Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground accommodates pets at all campsites with full hookups available for RV campers and separate tent areas for traditional campers. Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park maintains clean facilities with spacious sites that back up to horse pastures where pets can enjoy watching grazing animals in adjacent fields. Dogs must remain leashed throughout both campgrounds, with designated pet walking areas available. Most campgrounds in the area feature gravel pads with grassy areas between sites suitable for pet relief. Bathrooms and shower facilities remain clean and well-maintained at most locations. The majority of camping options near Ligonier offer pet-friendly accommodations including tent sites, RV spots with electric and water hookups, and select cabins that permit dogs with additional fees.
Nearby trails connect to several campgrounds, providing excellent opportunities for dog walking, particularly the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail accessible from Shipshewana. Elkhart County Fairgrounds offers vast grounds for walking pets with nearby biking and walking trails just outside the park. Water access for dogs varies by location, with Indian Lakes Campground featuring a beach area where pets can cool off during summer months. Most campgrounds require waste cleanup, with disposal stations available throughout the grounds. Visitors should note that train noise affects some campgrounds, particularly Elkhart County Fairgrounds where trains operate 24/7. Summer temperatures can rise to uncomfortable levels for pets at exposed campgrounds with limited shade, requiring extra water and cooling considerations during hot weather. Local veterinary services are available in nearby Goshen and Middlebury for emergency pet care.
$14 - $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."
"Only stopped here for the night to catch a rest so cannot speak to the trails or lakes."
"A little close to your neighbors but the way the sites are angled you had plenty of room. Very friendly people. Easy in and out."
"Overall Rating: 4 for access to the area, very clean facilities, and not too many campers thus time of year.
Price 2024: $35 for water/electric only."
"Easy access to the Shipshewana Flea Market and E&S Sales (greatest bulk food shopping EVER!) Campground was impeccably clean and quiet."
"The park was clean and quiet and next to some beautiful grazing fields with cattle and horses."
"Near Elkhart and the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum. Great place to visit, really interesting. Also, near Shipshewana."
"They have trails that are a nice walk for the dogs and a pond to catch and release fish."
"Couldn’t believe this location hasn’t gotten more attention. See pics for the many amenities in this park!"
"The dog park was a nice added bonus. It could very possibly become our new weekend getaway"
"Excellent dog run. Pool is dated but it actually is open. I tend to use this place to open up my TT or to close it Down for the season."
$99 - $150 / night
"Less then 5 minutes to lake Wawasee (the largest lake in Indiana). if you have a dog this place is a MUST they have an amazing dog spa and dog park."
"Spacious sites, beautiful beach, check out the bats in the pavilion at duck, make reservations early or try for a walk in site, visit big springs and the fish hatchery for free while camping here."
$20 - $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)."
ScoutAmazing new resort! All paved and concrete- very clean and offers some amazing amenities! Less then 5 minutes to lake Wawasee (the largest lake in Indiana). if you have a dog this place is a MUST they have an amazing dog spa and dog park. The staff was also so friendly and helpful, made me feel right at home - I didn't want to leave. I will defiantly return!
GuideI stayed at this place when it was B&B and it is now a KOA. Several new sites were added and the park appears to be much cleaner. The restrooms are nice and the camp personnel are friendly. 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. There are 3 playgrounds and boat area on the lake. I believe you can rent boats to fish even though I never have. I will definitely stay here again.
GuideWe enjoyed the stay at this campground. They have all of the KOA amenities pool, lazy river, jump pillow, playground and dog park. Entire campground was clean and well maintained. This campground also sits on the shores of Hogback Lake which is an all sports lake. Many things to do in the area Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve, Pokagon State Park(hiking, biking and horseback riding), Amish communities close by, Black Pine Animal Sanctuary, Angola, IN many shopping and dining experiences.
RangerWe stayed here to pick up a new RV. It’s a huge campground with lots of space. Some sites are cement ours was gravel. Very clean, nice sized dog park, quiet and close to restaurants. If had an occasion to stay here again…we definitely would!
LegendThe location here is pretty crazy it’s right in the middle of town but feels like a park there is a river and wooded area that makes you feel like you are in nature but you are just a parking lot away from an arena and college. There is a playground and a dog park. Here as well as ball diamonds. This is a great family friendly place but is very very busy during the season.
GuideStayed for a weekend. The campground was clean sites were all very nice and pool was really clean. The dog park was a nice added bonus. It could very possibly become our new weekend getaway
LegendIt is a very large older CG with a few upgrades. Clean, with decent amenities. We were placed in the rear section, which was just ok. Site needed leveling, had no shade at all and was close to major hwy. The front and side sites seemed nicer and had ample shade with some concrete sites. Laundry room, pool and bathrooms were very clean. Large dog park, but was far from our site. Was only 25 min from Notre Dame and about an hour from lake Michigan WiFi was great, no cable, but good antenna reception
GuideGreat campground in the heart of Amish country. Near Elkhart and the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum. Great place to visit, really interesting. Also, near Shipshewana. Campground has lots of activities: pool, miniature golf, volley ball, fishing pond, big chess set, bike rental, mining area, playground, and rec. hall w/ video games, pool, ping pong, air hockey, and juke box. Nice little store. Dog park. Clean restrooms. Friendly owner and employees. Lots of mature shed trees.
TravelerI return to Salamonie River State Forest year after year because it truly feels like Northeast Indiana’s best-kept secret. This 21‑site primitive campground offers peaceful seclusion, 4 pit toilets, and two water sources—including a spring‑fed spigot with crisp, cold, delicious drinking water. I’ve stayed at several sites, with Site 18 and Site 20 as favorites. Tent‑friendly, small camper-friendly, pet‑friendly, and just $15/night, it sits beside horse trails, hiking routes, and great fishing. A small campground with big shine—highly recommended.
Camping areas near Ligonier, Indiana encompass terrain ranging from open fairgrounds to wooded lakeside environments at elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during daytime hours with cooler evenings in the 60s. Train noise affects multiple campgrounds in the region, particularly those near Goshen where freight traffic runs 24 hours daily.
Fishing opportunities: Chain O'Lakes State Park offers multiple connected waterways for anglers. "Great place for the family" notes Al P., while Jeremy C. mentions "Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids."
Trail exploration: The Pumpkinvine Bike Trail connects to Shipshewana, making it ideal for cyclists. Cindy B. reports: "This campground was very convenient to the town of Shipshewanna, Amish Country and the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail... two days of riding on the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail, the Krider Nurseries World's Fair Garden."
Horse watching: At Hidden Diamonds Park, campers can observe wildlife in a well-maintained recreation area. Bill M. calls it "Such a gem! Tiny municipal campground, but part of a much larger recreation area. Everything seems new or at least well maintained."
Paddle-friendly waters: Chain O' Lakes State Park Dispersed Campsite provides water access at lower rates. Clay T. reports: "The cheapest campsite at primitive camping is $12 bucks. (Tent sites) For more, you can get electric hookup sites galore that all include a fire ring picnic table and a pretty leveled out spot."
Spacious wooded sites: Indian Lakes Campground offers larger campsites with natural separation. Ken W. describes: "Spacious sites, beautiful beach, check out the bats in the pavilion at duck, make reservations early or try for a walk in site, visit big springs and the fish hatchery for free while camping here."
Clean facilities: Consistent cleanliness standards exist across several dog friendly campgrounds near Ligonier. At Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney, Kathy S. notes: "Hope, the owner, is always so friendly & helpful. The restrooms/showers are nice and clean. You can get an entire 4 wheeler dump load of wood for $20."
Tent camping considerations: Tent sites vary significantly across the region's pet-welcoming campgrounds. At Chain O'Lakes State Park, Truly W. cautions: "We were in the tent portion and it was very loud, the pit toilets did not have doors, and there were some mosquitoes. It was Memorial Day weekend which could explain the noise/busy-ness."
Site selection strategy: At Elkhart County Fairgrounds, site selection remains camper-controlled. Nancy W. explains the advantage: "The nice thing is the people in the office let you pick whatever site you want and don't assign one to you."
Seasonal limitations: Dog accommodating campgrounds around Ligonier operate primarily April through October. Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park operates specifically "Apr 1 to Oct 30," while Indian Lakes Campground runs "Apr 15 to Oct 15."
Activity scheduling: Prepare for programmed events at larger campgrounds. At Ebys Pines, Jason S. reports: "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."
Naturalist programs: Chain O'Lakes State Park offers educational opportunities. Julie B. shares: "We spoke with the naturalist and volunteered our time she was absolutely fantastic."
Pool considerations: Swimming facilities vary by campground. Jeremy C. notes at Chain O'Lakes: "Very clean state park. Reasonable prices. Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," while at Ebys Pines, Leann O. cautions: "Lots of kids, pool full on the weekends."
Utility placements: At Elkhart County Fairgrounds, MickandKarla W. warn: "The utilities are at the far end of the sites. In most areas, the sites back up to each other and share a utility post(separate outlets for each site) and share the water spigot...we would have needed about 25' of hose to reach a hole in the ground(no screw in adapter)."
Early arrival fees: Some dog friendly campgrounds near Ligonier charge for early check-in. Gary B. notes about Shipshewana Trading Place: "No complaints other than a $15 (plus tax) charge for 45 minutes early check-in. Given the park was 2/3 empty that seemed unnecessary."
Long-term options: RV travelers seeking extended stays should consider weekly rates. At Elkhart County Fairgrounds, Nancy W. points out: "If you plan on staying longer weekly and monthly rates are really good."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ligonier, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ligonier, IN is Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 54 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ligonier, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 94 dog-friendly camping locations near Ligonier, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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