Lagrange County sits in northeastern Indiana with a mixture of rural farmland and small freshwater lakes. Camping options range from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks with most campgrounds open from April through October. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping months, with occasional thunderstorms common in late afternoons.
What to do
Toboggan run during winter visits: Pokagon State Park offers a unique winter activity with its famous toboggan run. According to Amy K., "There's an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach, toboggan run, etc. Tons of picnic areas and pavilions; would be a great spot for a family reunion."
Paddle the connected lakes: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground features nine interconnected lakes perfect for kayaking or canoeing. Amanda J. notes, "There is so much to do. Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored. The facility is clean and very safe."
Explore Amish country by bike: The Pumpkinvine Trail near Elkhart RV Resort provides cyclists with paved paths through Amish farmland. One camper shared, "About 10 minutes drive to Shipshewana with very kind Amish community folks," making it an ideal base for cultural exploration.
What campers like
Spacious, shaded sites: Pokagon State Park Campground offers well-separated camping areas. Amy K. explains, "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."
Horse pasture views: Grandview Bend Family Campground provides unique pastoral settings. According to Susan & Kevin W., "This rv park abuts an Amish farm. The other side of the park is cornfields. Sites are grass but decently level and very spacious."
Riverside relaxation: Trading Post Outfitters features direct water access for cooling off. Anne L. shares her experience: "This is one of my favorite spots for a quick trip from Chicago. The owners and staff are all fabulous. They are all helpful and friendly. It's a smaller campground but clean and well maintained."
What you should know
Seasonal closures and facilities: Most campgrounds operate April through October, with limited services in shoulder seasons. At Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, Kimberly T. discovered, "Boat & kayak rentals are available, but closed after Labor Day."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Check campground descriptions for specific bathroom details. At Chain O' Lakes, one camper noted, "We were in the tent portion and it was very loud, the pit toilets did not have doors, and there were some mosquitoes."
Weekend reservations essential: Holiday weekends fill quickly, especially at popular locations. Jessica N. recommends Grandview Bend: "The host was friendly and helpful, our site was plenty spacious and flat. We had quiet and friendly camping neighbors, and our kid really enjoyed the playground and basketball court."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Gordons Campground offers multiple play areas for different age groups. Davina B. notes, "They have a playground for kids, dodge ball! There is a game at all times. There are playgrounds for the little ones too."
Kid-focused programming: Seasonal activities keep children entertained. According to Ray R., "We visited on one of the Halloween weekends. Lots of things for the kids to do. Haunted hayride and haunted house."
Swimming alternatives: When lakes are too cold, look for heated pool options. At Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday, Doug A. mentions, "They have a new pool and lazy river which is fantastic. There's an inflatable obstacle course on the lake."
Tips from RVers
Dump station challenges: Some campgrounds have awkwardly positioned dump stations. At Grandview Bend, Susan & Kevin W. warn: "No sewer hookups, but they have a dump station. That said, the dump station location is not great. It's at the back of the park and a very tight squeeze for bigger rigs."
Power stability issues: Check reviews for electricity reliability. Michael G. reported at Angola/Hogback Lake KOA: "Power went off and on 5-6 times in an hour. Surge suppressor was normal. No TV, plugs, microwave, etc..."
Campsite selection for pet-friendly camping near Lagrange: When bringing pets, request sites away from main roads. Barbara P. suggests considering Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park, noting her site was "backed up to a horse pasture (in the evening, the horses came over for a quick visit!)" which provides excellent pet-watching entertainment.