Chain O'Lakes State Park offers campers access to nine connecting lakes in northeast Indiana, with Spencerville just a short drive away. The park spans 2,718 acres of wooded terrain with elevation changes unusual for this part of the state. Winter temperatures typically range from 15-30°F, while summer brings 70-85°F days with moderate humidity levels.
What to do
Water activities on multiple lakes: Chain O'Lakes State Park provides opportunities for paddling between interconnected waterways using rented watercraft. According to one visitor, "There are trail, beaches, boats... so many things to do" at nearby Pokagon State Park, which offers similar water recreation options.
Historical exploration: Visit Sauder Village near Archbold for an educational day trip. A camper at Sauder Village Campground noted, "The historical village is an easy 10 minute stroll and worth visiting!" Another camper added, "They often have theme weekends and special ticket pricing thru Groupon."
Wildlife viewing: Observe local wildlife including eagles at Kil-So-Quah. One visitor to Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake shared, "Good bird watching spot. Lots of eagles." The area's lakes attract diverse bird species throughout the seasons.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain high standards for bathrooms and shower facilities. A visitor to Johnny Appleseed Campground stated, "They have the best bathrooms that I have ever seen in the campgrounds. You can even look out at the skylight at the sky... It's a beautiful bathroom very well kept."
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer features specifically designed for families with children. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, a camper reported, "Have created a tradition in our family to go to Yogi every year at the end of summer! It's a great place to swim, ride bikes, do crafts, play bingo, and a wide variety of fun activities for the whole family!"
Variety of camping options: From basic tent sites to yurt camping near Spencerville, Indiana, options exist for every preference. A visitor to Harrison Lake State Park Campground shared, "We rented a yurt as a local weekend escape. Our kids loved the yurt. It was nice with a little mini fridge and 4 double beds."
What you should know
Booking requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park noted, "If you are planning a summer weekend you have to book wayyyyy in advance due to demand."
Privacy levels vary: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. A camper at Johnny Appleseed Campground observed, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Not all facilities remain open year-round. At Angola/Hogback Lake KOA, a visitor shared, "We spent this past week at Hogback Lake KOA. It is late in the season so much of the park was closed for the season, but we had a great year round site."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience various noise sources. At Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake, one camper mentioned, "There is gunfire noise from the range across the lake. Not bad though."
Tips for camping with families
Seek out specialized yurt camping: Spencerville, Indiana area offers unique yurt accommodations for families wanting comfort with outdoor access. As one visitor to Harrison Lake State Park noted, "We rented a yurt as a local weekend escape. Our kids loved the yurt... Campground showers and bathrooms are clean."
Look for water play options: Pools and splash pads provide refreshing alternatives when lake swimming isn't preferred. A camper at Sauder Village mentioned, "The fenced in splash pad was our main draw. However the hotel is awesome and campers are allowed usage of their pool and game room."
Consider weekday visits: For families seeking quieter experiences, mid-week stays often mean fewer crowds. At Kil-So-Quah, a visitor observed, "During the weekends it gets packed... During the week it's great. Hardly anyone here and so peaceful."
Check playground locations: Some campgrounds have multiple play areas. A visitor to Johnny Appleseed noted, "Bathrooms are nice, and there is also a playground!" positioning families with children to select sites near these amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: Full hookup availability varies between campgrounds. A camper at Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday reported, "We had a great year round site. A little bit of road noise, but water, electric, sewer, cable TV all worked great."
Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring additional setup time. At Kil-So-Quah, a visitor noted, "Electric sites are small and not private," indicating RVers should bring leveling blocks and be prepared for tight spaces.
Hookup limitations: Not all sites provide full services. At Sauder Village Campground, a camper observed, "The pull throughs only have electric, no water or sewer. They do have a place to get water onsite which is what we did."
WiFi reliability: Internet connectivity varies across campgrounds. One RVer at Sauder Village noted, "The WiFi was also a plus - it was fast and we rarely had any issues," which is important for those needing to stay connected.
