Campgrounds near Topeka, Indiana provide easy access to northeastern Indiana's scenic lakes region, which features over 100 natural lakes within a 50-mile radius. The area experiences warm, humid summers with average July temperatures around 83°F and cold winters dropping to 14°F in January. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through October, with limited year-round options due to winter conditions.
What to do
Boat and kayak rentals: At Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, visitors can rent canoes to explore the interconnected waterways. "There is so much to do. Between the hiking trails, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and biking. You won't ever get bored," notes a camper who appreciated the variety of water activities.
Fishing opportunities: The region offers multiple lake access points with good fishing spots. "Twin Mills is a really beautiful and quiet RV Campground, with tall trees in Northern Indiana... There are cabins and tent sites and a large lake access point with a beach area," reports one visitor describing the recreational options.
Amish country tours: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to Amish communities and attractions. "Shipshewana is a ten minute drive and has lots to offer including the a huge flea market (check dates)," shares a camper who enjoyed exploring the local culture while staying at Twin Mills Camping Resort.
What campers like
Swimming facilities: Many campers appreciate the swimming options during summer months. At Angola/Hogback Lake KOA Holiday, "They have a new pool and lazy river which is fantastic. There's an inflatable obstacle course on the lake," according to a visitor who enjoyed the water recreation.
Wooded settings: Tree coverage is important to many campers seeking shade. "Twin Mills is a really beautiful and quiet RV Campground, with tall trees in Northern Indiana," mentions one reviewer who valued the natural surroundings.
Recreation amenities: Beyond water activities, campgrounds offer additional recreation options. "The playgrounds seemed to be in good shape and the dumpsters were centrally located. The park has a gate entrance for security. There is a large pool area and basketball court," notes a camper describing the facilities at Twin Mills Camping Resort.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most rv sites near Topeka, Indiana operate on a limited schedule. "We stayed 2 nights nice level sites, great location, clean, friendly and helpful staff," reports a visitor who stayed at Hogback Lake KOA, which remains open year-round while most area campgrounds close between October and April.
Site variations: Campgrounds have different site configurations. At Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park, "the park was clean and quiet and next to some beautiful grazing fields with cattle and horses," according to a camper who enjoyed the pastoral setting.
Cell service inconsistency: Mobile connectivity varies throughout the area. "Cellular: T-Mobile had good signal strength and bandwidth, AT&T was not as good but still doable," notes one camper about coverage at Twin Mills Camping Resort.
Early check-in fees: Some campgrounds charge for arriving before scheduled times. "No complaints other than a $15 (plus tax) charge for 45 minutes early check-in. Given the park was 2/3 empty that seemed unnecessary," reports a camper who stayed at Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Elkhart RV Resort provides several family activities. "This campground is close to home so we spent a couple days here so the kids could play while I worked. All staff was extremely helpful and friendly from the minute we pulled in. The sites are tight, but it didn't feel cramped. Facilities are older but clean and the amenities for kids are great," shares a family who visited with children.
Wildlife viewing: Some campgrounds offer opportunities to see animals. "Nice quiet campground with lots of wildlife. Tent lots are flat and a good size. RR and showers nearby," notes a visitor to Chain O' Lakes State Park.
Group activities: Scheduled events keep families entertained. At Angola/Hogback Lake KOA, "Events every weekend and some fun for everyone," according to a camper who enjoyed the organized activities.
Tips from RVers
Dump station positioning: Thousand Trails Bear Cave offers tank servicing options. "This is a 1st come 1st serve choose your own camp site. Most of the full hookups are taken 1st by the annuals. Sucks really but they do have an onsite honeypot which will suck out your tanks for $10 each time around," shares an RVer about the waste disposal service.
Site selection strategy: For RVers seeking full hookups, timing matters. "It's a crushed limestone/asphalt drives with grass in between the sites. The trees are not mature, so no shade is really offered. This is a full hookup park, and you will need to provide your own fire ring," notes a camper about Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park.
Highway noise considerations: Some RV sites near Topeka, Indiana experience road noise. "Highway noise was terrible. So many open spaces and we're assigned a highway space. They obviously cater to seasonal campers. Find another place if you're on the move," warns an RVer about site placement at one of the area campgrounds.
