Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Nappanee, IN

Potato Creek State Park Campground accommodates pets at all types of sites including tent, RV, cabin, and glamping areas. Located near North Liberty, Indiana, approximately 25 miles from Nappanee, the park maintains standard leash requirements while offering extensive grounds for walking dogs. Pla-Mor Campground in Bremen features large, uncrowded sites where campers can bring their pets while enjoying multiple recreational amenities. Elkhart Campground and Elkhart RV Resort both welcome pets and provide full hookup sites with specific designated areas for pet relief. Most campgrounds in the region require pets to be leashed at all times, properly supervised, and cleaned up after. Campgrounds typically limit pets to 2-3 per site, though specific policies vary by location. The family-oriented atmosphere at Pla-Mor Campground makes it particularly suitable for campers with well-behaved pets due to its spacious sites and clean facilities. Camping photos and user guides for Nappanee, Indiana are available on The Dyrt.

Hoffman Lake Campground maintains dog-friendly policies while offering lakefront camping with concrete pads that prevent tracking excessive dirt into RVs or tents. The campground's pet rules include restrictions on outdoor rugs, which some campers note can lead to more dirt and sand being brought inside their accommodations. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground provides year-round access with multiple walking trails suitable for daily pet exercise across its interconnected waterways. During summer months, pet owners should be mindful of high temperatures on campsite surfaces and ensure adequate shade and water for their animals. The Elkhart County Fairgrounds campground offers extensive open spaces for walking pets, with nearby trail systems extending for miles beyond the fairground boundaries. Some campgrounds restrict certain dog breeds or impose weight limits, so confirming specific pet policies before arrival is essential. Local veterinary services are available in larger communities like Goshen, Warsaw, and Elkhart for emergency pet care needs during camping trips.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Nappanee, Indiana (87)

    1. Potato Creek State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    North Liberty, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 656-8186

    $20 - $90 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Pla-Mor Campground

    5 Reviews
    Bremen, IN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 546-3665

    $42 - $53 / night

    "We had used it as a location for our sons golf event in Plymouth. Easy to get to from 31 North. "

    "We always stay here as it is close to family. They have other activities they do each month and usually post about it on their facebook page.( Pla-Mor Campground)"

    3. Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Goshen, IN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 533-3247

    "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."

    4. Hoffman Lake Campground INC.

    4 Reviews
    Tippecanoe, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 268-8997

    $30 - $100 / night

    "Beautiful lake. Very quiet. Shady. Our site was sloped, but we worked it out. Would recommend"

    "Had an awesome view right on the lake. Loved how friendly the new owners were. We will definitely be back for another relaxing weekend soon."

    5. Elkhart Campground

    12 Reviews
    Elkhart, IN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 264-2914

    "Very clean, nice sized dog park, quiet and close to restaurants. If had an occasion to stay here again…we definitely would!"

    "Elkhart Campground is great Clean , easy access, lots of pull through sites with full hook up - pool, Close to big lake too!!!"

    6. Ruperts Resort Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bremen, IN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 546-2657

    "complaining it's big enough if you want to be loud late you can the people that have a rv all year round are all nice and cool I ran in to just about every one all nice I recommend Ruperts resort in Indiana"

    7. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Albion, IN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 636-2654

    $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."

    8. North Trace RV Resort

    1 Review
    Syracuse, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 325-1500

    $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."

    9. Ebys Pines

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, IN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 848-4583

    "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."

    10. Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney

    11 Reviews
    Middlebury, IN
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 347-6889

    "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."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Nappanee, IN

532 Reviews of 87 Nappanee Campgrounds


  • Tiffany H.
    May. 21, 2026

    North Trace RV Resort

    Great Resort

    Amazing 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!

  • M
    May. 13, 2019

    Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday

    Nice campground

    I 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2023

    Elkhart Campground

    Elkhart, IN….Nice campground

    We 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!

  • A
    Jul. 28, 2021

    Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday

    First Trip of the season

    We 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.

  • jamie S.
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Michigan City Campground

    Great campground

    We stayed in the off season in a site close to the laundry facility and office. Great campground for families. Our site was smaller however, no one was around us so it seemed bigger. They do have nice premium sites in the front. Loved that it is gated and and key card access after hours. Has a dog park and a playground for the kids.

  • R
    Sep. 15, 2020

    Ebys Pines

    Very nice and friendly

    Stayed 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

  • deb K.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Elkhart Campground

    3 1/2 star campground

    It 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

  • Derek N.
    Jun. 22, 2022

    Michigan City Campground

    Not my favorite, but not horrible

    Pros - playground, pool, well kept grounds, helpful staff, gated/swipe card access, ponds, close to area attractions, decent campground WiFi, small fire ring, small dog park

    Cons - tight spaces, BYO grill, bad showers, dirty/tight bathroom area

    The mens room is just gross. Water in the stalls because showers don’t drain. Water in the shower never gets hot. Missing shower heads with pressure that almost tears your skin. Can barely squeeze into the tiny stall. Toilets are gross.

  • Donna H.
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Michigan City Campground

    Great Campground

    We used it as an over night stop right off of 94. It was perfect for that. It would also be perfect spot to stay longer if wanted to be in the area. Grounds were nice. Clean bathrooms, laundry, dog friendly, pool, office is friendly and has a store with game room. Nice dog park. We are in a 40ft with tow and did not need to unhook.


Guide to Nappanee

Camping near Nappanee, Indiana offers access to the region's diverse wetlands and interconnected waterways, with most sites located within a 30-mile radius of town. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winters regularly dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open from April to October, though several offer year-round accommodations.

What to do

Biking trails at Potato Creek State Park: Located 25 miles from Nappanee, the park provides both paved paths and mountain biking trails. "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," notes Frank M. at Potato Creek State Park Campground.

Putt-putt golf and games: Family-friendly activities are available at several campgrounds within driving distance. "Great campground for the family. Has in-ground pool, mini golf, small arcade room, camp store, playground and fishing," says Jeremy C. about Pla-Mor Campground.

Walking and hiking trails: The region offers numerous walking paths ranging from beginner-friendly to more challenging routes. "We have probably hiked it two dozen times at least and it's got nice trails for the part of Indiana that it's in. Most of them are relatively flat with some trails, like number two, having some hills and stairs in them," Kaley A. mentions about Potato Creek State Park.

What campers like

Spacious, well-maintained sites: Many campgrounds in the region prioritize site quality and space. "Large sites, not crowded. Clean bath house. Responsive on social media to questions," shares Abbie K. about Pla-Mor Campground, which has become known for its uncrowded camping experience.

Seasonal activities: Campgrounds offer structured events throughout the camping season. "We've probably hiked it two dozen times at least and it's got nice trails for the part of Indiana that it's in. Most of them are relatively flat with some trails, like number two, having some hills and stairs in them. My favorite trail is probably number one, which is a 1 mile weird loop that has some neat scenery, especially in the summertime," describes Kaley A. about hiking at Potato Creek.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing in stocked lakes or natural waterways. "Took my son on a father son camping trip! Normaly i would bring my 32 foot camper but we roughed it for the weekend and tent camped. Sites were smooth and level and well taken care of. Lots of nice walking and biking trails and a big electric motor only fishing lake and nice beach," says Brandon E. about Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground.

What you should know

Concrete pads at select campgrounds: Some sites feature concrete surfaces that affect camping setup. "We had a nice big pull through site. Lots of things for the kids to do: swimming, volleyball, mini golf..." mentions Stacy E. about Elkhart Campground.

Rug restrictions at some locations: Policies on outdoor camping rugs vary between properties. "We had grass and sand and dirt everywhere because of this policy. They really need to change this," notes Matt from Hoffman Lake Campground regarding their no-outdoor-rug rule.

Train noise at select locations: Railroad proximity affects noise levels at certain campgrounds. "There is an active railroad nearby this campground. 4 Trains woke us up during the night," warns Irene O. about Elkhart RV Resort.

Mosquito preparation: Wetland areas require insect protection, especially during summer months. "Natural wetlands abound, so definitely bring the mosquito spray," advises Frank M. about camping at Potato Creek State Park.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity considerations: Families with children might prefer specific areas within campgrounds. "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," suggests Frank M. regarding Hoffman Lake Campground.

Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities suitable for children. "The beach area is nice, though," mentions Tony P. about Potato Creek State Park, while also noting that "blue-green algae warnings made us not want to put more than our feet in the water."

Recreation programs: Structured activities can enhance family camping experiences. "Lots of things to do with kids. Planned events, awesome putt putt, pool with splash area for littles. Multiple playgrounds, even a new one recently built," shares Abbie K. about Pla-Mor Campground.

Tips from RVers

Hookup considerations: RV campers should verify electrical requirements before booking. "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," advises Frank M. about Potato Creek State Park.

Site selection strategy: Experienced RVers recommend specific sites based on size and location. "The sites are very close together in this CG. The deluxe sites give you a cement pad and better spacing but are still fairly close together," notes MickandKarla W. about Elkhart Campground.

Pet-friendly amenities: For those seeking pet-friendly camping near Nappanee, Indiana, dog parks are available at select locations. "They have about a 1/4 acre fenced dog area plus there are plenty of areas within the CG to walk your dog including a short trail through the woods at the back of the CG," mentions MickandKarla W. about Ebys Pines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Nappanee, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Nappanee, IN is Potato Creek State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 50 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Nappanee, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 87 dog-friendly camping locations near Nappanee, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.