Campgrounds near Orland, Indiana typically operate from mid-April through October, though some extend into November during milder years. The region sits at approximately 900 feet elevation, featuring a mix of small lakes and agricultural landscapes throughout LaGrange and Steuben counties. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons often see overnight lows in the 40-50°F range with occasional frost before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.
What to do
Fishing at connected lakes: Hogback Lake at Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday provides access to a chain of waterways where you can "kayak extensively in this long chain of lakes and go on for days," according to local camper Charlie M. The campground offers boat rentals and a launch area if you bring your own vessel.
Visit Amish communities: The Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park puts you within minutes of authentic Amish experiences. As one camper noted, "Easy access to the Shipshewana Flea Market and E&S Sales (greatest bulk food shopping EVER!)" The park's location offers convenient access to "Shipshewana, Amish Country and the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail."
Bike the Pumpkinvine Trail: This paved pathway connects several communities in the region. "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 and Mooey's ice cream near Middlebury," reports one visitor who stayed at Shipshewana Campground South.
What campers like
Lake access for swimming: Crooked Creek Campground and Cabins offers "easy lake access" and "river access at this campground so you can kayak about 5 hours to the public access and drive back," according to a recent visitor. Another camper mentioned they "really enjoyed our spot" with "partial shade and picnic table at our site."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. One camper at Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney noted, "bathrooms are spotless!" while another mentioned "air conditioned bathrooms! That is amazing in the summer."
Seasonal activities: Many parks offer recreation beyond basic camping. A visitor to Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday praised their "new pool and lazy river which is fantastic. There's an inflatable obstacle course on the lake." Another noted "events every weekend and some fun for everyone."
What you should know
Variable site types: Campsite layouts differ substantially between parks. At Shipshewana RV Park, "the Park offers mainly alternating pull-through sites which means you will be facing your neighbor's door not their street side of the camper. This makes for great buddy sites." Surface types vary too, with this park featuring "crushed limestone/asphalt drives with grass in between the sites."
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds sit near highways. One camper at Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday reported "Highway noise was terrible. So many open spaces and we're assigned a highway space." Another more moderate review noted "a little bit of road noise, but water, electric, sewer, cable TV all worked great."
Shade availability: Tree cover varies widely between parks and specific sites. At Shipshewana RV Park, "the trees are not mature, so no shade is really offered," while at Circle B RV Park and Cabins, a visitor described it as a "Great campground, very well maintained" without mentioning shade limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and recreation amenities: Camp Turkeyville RV Resort receives consistently high marks for family amenities. "Family campground with restaurant, gift shop, camp store, ice cream parlor, and heated pool," notes one visitor. Another mentions it's "Very laid back. Family oriented. Plenty of things for the kids to do."
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. One Camp Turkeyville visitor noted "There is a volleyball pit, playground, and horseshoes," while another described it as having "Spacious sites. Concrete patio at each site. Daily trash pickup at campsite. Very quiet and family friendly."
Consider off-season visits: Crowding can impact family camping experiences. A visitor to Twin Mills noted they "stopped for one night a week prior to their closing for the season," finding ample space, though they observed "Not too sure how service would be during peak season."
Tips from RVers
Electrical concerns: Pay attention to amp service when booking. At Harbor Cove RV Resort, one RVer struggled with power issues: "Power went out and on 5-6 times in an hour. Surge suppressor was normal. No TV, plugs, microwave, etc..." This underscores the value of carrying a surge protector.
Site selection matters: When possible, research or call ahead about specific sites. At Elkhart RV Resort, campers can choose from different sections: "We've stayed on the deluxe patio sites a couple of times when they were available. They have patio table & chairs on extra wide concrete pad, gas grill, fire pit & seating area in back."
Campground layouts: RVers should note how parks organize their sites. At Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park, "Our site was backed up to a horse pasture (in the evening, the horses came over for a quick visit!)" This rural setting offers a unique experience compared to more densely arranged parks.
Traveler
