6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse camping opportunities near Mishawaka, Indiana are limited with no dedicated equestrian facilities available at the major campgrounds in the region. The campground data shows that none of the five listed campgrounds (Potato Creek State Park, Chain O' Lakes State Park, Tippecanoe River State Park, Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, and Kosciusko County Fairgrounds) feature horse corrals or specific equestrian accommodations. Potato Creek State Park Campground, located approximately 13 miles from Mishawaka, offers camping with electrical hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities, but lacks specific horse amenities. The park maintains several trails that might permit horses on designated routes, though this is not specified in the available data.
Riders seeking equestrian-friendly camping options may need to travel farther from the immediate Mishawaka area. The campgrounds provide various accommodation types including tent, RV, and cabin options, but horse-specific features are not mentioned in the feature lists. Most state parks in Indiana that do offer equestrian camping typically provide designated horse camping areas separate from regular campsites, with facilities such as hitching posts, larger sites for horse trailers, and access to bridle trails. Campers report that Potato Creek State Park offers well-maintained hiking and biking trails, though specific horse trail information is not documented in the review data. Before planning a horse camping trip to any of these locations, contacting the park office directly is advisable to confirm current equestrian policies.
"Great walking trails, great for families with youngsters. Park activities and lots of trail walking. 25 mins away from South Bend/Mishawaka and 40 mins away from Elkhart and there RV Hall of Fame."
"I feel this is one of the best state parks in Indiana. Come with your own water as they don’t have water hookups at your campsite but there are some nearby. The sites are very spacious and clean."
from $20 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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.""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."
"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."
from $14 - $80 / night
Check Availability"There was a horse camp available as well as youth tenting and cabins to rent. This is a great State Park with more things to offer in addition to the ones mentioned above."
"Trails and the river close by. Bathrooms are phenomenal!! Enjoy!"
from $14 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Good spots for RV/pull behind/tents. Clean facilities and only a 20 min drive from South Haven’s beautiful beaches!"
"Nice very busy pool and slide, play areas, walking trail, camp store with hot food. Not far from Lake Michigan and places to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Check it out you'll be happy you did."
from $5 - $10 / night
Check Availability
TravelerGreat walking trails, great for families with youngsters. Park activities and lots of trail walking. 25 mins away from South Bend/Mishawaka and 40 mins away from Elkhart and there RV Hall of Fame. Only electric at sites but they are big and roomy. Quiet and full of wildlife.
Guide...although you probably wouldn't want to camp in the Indiana winter. I grew up coming here mostly to sled on the hills! But, there is a lot more to do. It surrounds Worster Lake and there are cabins, RV sites, and tent sites along with horse trails and bike trails. In the winter, there's sledding hills and ice fishing. The campgrounds are pretty standard, nothing special. If you live in the area, it's a fine little getaway.
ScoutI feel this is one of the best state parks in Indiana. Come with your own water as they don’t have water hookups at your campsite but there are some nearby. The sites are very spacious and clean. Bath houses are always clean! Playground areas for the kids throughout the park lots of bike and walking trails. No pools but a beautiful man made lake for swimming and fishing. Lots of wildlife throughout the park. A great nature center is a must to see for the little ones. My family has camped here for many years. There is also a separate campground for horse lovers.
LegendI have camped here a couple of times while visiting northern Indiana to have repairs done on my RV. Overall, I like this campground where for $30/night you can get a 50 amp full hook-up site or $23/night a 30 amp and water site. If you plan on staying longer weekly and monthly rates are really good. The campground sits in the middle of the county fairgrounds so there is usually something going on – either a fair, concert, horse event, or an RV rally. Depending on what time of year you are here and part of the week, the campground could be very crowded or very empty. The nice thing is the people in the office let you pick whatever site you want and don’t assign one to you. There are 275 full hook-up sites with 50 amp full hook-up and 30 amp water & electric only. There are no fires allowed and some sites don’t have picnic tables but you can request one and they will bring it to your site.
There is very little shade and during my last visit the late September fall temperatures climbed to nearly 90 degrees and was brutal. This campground is better suited for RVs than tents but you are permitted to tent camp. Bathrooms and showers are scattered about and I was amazed at always how clean they (and the grounds as a whole) are. They do offer WiFi which worked pretty well in non-peak hours like early morning but was not reliable and sometimes frustrating. Since many sites have a clear view of the sky, you most likely will get satellite television reception and a dozen or so antenna channels.
One of the things I like about this park is the vast expanse of grounds to wander about walking my dog. There is a trail system just outside of the park that allows you miles and miles of walking and biking trails. Downtown Goshen is less than two miles away and has some great restaurants (including Venturi Pizza, Maple Indian Cuisine – which has an awesome buffet, and Goshen Brewing Company). The Saturday farmers market is great with lots of produce, breads, meats, cheeses, and crafts.
The last time I visited coincided with the Mennonite Relief Fund which was a big fund raiser for their charity that packed the grounds with stuff for sale, food, and activities. It was fun to be there during the event but it meant the campground and grounds were packed.
Now for the bad about this campground. It is located right next to very busy train tracks that operate 24/7 and blow their horns quite often. They were really annoying in the middle of the night. Sites are close together so if it is crowded and you have a neighbor, you will be right on top of them. There is no shade which can be very miserable.
Pros:
· Price - $30/night for a 50 amp full hook-up site
· Nearby downtown stores and restaurants
· Sites are not assigned so you can pick where you want to camp
· Grassy patios
· Large grounds to meander around
· Nearby biking/walking trail
Cons:
· Very noisy from nearby trains operated at all hours
· Few trees for shade or privacy
· Some sites are very tight and close to your neighbor
· Can be very crowded
· WiFi provided but not reliable
LegendCampground= 4 stars; check-in= 2 stars. Very large campground with close to 300 sites plus a horse camp and about 20 cabins. We picked this park solely because it was convenient to our next destination, so we were not concerned with amenities. We did not make a reservation because I really do not want to pay the extra fee if it is not necessary. Upon arrival, we paid the $9 entrance fee ($7 for Indiana residents) and drove the 3 miles to the campground office. Somewhat surprised to find both staffed at 6 pm on a Thursday after Labor Day. We were told to drive around and pick several desired sites as they could not tell us which ones still had people due to arrive that night who had reserved. Huh?? So, we drove around two of the five loops and picked half a dozen sites that would be suitable. But that’s where the fun began- not! There seemed to be some computer glitch in that every site we asked about showed as not available, even though more than half the sites were empty. Eventually, we were told to just go to one of the sites we picked and set up and that a security guard would come and collect our money. Eventually, at just before 9 pm, the security guard did come and told us the glitch had been fixed and asked that we come to the office and register. The glitch was not fixed! But we paid our fee and were able to stay the night and the staff was very apologetic.
There is no differentiation between RV and tent sites (the only one that is separate is the horse camp). The E Loop seemed to be the most crowded, mostly with RVs. The sites in the D Loop were spaced a decent amount of distance apart but other than that, there was no real privacy between them. This was not a problem because the loop had many empty sites and we were able to easily find one that had an empty one on either side of us. There are paths to the beach accessible from the D and E loops but note the beach is only open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There is no longer a dog beach at Potato Creek. There is a general store(open until 8 pm) and bike rentals which, if we were going to stay longer, we might have taken advantage of. There are boat rentals in season. Several trails and playgrounds so I imagine that in the summer, this is a nice family campground (even the name is Family campground).
The mosquitos were vicious, likely worse due to the amount of rain the area has had this year. Bathrooms were very clean and there was hot water, a nice luxury but you have to be careful not to bump your head on the shelf over the sink when washing your face. Didn’t use them but there were also showers.
The check-in process notwithstanding, our stay was fine for the night.
TravelerMet 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.
ScoutMy wife and I come here every year since purchasing our travel trailer. We recommend 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. Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up. With dog friendly beaches, beginner MTB trails and paved bike paths, this checks all our boxes. Natural wetlands abound, so definitely bring the mosquito spray. Typical Indiana Campground with basic amenities, older comfort stations and spotty WIFI. I like unplugging but sometimes work demands I respond promptly. Not too far from South Bend for city amenities, restaurants and supplies. Takes 10-15 mins to drive out of campground, so keep this in mind. Definitely keep coming back!
TravelerWe stayed at site #99 which is fairly easy to find and somewhat secluded from the main camper section of the campground. The site and neighboring sites are non-electric which makes you have to be creative if you need an air mattress. The site is partial sun midafternoon. The campground can get busy and loud but for the most part everyone was was respectful of others.
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. Overall, in my opinion, this is one of the more underrated state parks in Indiana. Worth the trip up north away from the more popular parks in the southern part of the state.
RangerGreat place for a weekend camping trip of kayaking and some hiking.
Pro's
Con's
Camping options near Mishawaka, Indiana range from state parks with diverse recreational opportunities to fairgrounds with basic amenities. Located in northern Indiana's St. Joseph County, the area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers that average 83°F and cold winters with temperatures often below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though water facilities typically close from November through March due to freezing temperatures.
Hiking trails at Potato Creek: The park features several trails suitable for different skill levels, with Trail #1 being particularly notable. According to reviewer Kaley A., "I've probably hiked it two dozen times at least and it's got nice trails for the part of Indiana that it's in... My favorite trail is probably number one, which is a 1 mile weird loop that has some neat scenery, especially in the summertime."
Biking options: Potato Creek State Park Campground offers both paved and off-road biking trails. Reviewer Frank M. notes, "With dog friendly beaches, beginner MTB trails and paved bike paths, this checks all our boxes. Natural wetlands abound, so definitely bring the mosquito spray."
Water activities: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground provides opportunities for kayaking and canoeing across multiple connected lakes. "Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored," says Amanda J. The park also features a swimming beach, though it can get crowded during peak summer months.
Fire tower climbing: For unique views of the surrounding landscape, visit Tippecanoe River State Park. Nicole B. shares, "Fire tower climb was beautiful. A nice little place to relax."
Quiet camping sections: At Potato Creek State Park, more secluded camping is available in specific areas. Frank M. advises, "We recommend 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."
Family-friendly amenities: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday offers numerous structured activities for children. According to Lisa P., "The kids love the activities and the pool and my family who are not necessarily 'outdoorsy' love that they can sleep in an air conditioned cabin with cable!"
Seasonal features: Covert/South Haven KOA features unique seasonal offerings. Cindy B. explains, "This KOA has blueberry fields everywhere on the property. For a period of time in summer and early fall, you can pick your own blueberries in the morning to have in your breakfast pancakes!"
Well-maintained facilities: Many campers appreciate the clean, functional facilities at the parks. As Christy Y. notes about Potato Creek, "We have been blown away by the efforts put into Indiana's state parks and Potato Creek is no exception. Well kept, beautiful grounds and trails."
Limited equestrian camping options: Horse campgrounds near Mishawaka, Indiana are scarce, with no dedicated equestrian camping facilities within 25 miles. While Tippecanoe River State Park Campground has some horse trails, the camping areas don't include specific equestrian amenities like corrals or hitching posts.
Mosquito preparation essential: Several parks in the region have significant mosquito populations, particularly in summer. At Tippecanoe River, Rob H. succinctly warns, "Worst place for mosquitoes."
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs between parks and carriers. Monica C. reports from Tippecanoe River, "I have AT&T service and could not use my phone at all, my husband has Verizon and had no problems with cell service."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. Frank M. advises about Potato Creek, "Takes 10-15 mins to drive out of campground, so keep this in mind."
Playground-adjacent sites: At Tippecanoe River State Park, certain sites offer direct supervision of the playground. Cynthia K. advises, "For the playground, sites 2,3,4,6,&7 have direct access to a playground& you can watch your children from your site."
Beach alternatives: Chain O' Lakes State Park offers swimming, but be aware of potential issues. Tony P. notes, "Unfortunately, the lake was a little on the undesirable side...blue-green algae warnings made us not want to put more than our feet in the water. The beach area is nice, though."
Toilet facilities vary: Consider bathroom facilities when selecting sites. Truly W. cautions, "We were in the tent portion and it was very loud, the pit toilets did not have doors... The RV sites have better bathrooms I believe."
Power cord length: Some sites require longer-than-standard electrical hookups. Frank M. advises, "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up."
Site selection strategy: At Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, be aware of limitations. Whitley K. clarifies, "This is only meant as a fair ground and place for events. People that are participating in local events may bring RV here but not for public use."
Hookup variability: Electric sites at state parks typically offer 30-50 amp service, but placement can require planning. Sites at Potato Creek State Park vary in setup, with some requiring significantly longer power cords than standard.
Dump station logistics: Most state parks have dump stations at campground exits. At Tippecanoe River State Park, Cynthia K. notes, "Get water before setting up at the water station after the small gatehouse. There's 2 sides at the dump station."
Big rig accommodation: Several campgrounds can handle larger RVs. The pull-through site options are limited, however, with Cynthia K. pointing out that "Site 58 is the only pull through in the campground" at Tippecanoe River State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mishawaka, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mishawaka, IN is Potato Creek State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 50 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Mishawaka, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Mishawaka, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
