne stands out for its exceptionally maintained bathrooms. "They have the best bathrooms that I have ever seen in the campgrounds. You can even look out at the skylight at the sky while you take a shower," one camper enthused. Multiple reviews praise the "suppppppper bathrooms" and note they're "locked with a code and very clean."
Family-friendly amenities: Potato Creek State Park Campground receives high marks for its child-friendly features. "Our daughter loved the play area and huge grassy area to run around on," mentions one visitor. The park balances natural beauty with practical amenities, though some note "restrooms are a bit dated, but clean and functioning."
Quiet atmosphere: Campers consistently appreciate the peaceful environment at Bixler Lake Park & Campground. One long-term visitor shared, "Been here nearly a month and definitely will be back," while another noted it's "very nice and friendly atmosphere and very quiet place to relax and enjoy a long weekend."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping options near Wolflake, Indiana operate from April through October. Potato Creek State Park Campground remains open year-round, but Bixler Lake operates "last weekend April to October 15" and Pic-A-Spot runs "Apr 15 - Oct 15." Plan accordingly if visiting during shoulder seasons.
Site selection matters: At Ebys Pines, site location significantly impacts your experience. One camper advised, "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." Research specific site numbers before booking.
Extra fees: Be prepared for additional costs at some locations. A visitor to Ebys Pines noted they "charged visitors $5 per person per day. And charged $5 per device per day for WiFi" even during off-season when most amenities were closed.
Tips for camping with families
Choose the right campground section: At Potato Creek State Park Campground, one experienced camper recommends "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."
Pack for mosquitoes: Indiana's natural wetlands mean insects can be prevalent. A Potato Creek visitor warns, "Natural wetlands abound, so definitely bring the mosquito spray." This preparation can make or break a family camping trip, especially during summer months.
Entertainment options: Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney offers numerous family activities. As one visitor observed, the campground has "pool, miniature golf, volley ball, fishing pond, big chess set, bike rental, mining area, playground, and rec hall with video games, pool, ping pong, air hockey, and juke box."
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup planning: At Potato Creek State Park Campground, electricity access can require planning. A regular visitor advises, "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," which is crucial information for RVers relying on power.
Travel time considerations: Access at larger parks can take longer than expected. One RVer noted about Potato Creek, "Takes 10-15 mins to drive out of campground, so keep this in mind" when planning day trips or supply runs to nearby South Bend.
Seasonal site options: For those interested in longer-term glamping in Wolflake, Indiana, Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday accommodates both transient and seasonal visitors. "The transient sites are near the US-20 road, to the north and easily accessible. I do not consider this to be an extremely loud road but there is large truck traffic day/night," notes one experienced local camper.
