Potato Creek State Park Campground offers campsites set in diverse terrain that includes wetlands, prairie areas, and dense wooded sections. Located about 15 miles southwest of South Bend, Indiana, the campground sits at an elevation of approximately 850 feet. Winter temperatures typically drop to the 20s while summer camping can see temperatures reaching the high 80s with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Potato Creek features numerous paths that vary in difficulty and terrain. One camper notes, "With dog friendly beaches, beginner MTB trails and paved bike paths, this checks all our boxes. Natural wetlands abound, so definitely bring the mosquito spray." Another visitor mentions, "The Peppermint Hill mountain bike/hiking loop was really fun and not to be missed."
Fishing options: Shamrock Park provides excellent fishing access on the St. Joseph River. "What impressed me most was that they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks," reports one visitor. At Bear Cave RV Campground, "There is a boat launch and a few docks that can be used. The campground is on the banks of the St. Joseph River in southwest Michigan."
Swimming and beaches: Warren Dunes State Park offers extensive beach access on Lake Michigan, approximately 35 miles from South Bend. "The beach showed heavy use with sand that was just a bit grittier than shores we visited in the northern mitten," notes one camper. For those seeking freshwater options without leaving the campground, "Fuller's is fantastic. The perfect mix of primitive and RV camping. Nice store that serves food and drinks. Beautiful beach with crystal clear water."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Warren Dunes State Park Campground receives positive reviews for its campsite layout. "Lots of shade and plenty of privacy between sites. The bathroom seemed newer (South modern loop) with clean bathrooms (cleaned at least twice a day) and private shower stalls." Another camper confirms, "We found a quiet site (168) near a small playground with clean bathrooms and a camp store with a woodsy fun feel."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area generally maintain good standards for bathrooms and shower facilities. One visitor to Spaulding Lake Campground reports, "Very nice and quiet. 3 fishing ponds that are well stocked. Most lots pull thru and many shaded. Shower house is clean and taken care of." At Elkhart Campground, a reviewer notes, "Laundry room, pool and bathrooms were very clean. Large dog park, but was far from our site."
Recreational amenities: Many campgrounds provide additional activities beyond standard camping. "The grounds are mostly open with little shade, but we had a tent site by the river and trees," reports a Shamrock Park visitor. "Another nice feature is the outdoor sink at the shower & restroom building for campers to wash dishes. As tent campers I wish more places had a set up like that."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: When camping at Potato Creek, location within the campground matters significantly. "We recommend securing a spot in the back sites 230-287 for larger lots and quieter atmosphere. Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust," advises one regular visitor.
Hookup logistics: Many sites require planning ahead for proper connections. "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," warns a Potato Creek camper. Another practical consideration: "Takes 10-15 mins to drive out of campground, so keep this in mind."
Weather considerations: Dunewood Campground visitors caution about weather conditions affecting comfort. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," notes one camper. At Warren Dunes, a visitor warns, "And beware, the sand does get HOT midday."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly facilities. At Elkhart Campground, "Lots of things for the kids to do: swimming, volleyball, mini golf..." At Spaulding Lake, "Kids playground is big with a basketball court."
Beach activities: For families seeking swimming options, Warren Dunes provides suitable terrain. "Wonderful campground! Lots of shade and plenty of privacy between sites. Mt. Randall is the high dune to climb but not for the faint of heart!!!" Another camper adds, "We caught some sun at the beach after a quick sprint up the dunes (actually just the 8-year old climbed to the top - the parents were too hot and tired)."
Entertainment alternatives: Elkhart RV Resort offers numerous options for keeping children occupied during inclement weather. "The kids used the pool, which was a bit cold but large. We ordered pizza from the store, which was delivered to the site quickly. My grandson said it was very good," shares a visitor. Another adds, "Free pong pong, air hockey, foose ball, and all the classic camping games to check out."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Warren Dunes accommodates larger RVs with certain limitations. "General store by entrance has mostly everything you need at slightly inflated prices. Lots of big RVs when we were there," notes one visitor.
Utility access: At Fuller's Resort and Campground, RVers should note specific site limitations. "The tenting and trailer sites are a bit cramped, but there is a selection of either open grassy or wooded areas to choose from. we stay at a full hookup site down by the lake entrance," advises one camper.
Gray water disposal: Different campgrounds have varying policies on wastewater. At Warren Dunes, one camper notes, "There is only one place to dump gray water in the entire campground. We are tent campers and were told to 'dump it in the woods'."
