Campsites near Ligonier, Indiana cluster around lakes and wetlands, with most areas sitting at elevations between 850-950 feet above sea level. The region receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush, wooded surroundings at many campgrounds. Local temperatures range from highs around 85°F in summer to lows near 15°F in winter, with camping facilities generally open from April through October.
What to do
Explore the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail: The trail connects several communities near Ligonier, making it accessible from multiple campgrounds. At Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park, campers appreciate its proximity to cycling routes. "This campground was very convenient to the town of Shipshewanna, Amish Country and the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail. There weren't many amenities to speak of, but the sites were fairly spacious and level," notes a cyclist who enjoyed two days of riding.
Visit the RV Museum in Elkhart: Located about 30 minutes from Ligonier, this unique museum showcases the history of recreational vehicles. Guests at Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney often include it in their itinerary. "This clean, well kept campground is really close to grand design. We stayed here to go tour the manufacturers process," shares one visitor who combined camping with an educational experience.
Try horseback riding: Several parks in the area offer trail rides for various skill levels. One family staying at Ebys Pines Campground mentioned, "Tons of stuff to do for campers of all ages. Roller skating, mini bowling, laser tag, and an arcade at the fun center. There was a corn hole tournament, a golf cart parade, a wagon ride, and a live band."
What campers like
Cultural immersion opportunities: The Amish countryside provides educational experiences beyond typical camping. A visitor at KOA Campground Middlebury appreciated "hearing the clopping of the horse drawn carriages of the Amish every so often." Another camper noted, "Definitely loved this campground in the middle of beautiful Amish country. Staff was very friendly and helpful."
Fishing access: Many campgrounds offer pond or lake fishing without requiring additional permits. At Ebys Pines, reviews mention "Fishing pond and river, laundromat, and nice camp store. The staff were all friendly and helpful." Chain O'Lakes State Park provides additional fishing opportunities across multiple connected lakes.
Spacious sites: Unlike some crowded RV parks, many campgrounds near Ligonier offer reasonable spacing between sites. At Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park, one camper observed, "Really, no thrills, quiet campground. Great place to stay for all your Shipshewana needs." Another mentioned, "Campground was impeccably clean and quiet. Mostly adult campers enjoying the peaceful area."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most glamping accommodations near Ligonier, Indiana operate seasonally from April through October, with some sites requiring advance booking. According to information from Pokagon State Park Campground, "Sites are shorter and sometimes uneven. Bike trail, hiking trails, store, beach, inn, nature center." Their facilities remain open year-round, unlike many private campgrounds in the area.
Facility variations: Bathroom and shower quality varies significantly between campgrounds. Some offer basic facilities while others provide more comfort. A camper at Shipshewana North Park Campground shared, "This is a nice campground for visiting Shipshewana, the restrooms and showers are just inside a 'sitting room' and they're clean and modern."
Additional fees: Some campgrounds charge for amenities beyond the base camping rate. At Ebys Pines, a recent visitor noted, "Stayed here 3 nights in October campground has most of the attractions (pool etc) closed as expected but still charged visitors $5 per person per day. And charged $5 per device per day for WiFi."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Some sites offer scheduled events that keep children entertained. At Bixler Lake Park & Campground, families appreciate the quiet atmosphere while still having access to lake activities. "For a city campground it's very nice and friendly atmosphere and very quiet place to relax and enjoy a long weekend," notes one reviewer.
Consider pool access: During summer months, swimming pools provide cooling relief. A visitor to Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney mentioned, "This KOA is much smaller than most and has fewer amenities, although the prices are comparable. Surprisingly this area is very high with camping charges, especially off season."
Check for playground quality: Some campgrounds have outdated play equipment. One family at KOA Campground Middlebury warned about equipment conditions: "I wouldn't even let my child play on the playground it was falling apart!! VERY unsafe!!!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven sites that require leveling blocks. At KOA Campground Middlebury, one RVer shared, "Site was unlevel and ran into a hill on the back end. Not much space on ether side of us. Corner lot and the rec center and basketball court was directly behind."
Hookup placement: Pay attention to utility location when booking. A visitor to Shipshewana Campground South Park noted, "We proceeded to pull through site 37 with FHUs. The utilities were in the center, which made it nice to dump our two black tanks in order to go to the Brinkley Service Center the next morning. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi."
Off-season access: Some glamping sites near Ligonier have limited availability during shoulder seasons. At Pokagon State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy camping facilities year-round, with one camper noting, "Pokagon State Park is one of the most manicured, well maintained parks I've been to. The campgrounds are well laid out with several different areas to choose from."
