RV sites near North Judson, Indiana sit within the Kankakee River watershed, where the terrain transitions from sandy marshland to rich farmland across elevations ranging from 680 to 720 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer highs averaging 83°F and winter lows frequently dropping below 20°F. Camping options range from state park facilities to private RV resorts with varying seasonal availability from April through October.
What to do
Explore historic fire towers: At Tippecanoe River State Park Campground, visitors can climb the fire tower for panoramic views. According to one camper, "A nice little place to relax. Fire tower climb was beautiful. A nice little place to relax." The tower provides excellent vantage points for photography and birdwatching.
Fishing opportunities: Oak Lake RV Resort offers pond fishing for campers. One visitor mentioned, "Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a looong day of driving. Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp." Many campers bring their own equipment, though some basics can be purchased at camp stores.
Water recreation: Swimming in the Kankakee River provides cooling relief during summer months. A camper at Lake Alexander RV Park shared, "There's a river that's a 5 min walk from the campground that we swam in and it kept us cool from the heat." River access points vary by campground, with some offering direct paths to shorelines.
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds organize weekend events, particularly during summer. A visitor to Last Resort Campground noted, "One highlight, especially for kids is the Saturday night golf cart parade. After dark the campers with golf carts do a parade around the campground and toss candy." Activity schedules typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Maple Ridge Campground receives consistent praise for cleanliness. According to a reviewer, "The shower and bathroom was the best I ever saw at a campground." Updated bathhouses with laundry facilities operate during the April 15 to October 15 camping season.
Family-focused programming: Scheduled activities keep younger campers engaged at many sites. As one camper at Maple Ridge observed, "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." Most activities run on weekends with larger events during holiday periods.
Natural settings: The wooded environments provide shade and wildlife viewing. A visitor to Tippecanoe River State Park Campground commented, "Mature wooded campground. Plentiful level grassy tent spots to put up a tent. Clean facilities. Quiet park. Knowledgeable and friendly staff." The park's trails connect directly to camping areas.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer adequate space between sites. At Last Resort Campground, a reviewer noted about the electric-only section, "On the other side of the grounds around the pond (electric only) sites were much bigger and secluded." Site dimensions vary by campground, with pull-through options typically measuring 40-50 feet in length.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area close during winter months. Oak Lake RV Resort operates from April 15 to October 15, while Last Resort Campground runs from April 1 to November 1. A camper at Lake Alexander noted, "They're open from April 15 to October 15."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly in summer months. According to a Tippecanoe River State Park visitor, "Worst place for mosquitoes." Another reviewer suggested, "Spring and late fall would be a good time to visit." Campers should bring repellent and protective clothing.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. As one Tippecanoe River State Park camper observed, "I have AT&T service and could not use my phone at all, my husband has Verizon and had no problems with cell service." Verizon typically provides the strongest coverage throughout the region.
Reservation requirements: Weekends often fill completely, especially during summer. A visitor to Love's RV Stop recommended, "We reserved and checked in online. The only complaint I had is the site we were at showed a ground fault on the 50amp Circuit so I had to use the 30 amp circuit." Most campgrounds accept reservations 6-12 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near play areas for convenience. At Oak Lake RV Resort, a visitor shared, "Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp." Sites numbered 2-7 at Tippecanoe River State Park provide direct playground access.
Swimming options: Campgrounds with water recreation help during hot weather. At Lost Acres RV Park, one camper noted, "This is a beautiful family orientation campground. There is something for everyone. Playgrounds, new pool, kids activities, corn hole tournaments, fishing pond." Swimming areas typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Weekend activities: Plan stays during scheduled events. A Maple Ridge visitor shared, "Multiple activities on Saturday included tractor ride, kids bingo, and elephant ears. Nice pool and playground." Activity schedules are usually posted online or at campground offices.
Trail difficulty: Some hiking paths may challenge younger children. A Tippecanoe River State Park visitor cautioned, "The hikes are okay. They aren't really anything special and aren't really well marked either. There is a firetower, which is fun for the kids and the hike to get there is short." Most campgrounds provide trail maps indicating difficulty levels and distances.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request specific site types based on rig size. At Love's RV Stop, a camper advised, "We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless." Sites at Last Resort Campground can accommodate larger vehicles, with a visitor noting, "We have a 21' and hardly got in. We were super close to fellow campers."
Hookup inspection: Check electrical connections before setup. According to a Love's RV Stop visitor, "Make sure your using your EPM devices. The site we were at showed a ground fault on the 50amp Circuit so I had to use the 30 amp circuit." Many campgrounds offer both 30-amp and 50-amp service options.
Leveling preparation: Bring blocks for uneven terrain. A camper at Last Resort mentioned, "Needs more gravel brought in, or pavement." Most sites require some leveling, particularly after heavy rainfall.
Security features: Some parks offer extra safety measures. A visitor to Oak Lake RV Resort noted, "Gated for security and plenty of shade. Great family setting and staff." Campers with valuable equipment often select locations with controlled access points or overnight security.
