Best Campgrounds near Hamilton, IN

Camping opportunities around Hamilton, Indiana center primarily on developed campgrounds with cabin options, tent sites, and RV accommodations. The region includes several established facilities like Pokagon State Park Campground and Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday, which provide a mix of amenities including electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, located in Albion, offers additional camping diversity with tent sites, RV spots, cabin rentals, and glamping accommodations, allowing visitors to select their preferred camping style within the northeastern Indiana landscape.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with many closing between late October and mid-April. "We enjoyed the stay at this campground. They have all of the KOA amenities pool, lazy river, jump pillow, playground and dog park. Entire campground was clean and well maintained," noted one visitor about Angola/Hogback Lake KOA. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal changes, with summer being the primary camping season when temperatures are warm and facilities are fully operational. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months, particularly for weekend stays and holiday periods when campgrounds reach capacity. Many facilities offer a range of hookup options from primitive tent sites to full-service RV connections with 50-amp service, making advance planning important based on specific needs.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the area, with several campgrounds situated near lakes and ponds. Buck Lake Ranch provides fishing and swimming opportunities, while Pokagon State Park includes boat rentals and beach access. A camper described Buck Lake Ranch as "a small slice of heaven... what was really special was the peace at the lake. It melted all the stress of driving away." Family-friendly amenities are common throughout the region's campgrounds, with playgrounds, swimming areas, and organized activities available at many locations. Highway noise can be an issue at some campgrounds, particularly those near US-20, so site selection within campgrounds may matter for those seeking quieter experiences. The highest-rated campgrounds in the area consistently receive praise for cleanliness, staff friendliness, and well-maintained facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Hamilton, Indiana (114)

    1. Pokagon State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Angola, IN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 833-2012

    $19 - $480 / night

    "There's 2 dump stations located in loops 3 & 4. IN THE CAMPGROUND! NEXT TO CAMPSITES!!!!"

    "Pokagon (po KAY gun) has everything from a toboggan run to a lodge to lakes all around...you cannot be bored here. Open year round (limited campgrounds and services in winter)."

    2. Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday

    11 Reviews
    Angola, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 665-5353

    "This campground also sits on the shores of Hogback Lake which is an all sports lake."

    "There is a dog park for walking the dog but with so much driveway I just walk the dog around the park. They have several dog bag stations around the park to make clean up easy."

    3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ at Barton Lake

    14 Reviews
    Fremont, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 833-1114

    "You might just step out of your camper and look straight at your neighbors. Starting to think all Jellystones are like this. 5 pools! water slides cost extra. Food prices are reasonable."

    "We brought down 2 30’ campers and we had 4 adults 3 children and two dogs and stay right next to the craft barn. It is a really nice camp ground with lots and lots for the kids to do."

    4. Buck Lake Ranch

    5 Reviews
    Angola, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 665-6699

    $25 - $100 / night

    "So many legends have been on the stage at Buck Lake Ranch including Dolly Parton!"

    "They have all your hook ups but what was really special was the peace at the lake. It melted all the stress of driving away only if for a short while."

    5. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Albion, IN
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 636-2654

    $12 - $90 / 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."

    6. Happy Acres Campground

    2 Reviews
    Angola, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 665-9843

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Enjoyed the pool, pickleball and walking the trails. Has a 9hole disc golf. Very cool place and Angola has a lot to offer."

    7. Captain Carl's Buck Lake Ranch

    1 Review
    Hamilton, IN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 665-6699

    "A small beach at the lake is a great place to cool off."

    8. Fish Lake Family Resort

    3 Reviews
    Fremont, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 495-3081

    $45 / night

    "The lake is amazing to do some fishing. They have an amazing playground. It is just a nice home away from home to get away to!"

    9. Camp Sack In

    1 Review
    Fremont, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 665-5166

    $20 - $79 / night

    "They have so many activities for families with their swimming pond, hiking trails, basketball court, baseball diamond, horseshoe pits and playgrounds."

    10. Circle B RV Park and Cabins

    1 Review
    Angola, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 665-5353
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Showing results 1-10 of 114 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Hamilton, IN

364 Reviews of 114 Hamilton Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Indian Springs Campground

    500 Campsites and ONE BATH HOUSE!

    This 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.

  • Shawna T.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    chainolakes

    Camp out

    I loved how neighborly and extremely kind our camping neighbors were. 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

  • L
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Johnny Appleseed Campground

    Great location, but no privacy

    The campground is almost in the middle of Fort Wayne. Most of the sites are very close and no vegetation to allow any privacy. On the positive side, the bathrooms were very nice and clean. The staff was also very helpful.

  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Shipshewana Campground South Park

    Nice stay

    Bathrooms clean Campground well maintained. Showers clean. Push button operation not temperature control little on the cold side for me.

  • Paula  S.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Blue Water Campground

    Our stay at bluewater

    The staff is extremely friendly, and try to accomadate with anything you could need. The campesites are fairly large with gravel pads. They offer water and electric hook-up for 30&50 amps. There is not a sewer hook up but they do offer a weekly pump out for a small fee and a dump station on the way out. The pool, ponds, playground and pavillion are all within walking distance from almost any site.

  • Ray L.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Bixler Lake Park & Campground

    Quiet.

    This is by far the place to just relax. It does have its moments..Holidays and special events. Even then campers here live by the lights out code. Been here nearly a month and definitely will be back.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Harrison Lake State Park Campground

    Nice place close to i90

    A lake to cool off in that’s not too far from the south loop sites. Modern toilets and showers. Open space camping on grass with strip of woods between sites and lake. Road on the other side that could use more trees and shrubs to block view and some noise. We prefer more woods like camping and more trails by the campsites so only four stars.

  • Fred R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday

    Return trip home

    Winging it to GOTL has led us here just b4 dark. WOW! Only spent the night, but explored down to the lake and spent the morning in the pool and lazy river. We could permanent this place. Will be stopping next year on the way to Michigan and north.


Guide to Hamilton

Camping near Hamilton, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds in Hamilton County that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Enjoy the water at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "Kayaking the 13 lakes can easily last from morning to sundown." This park is perfect for those who love to paddle.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Pokagon State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "The park has great trails for hiking and biking," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Harrison Lake State Park Campground is a good choice. One reviewer noted, "There is also a place to fish at the boat launch, where we caught sunfish, large and small mouth bass."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness, especially at Johnny Appleseed Campground. A visitor said, "Restrooms are very clean and comfortable," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake, one family remarked, "The staff is very friendly," making their stay more enjoyable.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers love having room to spread out. A reviewer at Ebys Pines mentioned, "Beautiful and very clean showers," highlighting the spaciousness and cleanliness of the campground.

What you should know:

  • Site Sizes Vary: Not all campsites are created equal. At Ouabache State Park Campground, one camper noted, "Camp sites are tiny," so it's essential to check site details before booking.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Hudson Recreation Area, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, "It's a rustic campground with no water or dump station," so plan accordingly.
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise at certain campgrounds. A camper at Fort Custer Recreation Area said, "Noisy during the day with a few large groups," which might affect your experience.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Barton Lake, one parent said, "My son had a blast and said this was the best campground he has ever been to."
  • Safety First: Ensure your campsite is safe for little ones. A family at Harrison Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "We had to continuously be cautious of my 1.5-year-old falling into the fire!" Keep an eye on young children around fire pits.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground noted, "It was a great weekend with the family!" Planning meals can make family camping more enjoyable.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Accessibility: RVers should verify site accessibility. A visitor at Pokagon State Park Campground advised, "Some sites can accommodate larger rigs, most can't," so check the details before booking.
  • Bring Long Extension Cords: At Lake Hudson Recreation Area, one camper mentioned, "Electric hookups are far out from most sites," so be prepared with long cords.
  • Dump Station Locations: Know where the dump stations are. A camper at Fort Custer Recreation Area pointed out, "The dump station needed a serious update," so plan your route accordingly.

Camping in Hamilton County, Indiana, has something for everyone. With a little planning and the right campground, you can have a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hamilton, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hamilton, IN offers a wide range of camping options, with 114 campgrounds and RV parks near Hamilton, IN and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hamilton, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hamilton, IN is Pokagon State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 48 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hamilton, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Hamilton, IN.