Nappanee sits in northern Indiana's flat agricultural terrain, surrounded by Amish farmland at an elevation of around 850 feet. The camping season typically runs April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping months. Fall visitors can expect cooler nights around 40-50°F with colorful foliage making it a popular time for RV travelers.
What to do
Visit Amish attractions: Several campgrounds provide access to authentic Amish experiences within short drives. At Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney, campers appreciate the proximity to cultural experiences, with one visitor noting it's "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."
Explore nearby lakes: The region offers water recreation opportunities at several parks. Twin Mills Camping Resort features "a large lake access point with a beach area" according to one camper. Another visitor at Thousand Trails Bear Cave mentioned it's "close to nearby Lake Michigan and beaches."
Bike the Pumpkinvine Trail: This popular cycling path connects several Amish communities. A camper at Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park shared they enjoyed "two days of riding on the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail, the Krider Nurseries World's Fair Garden, the RV museum in Elkhart and Mooey's ice cream near Middlebury."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access. At Thousand Trails Bear Cave, the resort "sits on the St. Joseph river & this park has a boat ramp & dock for fishing." Another visitor described it as a "great kayaking and fishing campground!"
What campers like
Quiet, peaceful settings: Many RV campgrounds near Nappanee provide tranquil environments. A visitor to Lakeside RV Resort described it as "quiet and out of the way" with "a private lake which is surrounded by farmland." Another camper at Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park appreciated being "next to some beautiful grazing fields with cattle and horses."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. At Maple Ridge Campground, a visitor remarked "the shower and bathroom was the best I ever saw at a campground." Another review praised the "newly remodeled bathhouse with laundry."
Family-friendly amenities: Many parks offer activities specifically for children. A Twin Mills Camping Resort visitor mentioned "they had lots of various activities going on and even as crowded as it was customer service was good and the park is clean." At Maple Ridge, one camper appreciated the "playground, pool, activities for the family."
Convenient location: Proximity to attractions and services ranks high among campers. A visitor at Shipshewana RV Park valued the "easy access to flea market" while another noted this campground "offers you access to the Flea Market. They also offer RV repairs both at their facility tied to the park or at your site."
What you should know
Site spacing varies: Campground layouts differ significantly across the region. At Twin Mills, a camper observed "sites deep not very wide" and noted their site was "the farthest loop on the back row." Another mentioned seasonal campers who "had placed their unit horizontally in the space which made sitting outside awkward."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. At Elkhart RV Resort, visitors can expect reliable WiFi for those who "have to work." However, at Thousand Trails Bear Cave, campers report "no internet, no cell service" requiring paid WiFi access that costs "$5.95 per day or if your here for a week + then $34.95 for the month up to 4 devices."
Train noise: Railroad tracks impact some campgrounds. A camper at Elkhart RV Resort mentioned "there is an active railroad nearby this campground. 4 Trains woke us up during the night."
Security features: Some parks offer gated access. Twin Mills Camping Resort "has a gate entrance for security" according to one reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kids' activities: Some campgrounds organize regular events. At Maple Ridge Campground, the "owner operator campground where the family knows how to cater to the kids. Multiple activities on Saturday included tractor ride, kids bingo, and elephant ears."
Check recreation options: Twin Mills Camping Resort offers extensive amenities as one camper listed: "Pool, Clubhouse, Basketball, Volleyball, Picnic tables, Fire rings, Trash, Playground, Lake access, Beach area, Dock, Cabins, Tent sites." Another visitor mentioned it's "really fun for families, nice pool and bathrooms, putt putt, bring your bikes."
Consider camping cabins: For families new to camping, cabin rentals provide comfort with outdoor access. Thousand Trails Bear Cave offers such options, with one camper noting they enjoyed "the game room building" which provides indoor entertainment during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Pay attention to electrical service details when booking. At Shipshewana RV Park, the sites are "full hookup" but one visitor noted electrical pedestal configurations can vary, recommending adaptors for different amperage needs.
RV repair proximity: The Nappanee area is known for RV manufacturing and service centers. The Shipshewana RV Park "offers RV repairs both at their facility tied to the park or at your site" which can be convenient for travelers experiencing issues.
Site selection: When possible, request specific areas within campgrounds. At Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney, a visitor noted "the sites are setup for two pull through side by side with shared yard in the middle" which works well for RVers traveling together.
