Camping options around New Haven, Indiana include a mix of established state parks, urban campgrounds, and private facilities within a 30-mile radius. Johnny Appleseed Campground provides an unusual urban camping experience in Fort Wayne, while Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground offers year-round camping with both tent and RV sites. Other options include Blue Lake Campground, Indian Springs Campground, and Camp Timber Lake, providing varying levels of amenities and accommodation types including tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals.
The camping season for most facilities typically runs from April through October, though several campgrounds remain open year-round. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. "The campground is almost in the middle of Fort Wayne. Most of the sites are very close and no vegetation to allow any privacy," noted a visitor about Johnny Appleseed Campground, highlighting the urban nature of some camping options. Water and electric hookups are standard at most established campgrounds in the region, with several also offering sewer connections and dump stations. Shower and restroom facilities vary considerably in quality and accessibility across different properties.
Campers rate the regional bathhouse facilities quite differently across locations. Johnny Appleseed Campground consistently receives praise for exceptionally clean restrooms, with one camper noting they are "the best bathrooms that I have ever seen in the campgrounds." Proximity to water features represents a common highlight in visitor reviews, with several campgrounds offering lake or river access. Privacy between campsites appears limited at some facilities, particularly at more developed urban campgrounds. Most established campgrounds in the area provide fire rings, picnic tables, and drinking water. The camping experience ranges from urban convenience at Johnny Appleseed to more traditional outdoor settings at Chain O' Lakes State Park, where visitors can enjoy multiple connected lakes and hiking trails.
"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 **"
$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."
"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."
"Even though we were close in proximity to eachother, everyone remained respectful of the noise and helped eachother as much as we could. Good little camping trip community. Had a great experience"
$20 - $33 / night
"The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground, and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River that goes into nearby Bluffton, and is an easy ride. "
"Plenty of trails to hike and a nice little lake to enjoy. Will definitely come back here"
"It was very relaxing and I also enjoyed walking on different paths to enjoy nature as it was. I would highly recommend this campground to anyone. It is also family friended"
"Kil-so-qauh, used to be a little hidden gem right outside of town but has turned into quite a popular place, but for good reason."
$40 / night
"Blue Lake Resort is a hidden gem for campers! The serene atmosphere and beautiful lake views make it a perfect getaway. The amenities are well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and accommodating."
"The lake is clean and has a decent beach. You can rent kayaks for cheap. Has a pretty decent grocery store on site. The bathrooms are huge and clean. Wifi is good at our lot."
$25 - $38 / night
"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."
ScoutBit pricey but is a nice park stayed most the winter they have a 9 full hook up sites open year round city water heated bath house site gets a little muddy when rains mostly quite to
ScoutNice small town fairgrounds with modern amenities.
Guide10-2-24 thru 10-7-24 Site 370 C
Cellular, TMOBILE 5G, 3 bars. 21’ Apex Nano w truck. Gravel pad, fire pit and grass is about 12” lower than pad. Keep in mind if expecting rain.
Showers are old, warm with 2 hooks, 2 toilets and 2 urnials.
Fire pit needs to be reset in the ground, it sit too high. Awesome trails to hike. Maintenance was awesome changing out a breaker on the box.
8-27-22, update on site 348 and 350. These are pull through sites on the edge of the road. 350 is longer and had a 5th Wheel on it. We put our 19’ Nano on 348. Full sun during the day, 348 is uneven once you walk off of the pad. This site could use some TLC and more gravel for parking.
10-1-16, nice state park with hiking trails. Lot 322 was partially sun and shade. Restroom and shower(open stall, no privacy) was outdated but functional. 2-5-22 hiked 4 miles on the snow packed trails. Cold and awesome powder conditions.
ScoutBeen camping here for years. The sites have not changed. They make a fortune every week and dont invest in the leveling of the sites. We are looking elsewhere. By the way, the rates are going up...👎
LegendThe 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 from an arena and college. There is a playground and a dog park. Here as well as ball diamonds. This is a great family friendly place but is very very busy during the season.
LegendThis is a decent place. 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. Even have a pool and propane fills. Alot of the people in here during the winter are people living long-term for seasonal work. Not the best rigs so you wont feel bad if yours isnt new or clean. Strong highway noise but overall a quite place
TravelerThis was the first park we went to as new trailer owners. It did not disappoint. Staff are so friendly and helpful. It is right off I69 so easy access but you will have road noise. We did not find it intrusive but understand not everyone may think the same. Sites are gravel and where we were, pretty level. There are other sites you may need leveling pads on but nothing looked crazy. Our site had full hookups. Some had only water and electric. No issues with cell service or Starlink. We had a fire ring and picnic table. Not a lot of trees though. The seasonal parts of the park do. The bathrooms are modern and clean. Our site was a pull through, others are back in. It seemed to me that 3/4 of the sites are occupied by semi permanent seasonal tenants though. Almost looked like a mobile home park in a way with sheds and decks. They have the best sites along the water. The transient sites are separated from them. Because of the permanent residents there is golf cart traffic. It was not noisy or party atmosphere though. Angola is close for dining or shopping. All and all, enjoyed the visit and would not hesitate to stay there again.
ScoutPSA, this was my first time camping. EVER. I came here with a few family member to hike and get away from the rat race of life and that's exactly what I got. An awesome 1st time experience. My site was NOT fully shaded and was level, a plus because I slept in my vehicle. Our camp neighbors were friendly. So many people, kids and well behaved dogs. The quiet hours were quiet with exception of the couple loud drunk guys who ended up laying in the road near our sites. I thought it was funny, but my experienced camping family members not so much. Bathroom was clean and stocked. Didn't use the available free showers, next time. Water water everywhere and no mosquitos. Trails were well kept. They do have an enclosed fish cleaning station which looked nice. Everything is within walking distance from your campsite. Boat & kayak rentals are available, but closed after Labor Day. The camp store has everything and anything you would need or need including souvenirs. My late September weekend was cooler than normal, lows in the 40's and highs in the 60's. The campfire smoke that hung in the air like ground fog. Not a deal breaker. I will be back in April 2026. Going to give the cabins a try and do some fishing. I will come back here !
ScoutThis campground has around 500 sites and ONLY ONE BATH HOUSE! It is cramped and is full of long term campers. It is geared toward kids with all kinds of bounce houses, etc. It is listed as a reaort but this is no resort. We paid more than the other sites we have stayed at in this area. So sorry we did but we did have trouble finding places in Indiana.
Camping spots near New Haven, Indiana include a mix of state parks, lakeside retreats, and urban campgrounds within 30 miles of the city. Many campgrounds in this northeastern Indiana region experience seasonal flooding in spring, particularly affecting primitive sites. Summer temperatures average 85°F during peak camping months from June through August.
Lake activities: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground offers connected waterways perfect for kayaking. "Very clean state park. Reasonable prices. Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," notes Jeremy C. The park maintains nine connecting lakes ideal for paddling.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails wind through Ouabache State Park Campground with varying difficulty levels. "Love all the trails here, lots of options for how long of a hike you want to take! There's a surprising variation between more deciduous and coniferous environments depending on the trail you choose," according to Bethany S.
Bison viewing: The bison enclosure at Ouabache State Park provides educational wildlife viewing. "The park has great trails for hiking and biking. The bison exhibit and ranger programs are great too," shares emily P.
Observation tower: Climb the 200-foot restored fire tower at Ouabache State Park for panoramic views. "While you're there, don't forget to say hello to the bison," recommends Bethany S.
Urban accessibility: Johnny Appleseed Campground provides convenient access to city attractions. "This is a great little campground if you are wanting to explore Fort Wayne or are local and want to campout. Easy access to downtown, the Coliseum, IPFW, and shopping," explains Tara W.
Connected trails: Several campgrounds connect to regional trail systems. "The park is connected to the river greenway which is a beautiful walk along the river!" notes Haylie M. about Johnny Appleseed Campground.
Quiet weekday camping: Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake offers peaceful weekday stays. "During the week it's great. Hardly anyone here and so peaceful," reports Darrell B., though weekends get considerably more crowded with only 60 first-come, first-served sites.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities abound at regional campgrounds. "Good bird watching spot. Lots of eagles," mentions Erica A. about Kil-So-Quah.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: While some campgrounds have modern facilities, others offer only pit toilets. "Kil-so-qauh, used to be a little hidden gem right outside of town but has turned into quite a popular place, but for good reason. The campground accommodates both luxury rv campers and more rustic private tent or hammock goers like myself... There are no fantastic bathrooms just pit toilets but easy get away is worth it," explains Sadye H.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have water quality issues. "The potable water is brown and smelly.. be sure to bring your water filter!" warns emily P. about Ouabache State Park.
Site privacy differences: Camp Timber Lake offers lakefront sites but limited privacy in some areas. "The oweners are nice people. The camp ground is small and clean. There is pull through full hook up sites. But they are full sun and small sites. So no privacy," notes Tina H.
Seasonal crowds: Holiday weekends bring significant crowds to most area campgrounds. "I've camped here every season but if you dont like crowds, make sure to avoid the summer holidays," advises Sadye H. about Kil-So-Quah.
Beach activities: Blue Lake Campground features a clean swimming area popular with children. "The lake is clean and has a decent beach. You can rent kayaks for cheap. Has a pretty decent grocery store on site. The bathrooms are huge and clean. Kids had fun with basketball, dodgeball, fishing and kayaking," reports Matt.
Zip line adventures: Camp Timber Lake offers recreational zip lines over the water. "Next time we will have to try the zip-lines!" mentions Ashley J., though be aware that "there is a zipline that goes over a few of them so it can be a little strange with people flying over you on a busy day."
Campground playgrounds: Many area campgrounds feature play areas for children. "They have a waterslide, big store, hand scooped ice cream, clean bathrooms and boat rentals," shares Brandy J. about Indian Springs Campground.
Nature programs: Several state parks offer ranger-led educational activities. "We spoke with the naturalist and volunteered our time she was absolutely fantastic," says Julie B. about Chain O' Lakes State Park.
Urban camping convenience: River Camp Fort Wayne provides unusual in-city camping for RVers wanting to explore Fort Wayne attractions.
Site leveling: Most RV sites at Blue Lake Campground are reported as level. "We stayed in lot A-14. They are all gravel lots, but nice and level," shares Matt.
Campground location research: Some campgrounds are located near noisy highways or industrial areas. "The highway noise was terrible. We had A/C on and sound machine and still had a rough time sleeping. Not a bad place for a stopover but too noisy for more than a few nights," notes Sandy F. about Indian Springs Campground.
Reservation timing: For weekend camping near New Haven, Indiana, reservations are essential during summer months. "During the weekends it gets packed. Only 60 sites so show up early if you want one. No reservations so first come gets it," advises Darrell B. about Kil-So-Quah.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near New Haven, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, New Haven, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near New Haven, IN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near New Haven, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Haven, IN is Johnny Appleseed Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Haven, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near New Haven, IN.
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