Best Campgrounds near Wabash, IN
Camping options around Wabash, Indiana include a variety of established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The area features several waterfront camping destinations including Mississinewa Lake Campground near Peru and Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area along Salamonie Lake. Accommodations range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV sites, with some locations like Chain O' Lakes State Park and Salamonie Lake offering cabin rentals. Most campgrounds provide amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, and fire rings, while several also feature shower facilities and dump stations for RVs.
Access to campgrounds in the Wabash area varies seasonally, with many sites open year-round but offering limited services during winter months. Salamonie River State Forest and Lost Bridge West remain accessible throughout the year, while other facilities like Tall Sycamore Campground operate from April through October. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds require entrance fees in addition to camping fees, with electric sites typically ranging from $20-30 per night. "We had to pay a $20 Day usage fee to enter the park, despite having a paid reservation," noted one visitor to Chain O' Lakes State Park.
The region's campgrounds feature varying levels of privacy and amenities. Several visitors highlight the appeal of water recreation, with Mississinewa Lake and Salamonie Lake providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Chain O' Lakes State Park receives positive reviews for its kayaking opportunities across nine connected lakes, while also offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing. Campers seeking more secluded experiences may prefer Salamonie River State Forest, which one reviewer described as "a hidden gem" with "trails that always seem new because each season offers a different kind of beauty." Sites at Mississinewa Lake tend to be more open and sunny, making them less private but well-suited for RVs and group camping, while locations in state forests typically provide more shade and natural surroundings.
