Camping opportunities near Garrett, Indiana provide access to natural lakes, woodland areas, and family-oriented recreation facilities. Northeastern Indiana's terrain consists primarily of flat to gently rolling countryside with elevations ranging from 850 to 950 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from mid-April through mid-October, with limited winter options available at select state parks.
What to do
Fishing and water recreation: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground offers multiple connected lakes for fishing and boating opportunities. "I have stayed at this state park many times since I was little. There is so much to do. Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored," shares Amanda J.
Trail exploration: Pokagon State Park Campground features extensive trail systems suitable for various skill levels. According to Anand, "Tons of things to do (playgrounds, lake, beach, hiking, horseback and pony rides etc). The lodge is a nice structure but the food we sampled was mediocre."
Beach activities: Summer visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing at multiple campgrounds. "Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," notes Jeremy C. about Chain O' Lakes State Park.
Horseback riding: Some parks offer guided horseback riding experiences from spring through fall. A visitor to Pokagon State Park mentions "horse tours and a very nice Inn for the less 'natural' crowd."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bixler Lake Park & Campground receives high marks for cleanliness and maintenance. Wayne B. notes, "For a city campground it's very nice and friendly atmosphere and very quiet place to relax and enjoy a long weekend."
Family-oriented activities: Organized events for children are common at several campgrounds. At Gordons Campground, "They have a lot of movies for the kids in the evenings, and a lot of kid activities," according to Dave.
Accessible water features: Lakes and swimming areas rank among top attractions. "Very clean state park. Reasonable prices. Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," shares Jeremy C. about his Chain O' Lakes experience.
Quiet camping environments: Several campgrounds maintain strict quiet hours. Ray L. says about Bixler Lake, "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."
What you should know
Site variations: Campsite quality and size can vary significantly within the same campground. At Indian Springs Campground, Kevin R. notes, "They really need to focus on how to keep tent campers coming back instead of focusing on the seasonal campers. No grass. Tiny spots."
Bathroom facilities: Quality and location of restrooms varies widely. "The bathroom is located across the street from the campground," warns one reviewer about Johnny Appleseed Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. Travis N. suggests at Gordons Campground, "Our first time here the staff in the office are super nice and the grounds keeper is super funny and a lot of help."
Weather considerations: Spring camping may encounter muddy conditions. Jerry R. mentions at Chain O' Lakes, "Camped in non electric site, had reservation but had to move to another site due to my first one under water."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday offers numerous family-oriented amenities. Andrew M. reports, "They have all of the KOA amenities pool, lazy river, jump pillow, playground and dog park."
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain multiple play areas for different age groups. At Gordons Campground, Davina B. notes, "They have a playground for kids, dodge ball! There is a game at all times. There are playgrounds for the little ones too."
Beach safety: Lakes often lack lifeguards, so supervision is essential. "The beach is often overcrowded with local partiers, drinking and smoking, and leaving trash everywhere. After peak hours these people clear out and usually aren't actually camping there," warns Whitley K. about Chain O' Lakes.
Event scheduling: Holiday weekends feature special activities at most campgrounds. Ray R. shares, "We visited on one of the Halloween weekends. Lots of things for the kids to do. Haunted hayride and haunted house."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Johnny Appleseed Campground offers well-maintained sites. One camper observes, "They are all gravel lots, but nice and level."
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections are standard at most campgrounds, but sewer hookups are less common. At Blue Lake Campground, a visitor notes, "Wifi is good at our lot. A lot of seasonal rigs here."
Road access: Some campgrounds have narrow entrance roads that can be challenging for larger rigs. Jodi S. advises, "This small, well-kept Campground is a Fort Wayne city park surrounded by industrial & commercial businesses."
Site spacing: Proximity to neighboring campers varies by location. Matt from Blue Lake Campground reports, "Ok room between rigs. A lot of seasonal rigs here. Friendly staff and friendly seasonal guest."
