A
Andy B.
Ranger
RangerHarrison Lake State Park Campground
First time here
Nice playground for kids, public trees all over but our site didn’t have private trees for hammocks.
The lake was nice, had water snakes.
Camping near Auburn, IN
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Auburn, Indiana ranges from tent sites and RV hookups to cabin accommodations, spread across lakes and forested areas in the northeastern part of the state. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground near Albion offers tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin accommodations, all set among a series of connected lakes. Indian Springs Campground in Garrett provides a mix of tent and RV sites with cabin options, operating from April through October. Other nearby options include Pokagon State Park Campground approximately 30 miles northeast of Auburn and Bixler Lake Park & Campground in Kendallville, about 15 miles west of Auburn. Auburn's campgrounds provide excellent access to outdoor recreation with fishing, hiking, and water activities available at most locations.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many sites closed during winter months. "Unfortunately, Indian Springs wasn't our greatest camping experience. Our site was dirty and the arrangement of electricity, water and sewer was poor," noted one visitor, highlighting the importance of researching specific campground conditions. Chain O' Lakes and Pokagon State Parks remain open year-round, though services may be limited in colder months. Reservation requirements vary by location, with state parks typically requiring advance booking, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, with water and sewer connections available at select sites. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, particularly around the lakes and wooded sections.
Several visitors mentioned the quality of natural features as highlights of camping experiences in the region. The connected waterways at Chain O' Lakes State Park receive particular praise, with one camper noting, "I love the lilly pad maze through the lake, by far the most fun I had there, and it's the most beautiful part of the park." Bixler Lake Park & Campground earns positive reviews for its peaceful atmosphere, with a visitor describing it as "a quiet place to relax and enjoy a long weekend." Family-friendly activities appear common at many campgrounds, including Gordon's Campground which offers crafts, hayrides and organized events. Auburn camping areas showcase northeastern Indiana's natural beauty with lakeside and forested sites that appeal to both tent and RV campers seeking outdoor recreation. Mixed-use campgrounds with both short-term and seasonal residents are common throughout the region, with varying reviews on maintenance and amenities at private facilities.
Best Campgrounds near Auburn (113)
1. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
"Chain O Lakes State Park, Albion Indiana. Northwest of Fort Wayne. 416 electric, nonelectric & primitive campsites. Water is available & 3 dumps.
This was our 3rd time camping here."
"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."
from $16 - $100 / night
Check Availability2. Pokagon State Park Campground
"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)."
from $20 - $480 / night
Check Availability3. Indian Springs Campground
from $20 - $129 / night
Check Availability4. Johnny Appleseed Campground
"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."
"The 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 **"
5. Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday
"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."
6. Fireside Resort RV Park
"Very close to the event center and auto center where they have alot of big events. Its a gravel lot in the middle of a field but they have all the normal amenities."
from $25 - $38 / night
Check Availability7. Bixler Lake Park & Campground
"Been here nearly a month and definitely will be back."
from $25 - $60 / night
Check Availability8. Gordons Campground
"A store to shop, a pool but no lake. They have group camping or single camping. They host parties too."
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability9. Happy Acres Campground
"Enjoyed the pool, pickleball and walking the trails. Has a 9hole disc golf. Very cool place and Angola has a lot to offer."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability10. Captain Carl's Buck Lake Ranch
"A small beach at the lake is a great place to cool off."
Drive Time
- 24 min from Fort Wayne, IN
- 1 hr 9 min from Battle Creek, MI
- 1 hr 11 min from Elkhart, IN
- 1 hr 30 min from South Bend, IN
Recent Camping Photos near Auburn, IN
100 Photos of 113 Auburn Campgrounds
Sandy F.
Indian Springs Campground
Ray R.
Gordons Campground
Kimberly T.
Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
Felicia
Johnny Appleseed Campground
Doug A.
Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday
adrienn S.
Buck Lake Ranch
fred F.
Crooked Creek Campground and Cabins
Ken W.
Indian Lakes Campground
Gerard E.
Pokagon State Park Campground
Liz K.
Trading Post Outfitters
Tim S.
The Firefly Nest
Derrick P.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ at Barton Lake
Recent Reviews near Auburn, IN
404 Reviews of 113 Auburn Campgrounds
Helen C.
TravelerHappy Acres Campground
Loved this Campground
Small, quaint, peaceful, and beautiful campground. Lots of amnesties, nice clean pool and very friendly staff. The lots here are very spacious and the site we were at was a FHU with a concrete pad, picnic table, and fire ring. We will definitely be visiting again.
- Helen C.Traveler
Hoffman Lake Campground INC.
Good campground
Visited Hoffman campground at the end of June. Smaller campground, fairly peaceful, lots of activities, and a nice pool. Sites are level but they are tight. Nice can store with very friendly staff.
Cynthia K.
LegendChain O' Lakes State Park Campground
Nice State Park!
Chain O Lakes State Park, Albion Indiana. Northwest of Fort Wayne.
416 electric, nonelectric & primitive campsites. Water is available & 3 dumps.
This was our 3rd time camping here. We were in handicapped site 325 which was a pretty good site. We had good neighbors which helps. The campground is well established & shaded. Read the site descriptions carefully for inclines & site dimensions.
What is really interesting is they have 7 canoe campsites. They have their own pit toilets & a little dock. Site 3 is behind the pit toilet, but the rest looked ok. They're just off trail 4 as well.
Cabins are also available.
Hot showers& bathrooms. They were state park clean, but definitely need some upgrading.
This is a boating/fishing/hiking park.
There's 29 miles of fairly easy trails- all can be looped.
9 connecting glacial kettle lakes make for great kayaking & canoeing. Electric motor only makes for a peaceful lake experience. Fishing was pretty good according to my fisherguy.
There's a 1915 schoolhouse that's open on the weekends.
There's a small swimming beach with food for sale. There's also boat rental with canoes, kayaks & small boats.
Nice campground for a summer weekend!
- Saydee A.
GuideHoffman Lake Campground INC.
Loved this place!
We just stayed in a tent here with our kids & absolutely loved it. The people were great, the store was adorable with a little ice cream shop & the pool & playground were awesome!
- Saydee A.Guide
Pike Lake County Campground
Beautiful scenery
We absolutely love the little beach and playground area so close. The bathrooms were very well kept. The people were very friendly to us. My children played with other children & having kids, I appreciated the small/close vibes it had. If you're a loud family, maybe don't stay long but it's a lovely little getaway close to town. The cemetery across the street is such a lovely addition for our little spooky family.
- EEd D.
ScoutShipshewana Campground South Park
no power and no refund
I stayed for a week at this park and they lost power due to a storm. Not their fault, I stayed the 1st night afterwards with no power but on the 2nd night they could not tell me when/if power would be restored and I am disabled and need power so I left. The refused to refund the unused days, even when I explained that I paid for a full hookup site and they could not provide power. The campground is decent, the showers are like "prison showers" where you have to push a button every 30 seconds and there is no hot/cold control. I would give it a 3-star if the customer service was not so lacking.
Mary D.TravelerShipshewana Campground South Park
Narrow lots
The campground itself is beautiful—very clean, well‑kept, and surrounded by lovely green spaces. Unfortunately, the site layout is the real issue. The sites are long enough for larger rigs, but they’re packed in with almost no space between them. Each site has a fire ring, but using it would not be recommended. With our slides out, I could nearly touch both my camper and the one next to us at the same time. We couldn’t put our awning out without it hitting the neighbor’s rig. Because the neighboring unit was so large, sitting outside meant staring directly at their wall—and sitting right next to their sewage drain. When we asked for a different spot, we were told none were available because a group was coming in, yet there were easily 50 empty sites all weekend. Very disappointing, because otherwise it truly is a beautiful place. (See pictures) Side note: the power was off Friday until Sunday morning due to a storm on Thursday night. Would have been nice if we received a discount for not having electricity. The CG saved during this time period.
Gerard E.LegendHoffman Lake Campground INC.
June ‘26
Thursday, June 4-8th, 2026. site M1&2 M1 and M2 are end sites with Check in was easy, pass/card left at gate 20/30/50amp, good source, share with M2 4 water spigots to share with 4 sites Waste cap at site, did not use. The site had thick green grass and well maintained. Fire pits are small, but worked well for the six of us. picnic table for 6.
Great sites if you are camping with friends/family as you are back to back and close together.
The view of the lake from the site changes as more campers arrive. The majority of the CG are seasonal campers, most of the lots are well maintained and the campground has plenty of shade and the birds are active. Huge old growth maples and walnuts throughout the campground provided a decent amount of shade during our stay.
The restrooms are decent and very clean, 3 stalls and urinals with 5 showers in the men’s bathroom. The water was hot and a decent amount of room to change clothes and keep them dry during the shower.
The pool looks very nice, we floated in the lake. The south end of the CG has a nice beach area with boat ramp.
Prompt service from the owners when we had a few questions and the seasonal campers were extremely nice when talking to them!
Guide to Auburn
Camping sites near Auburn, Indiana include several state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 925 feet above sea level with terrain characterized by gentle hills, woodlands, and numerous small lakes formed during the last glacial retreat. Summers can reach high humidity levels with temperatures typically ranging 75-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature fluctuations of 20-30 degrees between day and night.
What to do
Kayaking connected waterways: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground features nine interconnected lakes for paddling. "Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored. The facility is clean and very safe," shares Amanda J. who has visited the park many times.
Toboggan runs: Winter visitors can experience unique outdoor activities at Pokagon State Park Campground. "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. Tons of picnic areas and pavilions; would be a great spot for a family reunion," notes Amy K.
Swimming: Several campgrounds offer lake access for swimming during summer months. At Chain O' Lakes, "Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," according to Jeremy C., while Angola/Hogback Lake KOA features "a new pool and lazy river which is fantastic. There's an inflatable obstacle course on the lake."
What campers like
Natural wildlife viewing: Campers frequently mention wildlife encounters as highlights. "Nice quiet campground with lots of wildlife. Tent lots are flat and a good size. RR and showers nearby," reports Karson G. about Chain O' Lakes State Park.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds coordinate scheduled events. "We visited on one of the Halloween weekends. Lots of things for the kids to do. Haunted hayride and haunted house. We have been going for 10 plus years," shares Ray R. about Gordons Campground, which hosts regular themed weekends throughout the camping season.
Lake fishing opportunities: The numerous lakes surrounding Auburn provide fishing access. At Bixler Lake Park & Campground, campers appreciate the peaceful setting. "This is by far the place to just relax. It does have its moments..Holidays and special events. Even then campers here live by the lights out code," notes Ray L.
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Some campgrounds maintain better sites than others. At Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday, "the site was perfect with everything we would need already there.. chairs, table, and even a propane grill!" according to Marshall T.
Bathroom facilities differ: Bathhouse quality is frequently mentioned in reviews. Johnny Appleseed Campground received praise for "the most modern, clean shower/bath house I've seen. Unfortunately, the restroom is located across the street from the campground," writes Jodi S.
Seasonal populations: Many campgrounds have a mix of weekend campers and seasonal residents. "The campground was gated and it took quite a while for staff to let us in, despite having booked and paid in advance. Most sites were occupied by seasonal folks with equipment that looked like it had been there for decades," notes Greg S. about Indian Springs Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule around organized events at family-friendly campgrounds. At Johnny Appleseed Campground, "The River Greenway path cuts right through the park, and there is also a boat launch for the river... Bathrooms are nice, and there is also a playground!" shares Tara W.
Beach alternatives: Look beyond natural swimming areas. Hogback Lake KOA offers structured water recreation options as Doug A. explains: "They have a new pool and lazy river which is fantastic. There's an inflatable obstacle course on the lake. They have docks, pontoon rentals and a launch if you wish to bring your own boat."
Kid-friendly crafts: Some campgrounds organize activities specifically for children. "We camped here most of the summer weekends. We had our kids and grandkids with us a few times, and everyone had a blast. Always something to do, for everyone. They have a lot of movies for the kids in the evenings, and a lot of kid activities," reports Dave about Gordons Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose campsites strategically based on road proximity. At Bixler Lake Park & Campground, campers appreciate that it's "very nice and friendly atmosphere and very quiet place to relax and enjoy a long weekend," according to Wayne B.
Hookup arrangements: Check hookup placements before setting up. At Hogback Lake KOA, "watch out for some of the patio sites, some have a fire pit that would sit directly under an awning. Our patio site though had the pit far out from site and we loved it, the grill even had propane in it to use!" advises Ashley G.
Seasonal operating dates: Confirm campground availability as many operate seasonally. Bixler Lake Park & Campground runs "last weekend April to October 15," while Gordons Campground operates "Apr 15 - Oct 15," important for planning camping trips near Auburn during shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any top-rated camping facilities around Auburn, Indiana?
Are there any top-rated camping facilities around Auburn, Indiana?
Pokagon State Park Campground near Angola consistently receives high ratings for its year-round recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, lakes, and its famous winter toboggan run. Though the campground layout can be somewhat maze-like with narrow roads, the park's amenities and natural beauty make it a favorite. Harrison Lake State Park Campground, while technically in Ohio but not far from the Indiana border, is another top-rated option featuring unusually spacious and level sites for a state park. Both offer excellent access to water activities and hiking opportunities.
What campgrounds are available near Auburn, Indiana?
What campgrounds are available near Auburn, Indiana?
Auburn has several excellent camping options within driving distance. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground in nearby Albion offers both electric and non-electric sites with a unique layout along connected lakes perfect for paddling. For those looking to camp closer to Fort Wayne, Camp Timber Lake provides a clean, pet-friendly environment just outside the city. Other options in the region include Bixler Lake Park & Campground in Kendallville, Gordons Campground near Wolcottville, and Johnny Appleseed Campground near Fort Wayne, all within reasonable driving distance from Auburn.
What camping is available near Auburn, IN?
What camping is available near Auburn, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Auburn, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 113 campgrounds and RV parks near Auburn, IN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Auburn, IN?
Which is the most popular campground near Auburn, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Auburn, IN is Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 55 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Auburn, IN?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Auburn, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Auburn, IN.
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