Glamping cabins near Nappanee, Indiana offer year-round accommodations throughout northern Indiana's Amish country. The area has a continental climate with warm summers reaching average highs of 84°F and cold winters with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most cabins are positioned within an hour's drive of Lake Michigan, providing access to beaches during summer months while inland locations focus on fishing ponds, hiking trails, and proximity to cultural attractions.
What to do
Hiking trails: 10-15 miles of options at Potato Creek State Park Campground for beginners and intermediate hikers. "Peppermint Hill mountain bike/hiking loop was really fun and not to be missed," notes one visitor. Another hiker mentions trail #1 as "a 1 mile weird loop that has some neat scenery, especially in the summertime."
Basketball and recreational games: Elkhart Campground maintains basketball courts, pickle ball, horseshoes, and putt-putt golf on site. A visitor reports, "The campground offers several amenities including basketball, pickle ball, horseshoes, putt-putt, swimming, laundry room, hot showers and a camp store."
Fishing opportunities: Most cabins provide access to stocked ponds or natural lakes. The Ebys Pines property connects to Bonneyville Mill County Park. "Trails lead to a local County park - Bonneyville Mill. There's a roller skating rink and laser tag across the street," shares a guest who visited in late May.
What campers like
Convenient Amish country access: Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park provides direct access to Shipshewana's cultural attractions. "We had a wonderful experience! Our site was backed up to a horse pasture (in the evening, the horses came over for a quick visit!). Easy access to the Shipshewana Flea Market and E&S Sales (greatest bulk food shopping EVER!)," reports one camper.
Clean, updated facilities: Bathroom cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews. At Warren Dunes State Park Campground, visitors appreciate "clean bathrooms (cleaned at least twice a day) and private shower stalls." A reviewer notes, "The campground and all facilities were clean and well cared for."
Family-oriented activities: Weekend programming for children happens regularly. "The owners are very nice & plan activities every weekend for the kids," reports one visitor. Another mentions, "Tons of stuff to do for campers of all ages. Roller skating, mini bowling, laser tag, and an arcade at the fun center."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At some properties, location within the campground significantly impacts experience. At Potato Creek, one reviewer 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."
Weather considerations: The northern Indiana climate brings mosquitoes in summer and can be extremely cold in winter. "Natural wetlands abound, so definitely bring the mosquito spray," warns a Potato Creek visitor. Lake Michigan beaches may have swimming advisories during algae blooms, as one family discovered: "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."
Connectivity challenges: WiFi availability varies significantly between properties. A Potato Creek reviewer notes, "Typical Indiana Campground with basic amenities, older comfort stations and spotty WIFI. I like unplugging but sometimes work demands I respond promptly."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid zones: Pla-Mor Campground features "in-ground swimming pool, mini golf, a driving range, laundry, an arcade and ice cream." Another reviewer mentions it has a "pool with splash area for littles" and "multiple playgrounds, even a new one recently built."
Consider noise levels: Campsites near playgrounds are convenient but louder. "Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust," notes an experienced camper.
Check for weekend programming: Several campgrounds organize structured activities. "They have planned events, awesome putt putt, pool with splash area for littles," explains a family that visited in July and September.
Tips from RVers
Extended power connections: Some sites require longer-than-standard electrical cords. "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," advises a Potato Creek visitor.
Travel times between attractions: Allow for extra driving time from your campsite. "Takes 10-15 mins to drive out of campground, so keep this in mind," notes an RVer about Potato Creek. Most area attractions are within 20-30 minutes of Nappanee, with Lake Michigan beaches about an hour away.
Premium site options: Several campgrounds offer upgraded sites with concrete pads and additional amenities. One reviewer mentions, "We've stayed on the deluxe patio sites a couple of times when they were available. They have patio table & chairs on extra wide concrete pad, gas grill, fire pit & seating area in back."
