Best Campgrounds near Leo, IN

Northeastern Indiana offers several established campgrounds near Leo, with options ranging from state parks to private facilities. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, located about 15 miles northeast of Leo, provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations across its wooded setting. Johnny Appleseed Campground in Fort Wayne, approximately 10 miles southwest of Leo, offers seasonal camping from April through October with tent and RV sites. Indian Springs Campground in Garrett and Pokagon State Park Campground in Angola expand the region's camping inventory with additional cabin options and varied amenities.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October, though some like Chain O' Lakes and Pokagon State Parks remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers and cold winters, making spring and fall particularly pleasant for camping. Campground layouts vary significantly, from densely arranged sites to more spacious options. A visitor noted, "Chain O' Lakes State Park was established in 1925, so almost 100 years old. The campground must be the original layout. There's a maze-like quality to it. The roads are narrow & you may be driving off the road for a big rig."

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or rivers. Chain O' Lakes State Park features nine connected lakes ideal for kayaking and canoeing, while Pokagon State Park offers lake activities and extensive trail systems. Campground amenities typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, with varying levels of hookups available for RVs. According to one camper, "Chain is perfect for kayaking and canoeing with 9 connected lakes and 11 total. A couple lakes are perfect for boat fishing as long as you have an electric motor only." Families particularly appreciate the recreational opportunities at these parks, though visitors seeking solitude may find some campgrounds too crowded during peak season.

Best Camping Sites Near Leo, Indiana (97)

    1. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Albion, IN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 636-2654

    $12 - $80 / night

    "Met up with 18 other skoolies our first Indiana meet. Met great people had a fantastic time. Great park kids swam, showers are clean. Electric at sites but water isn’t but very close by."

    "Chain is perfect for kayaking and canoeing with 9 connected lakes and 11 total. A couple lakes are perfect for boat fishing as long as you have an electric motor only."

    2. Johnny Appleseed Campground

    15 Reviews
    Fort Wayne, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 427-6720

    "Easy access to downtown, the Coliseum, IPFW, and shopping. The River Greenway path cuts right through the park, and there is also a boat launch for the river."

    "For $24, we got a day of drive in spot with electrical + water hook-ups and wifi. The campground is well-maintained and very clean."

    3. Indian Springs Campground

    9 Reviews
    Garrett, IN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 357-5572

    $20 - $89 / night

    4. chainolakes

    1 Review
    Leo, IN
    4 miles

    "Even though we were close in proximity to eachother, everyone remained respectful of the noise and helped eachother as much as we could. Good little camping trip community. Had a great experience"

    5. Pokagon State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Angola, IN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 833-2012

    $19 - $480 / night

    "There's 2 dump stations located in loops 3 & 4. IN THE CAMPGROUND! NEXT TO CAMPSITES!!!!

     "

    "Pokagon (po KAY gun) has everything from a toboggan run to a lodge to lakes all around...you cannot be bored here. Open year round (limited campgrounds and services in winter)."

    6. Blue Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Huntertown, IN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 693-2265

    $40 / night

    "Blue Lake Resort is a hidden gem for campers! The serene atmosphere and beautiful lake views make it a perfect getaway. The amenities are well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and accommodating."

    "The lake is clean and has a decent beach. You can rent kayaks for cheap. Has a pretty decent grocery store on site. The bathrooms are huge and clean. Wifi is good at our lot."

    8. Bixler Lake Park & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Kendallville, IN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 347-1064

    $25 - $60 / night

    "Been here nearly a month and definitely will be back."

    10. Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday

    11 Reviews
    Angola, IN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 665-5353

    "This campground also sits on the shores of Hogback Lake which is an all sports lake."

    "There is a dog park for walking the dog but with so much driveway I just walk the dog around the park. They have several dog bag stations around the park to make clean up easy."

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Showing results 1-10 of 97 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Leo, IN

364 Reviews of 97 Leo Campgrounds



Guide to Leo

Camping near Leo, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Enjoy paddling on the lakes. One visitor at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, "Kayaking the 13 lakes can easily last from morning to sundown."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Pokagon State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "They have good hiking trails, nice refreshing waters, good food options at certain places."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Ouabache State Park Campground, provide great fishing spots. One camper shared, "The bison exhibit and ranger programs are great too."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Johnny Appleseed Campground said, "Restrooms are very clean and comfortable."
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds offer fun for kids. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake remarked, "My son had a blast and said this was the best campground he has ever been to."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy large sites for gatherings. One happy camper at Buck Lake Ranch noted, "The kids also had a blast and all of our neighbors were very sweet people."

What you should know:

  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds during peak times. A reviewer at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground warned, "A very hard campsite to navigate and a busy weekend forget about dumping lol you're gonna be there a while."
  • Limited Cell Service: Some areas have poor reception. A visitor at Pokagon State Park Campground mentioned, "Bring plenty of water as posted 'mile' hikes quickly turn into 5-mile hikes."
  • Old Facilities: Some campgrounds have dated amenities. A camper at Pokagon State Park Campground noted, "The shower & restrooms are atrocious!!!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake said, "The park is very clean and the staff is friendly."
  • Plan for Crowds: If you’re camping on weekends, arrive early to secure a good spot. A visitor at Ouabache State Park Campground mentioned, "Some campsites can get very wet and flooded during a nice rain."
  • Bring Entertainment: Pack games and activities for downtime. A camper at Johnny Appleseed Campground shared, "It was nice and quiet even though it’s in the middle of town."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday said, "Site is so small and narrow across from permanent campers."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake noted, "There is gunfire noise from the range across the lake."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, "Also no Verizon signal but our friend had T-Mobile and he was ok signal."

Camping near Leo, Indiana, has its perks and quirks, but with the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Leo, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Leo, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 97 campgrounds and RV parks near Leo, IN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Leo, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Leo, IN is Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 52 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Leo, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Leo, IN.