Spencerville, Indiana sits at about 850 feet above sea level in the northeastern part of the state where glaciers once carved out numerous small lakes. Camping options near Spencerville include full-service RV parks and state-managed camping areas where temperatures typically range from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Weather patterns can change quickly in this region, particularly during spring and fall transition periods when thunderstorms sometimes develop rapidly.
What to do
Boating and fishing access: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground offers opportunities to explore nine connecting lakes. "There is a beach on this property," notes one visitor to Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday, adding "I have kayaked extensively in this long chain of lakes that this RV park is located on and you can go on for days."
Amish community visits: RV camping near Spencerville puts you close to authentic Amish experiences. "Definitely loved this campground in the middle of beautiful Amish country. Staff was very friendly and helpful," writes a visitor to Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney. The campground is "about 10 minutes drive to Shipshewana with very kind Amish community folks."
Recreational trails: The region offers numerous biking trails. "This campground was very convenient to the town of Shipshewanna, Amish Country and the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail," notes a camper at Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park. For hiking, Chain O' Lakes State Park provides multiple trail options through wooded terrain.
What campers like
Family-oriented amenities: Many campgrounds prioritize recreational options for families. At Twin Mills Camping Resort, guests appreciate that "there are cabins and tent sites and a large lake access point with a beach area. The playgrounds seemed to be in good shape and the dumpsters were centrally located."
Quiet camping environments: Some campers seek more peaceful experiences away from busy facilities. A visitor to Shipshewana RV Park noted the campground was a "nice place" that offers "easy access to flea market" while maintaining a calm atmosphere.
Pool and water activities: Summer visitors particularly value water-based recreation options. "They have a new pool and lazy river which is fantastic. There's an inflatable obstacle course on the lake," writes one camper about Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday, which also offers "docks, pontoon rentals and a launch if you wish to bring your own boat."
What you should know
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds near major roads experience traffic noise. One visitor to Indian Springs Campground reported: "The highway noise was terrible. We had A/C on and sound machine and still had a rough time sleeping. Not a bad place for a stopover but too noisy for more than a few nights."
Site configurations vary significantly: Many campgrounds feature a mix of seasonal and transient campsites with different layouts. "The sites are deep but not very wide," explains a visitor to Twin Mills Camping Resort, noting sites can be challenging when neighboring units are positioned horizontally.
Seasonal closures affect amenities: Most camping facilities in the area have limited operational schedules. Boat rentals at Chain O' Lakes State Park are "closed after Labor Day" according to one visitor, and many campgrounds only operate from April through October.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. One visitor to Twin Mills Camping Resort mentioned "there is a large pool area and basketball court" and listed additional recreational options including "basketball, volleyball, playground, lake access, beach area, dock."
Swimming opportunities: Water activities are popular with families during warmer months. A camper at Chain O' Lakes State Park noted "kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," making it a worthwhile destination for family camping trips.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds offer structured events for children and families. "Events every weekend and some fun for everyone," writes a visitor to Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday, though they caution to "DONT rent a 4 person bike unless you're incredibly fit, it is no leisurely stroll."
Tips from RVers
Early check-in policies: Be aware of specific arrival time rules. A camper at Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park noted a "$15 (plus tax) charge for 45 minutes early check-in. Given the park was 2/3 empty that seemed unnecessary."
Site orientation: RV site layouts can impact your camping experience. 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."
Cellular connectivity: Internet access varies by location. At Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney, a visitor found "T-Mobile had good signal strength and bandwidth, AT&T was not as good but still doable," information helpful for those needing to stay connected while camping.
