Wolcottville sits within the lakes region of northeastern Indiana where over 100 small glacial lakes dot the landscape. The surrounding LaGrange and Noble Counties feature gently rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 900-1,050 feet above sea level. Campgrounds in this area typically operate from mid-April through mid-October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Canoe through connected waterways: Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground offers a unique system where paddlers can navigate between nine lakes through natural channels. "Nice quiet campground with lots of wildlife. Tent lots are flat and a good size. RR and showers nearby," reports Karson G. about Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground.
Toboggan in winter months: Pokagon State Park Campground remains open year-round with winter recreation options that stand out from other seasonal facilities. "There's 500+ sites, but all nicely separated and shaded. There's an inn, restaurant, cabins, boat rentals, horseback riding, bike trails, beach, toboggan run, etc. Tons of picnic areas and pavilions," notes Amy K. about Pokagon State Park Campground.
Float the river: Trading Post Outfitters provides canoe and kayak rentals with river access. "They have to be the easiest and most accommodating canoe outfitters I have ever met. Great place for a group (not the loud rowdy kind)," explains Anne L. who visited Trading Post Outfitters.
Explore local Amish communities: Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park offers convenient access to Amish attractions. "We had a wonderful experience! Our site was backed up to a horse pasture (in the evening, the horses came over for a quick visit!) Easy access to the Shipshewana Flea Market and E&S Sales (greatest bulk food shopping EVER!)," shares Lisa D.
What campers like
Halloween weekend activities: Gordons Campground hosts special themed weekends for families. "We visited on one of the Halloween weekends. Lots of things for the kids to do. Haunted hayride and haunted house. We have been going for 10 plus years," mentions Ray R. about Gordons Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer wooded sites with good separation. "There's 500+ sites, but all nicely separated and shaded," notes one camper about Pokagon State Park, while Karson G. appreciates the "nice quiet campground" at Chain O' Lakes.
Water recreation variety: The best places to camp near Wolcottville include options for swimming, fishing, and boating. "Very clean state park. Reasonable prices. Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," reports Jeremy C. about Chain O' Lakes State Park.
Proximity to bike trails: Shipshewana provides access to regional biking paths. "This campground was very convenient to the town of Shipshewanna, Amish Country and the Pumpkinvine Bike Trail. There weren't many amenities to speak of, but the sites were fairly spacious and level," explains Cindy B. about Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park.
What you should know
Early arrival fees: Some campgrounds charge for early check-in. "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," notes Gary B. about Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park.
Primitive toilet facilities: Not all campgrounds have full bathroom amenities. "We were in the tent portion and it was very loud, the pit toilets did not have doors, and there were some mosquitoes," warns Truly W. about their Memorial Day weekend experience at Chain O' Lakes.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Wolcottville area operate from mid-April through mid-October. Bixler Lake Park closes October 15th, while Atwood Lake Campground runs April 15-October 15. "This is by far the place to just relax. It does have its moments..Holidays and special events. Even then campers here live by the lights out code," shares Ray L. about Bixler Lake Park & Campground.
Weekend crowds: Holiday and summer weekends can be busy at popular sites. "It was Memorial Day weekend which could explain the noise/busy-ness," notes one camper about their Chain O' Lakes experience.
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized kids' activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular programming for children. "We have our kids and grandkids with us a few times, and everyone had a blast. Always something to do for everyone. They have a lot of movies for the kids in the evenings, and a lot of kid activities," recommends Dave about Gordons Campground.
Consider campgrounds with multiple play areas: Larger facilities often have various recreation zones. "There are playgrounds for the little ones too. A store to shop, a pool but no lake. They have group camping or single camping," mentions Davina B. about Atwood Lake Campground.
Check beach and water quality: Water features vary between locations. "Kayaking and the beach was a huge hit with the kids," notes Jeremy C. about Chain O' Lakes, while another camper warns that at a different park, "the beach is often overcrowded with local partiers, drinking and smoking, and leaving trash everywhere. After peak hours these people clear out."
Evaluate shower and restroom proximity: Facility location matters with young children. "Tent lots are flat and a good size. RR and showers nearby," points out Karson G. about Chain O' Lakes State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions can be misleading: Check specifications carefully before booking. "Sites are shorter and sometimes uneven," warns J.C. about Pokagon State Park.
Electric service reliability: Some areas may experience power fluctuations. "Power went off and on 5-6 times in an hour. Surge suppressor was normal. No TV, plugs, microwave, etc," experienced Michael G. at one local campground.
Access challenges for larger rigs: Some campgrounds have navigation difficulties. "Stayed one night, it's a beautiful campground just small. I came in with a 44ft toy hauler had issues getting in (rookie mistake). There was room if you're careful but I misunderstood what the guy directing me said and ended up breaking a window," cautions Preston G. about his experience at Trading Post Outfitters.
Cell service information: Connectivity varies by provider and location. "Cellular: T-Mobile had good signal strength and bandwidth, AT&T was not as good but still doable," reports Laura H. about service at campgrounds in the area.
