Best Campgrounds near Kendallville, IN
Kendallville, Indiana features several established campgrounds with varied accommodation options, primarily centered around lakes and natural areas within a 25-mile radius. Bixler Lake Park & Campground, located within city limits, serves as a central camping hub offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals with consistent five-star ratings. Other notable options include Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground near Albion and Pokagon State Park Campground in Angola, both providing year-round access to waterfront camping. The region contains both municipal parks and state-operated facilities, with most campgrounds offering electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings alongside water-based recreation.
Most campgrounds in the Kendallville area operate seasonally, typically from late April through mid-October, with some sites requiring reservations during peak summer months. Bixler Lake Campground operates from the last weekend of April to October 15th, while Gordons Campground in nearby Wolcottville maintains similar seasonal dates. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few facilities remaining open year-round. Chain O' Lakes State Park provides both established and dispersed camping with varying levels of amenities. Road access to most camping areas consists of paved or well-maintained gravel surfaces suitable for standard vehicles and RVs. A camper noted, "For a city campground it's very nice and friendly atmosphere and very quiet place to relax and enjoy a long weekend."
Waterfront camping represents a defining feature of the Kendallville area, with several campgrounds situated directly on lakes or offering water access. Chain O' Lakes State Park receives particularly positive reviews for its interconnected lakes and canoe opportunities, with one visitor describing it as having "wonderful small lakes connected by shady canals." Family-friendly amenities appear consistently throughout local reviews, with campers highlighting playground facilities, organized activities, and hiking opportunities. Municipal campgrounds like Bixler Lake receive praise for their quieter atmosphere despite proximity to town, while larger facilities like Gordons Campground are noted for seasonal events and activities. Several reviewers mentioned the region provides a good balance between access to water recreation and wooded camping areas, with most developed campgrounds maintaining clean facilities and helpful staff.
