Campsites near Notre Dame, Indiana range from family-friendly RV parks to waterfront resorts within 30 miles of campus. The region features flat terrain at approximately 725 feet elevation with hardwood forests interspersed among agricultural fields. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from mid-April through October when overnight temperatures typically stay above 40°F.
What to do
Visit Bear Cave: Thousand Trails Bear Cave offers unique geological features for exploration. "There is actually a cave in the campground that you can take a tour of while you are here. The campground is on the banks of the St. Joseph River in southwest Michigan. There is also a waterfall right next to the cave," notes one camper.
Explore Amish Country: Located just 15 minutes from Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney, Shipshewana offers authentic Amish experiences. "Great campground 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," according to a visitor.
Bike the Pumpkinvine Trail: The paved trail network connects several communities near Notre Dame. "This campground was very convenient to the town of Shipshewanna, Amish Country and the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail. We enjoyed our stay, two days of riding on the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail, the Krider Nurseries World's Fair Garden, the RV museum in Elkhart."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Maple Ridge Campground receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "The shower and bathroom was the best I ever saw at a campground," reports one reviewer. Another notes the "newly remodled bathhouse with laundry and also a heated pool."
Family activities: Weekend programming keeps younger campers entertained at several RV parks near Notre Dame, Indiana. "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. Nice pool and playground."
Lake access: Twin Mills Camping Resort provides water recreation opportunities. "There is a small beach and pool available with lots of places to walk, ride and explore. Shipshewana is a ten minute drive and has lots to offer including the a huge flea market (check dates)."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railway disturbances. A visitor to South Bend Elkhart North KOA reports: "There is an active railroad nearby this campground. 4 Trains woke us up during the night."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between parks. At Thousand Trails Bear Cave, campers report "No internet, no cell service," though some campgrounds offer paid WiFi options: "If you want wifi then its 5.95 per day or if your here for a week + then 34.95 for the month up to 4 devices is your best bet."
Seasonal limitations: Most RV parks near Notre Dame operate from April through October. Specific opening dates vary: "Twin Mills is a really beautiful and quiet RV Campground, with tall trees in Northern Indiana. The park has a gate entrance for security."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday maintains water features for children. "Heated pool and lots of activities for kids. Camp with blueberries right outside your door!" Another visitor noted the "great pool, cafe and store! Lots of sports equipment to loan as well."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "Amazing little campground! Perfect family spot!! Playground, pool, activities for the family, updated bathhouse!!"
Game facilities: Indoor recreation options provide entertainment during inclement weather. "This campground has a gate entrance for security. There is a large pool area and basketball court. There are several sections in the park, some more wooded and narrow sites, some are more spread out."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds offer varying pad types and hookup options. "Most of the full hookups are taken 1st by the annuals. Sucks really but they do have an onsite honeypot which will suck out your tanks for $10 each time around."
Early reservations: Book well ahead for football weekends and summer holidays. "When we arrived the camper that had the site prior to us had not vacated yet and it was 2:00 pm in the afternoon. It took them about an hour, and we were able to enjoy our site."
RV size considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "The sites were set with nice gravel onto a cement patio surrounded by large trees. So it had the nice feel of outside with no mud and dirt tracked into our pull through RV site."
