The best camping near Chain O'Lakes State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Chain O'Lakes State Park adventure.

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Discover Chain O'Lakes State Park: A Haven for Nature Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Chain O'Lakes State Park

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Chain O'Lakes Campground

432 sites · RVs, Tents In Chain O'Lakes State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Chain O'Lakes State Park

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Sheepy Acres

6 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Lagrange, IN

Small hobby sheep farm, with a sheep pasture surrounded by woods. There are two shepherd's huts, three tent sites, a small fishing pond with a log cabin and a quarter of a mile hiking trail. It is a bird lovers paradise with a large variety of birds. The fisherman's cabin has electricity. The shepherd's huts are off grid, as well as, the tent sites. Each site is very private and has a fire ring and picnic table and benches.

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River Camp Fort Wayne

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Fort Wayne, IN

Each site is in a wooded, shaded area with a flat area on the ground to place a single large tent. Each site has its own fire ring and a small wooden table. There is wood on the ground you may use for firewood, and ample twigs etc on the ground for kindling (do not cut any trees or branches off trees). There is a covered firewood shed with dry firewood as well. There are maintained trails with river access for kayaks. There is a porta potty near the campsites with a handwashing station, that is open year round. There is a single bathroom with flush toilet and sink with running water that is a short walk away (open May-Oct depending on weather) There is an outdoor on-demand hot-water shower at bathroom, with a water hose available as well. On-demand hot water heaters provide hotter water at a low water pressure, and cooler water at full blast. Campsites are a short walk (100-200 feet) away from parking area (you cannot drive directly to or park at your campsite). Foster Park is a short bike ride away where you will find greenway trails that run throughout Fort Wayne (ride your bike to downtown!!) Our property backs up to the St Mary's River, bring you kayaks and fishing poles! (We reserve the right to assign you to a different (but equally beautiful) campsite in the case of property maintennance concerns, recent rain or weather conditions etc). All guests must be part of a registered group! Link to Trails Maps fwtrails.org Need to rent a bike or kayak: fwoutfitters.com/#

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Taylor M.’s Land

22 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Bronson, MI

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Perfect Getaway Property

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Marcellus, MI

Do you need to recharge from the busyness of life? Nature’s beauty and simplicity awaits you at Our Daily Bread. Cradled on almost 200 acres of rolling hills, farmland, quiet valleys, picturesque woodlands the scenes of nature will ennoble the senses. The shimmering waters of Miller lake adorn the property’s southern border. Deer, wild turkey, swans, sandhill cranes, beaver, and occasional fox are but few of the residents who live here. Come and enjoy the peace and serenity, rest and relaxation of Our Daily Bread. We offer a place for families and individuals to come and feel safe and enjoy some quiet time... away from the hustle and bustle of life. We have lots of trails for hiking, a playground for kids, and lots of seating areas to rest and relax. We are a alcohol and smoke free campus, and don't allow foul language, parties or any disturbances to other guests.... as we value the satisfaction and peaceful experience here for all our guests. We do not allow pets for our cabin guests, and we're also a smoke and alcohol free campus. We have boats for rent (kayaks, canoes, row boats, paddle boats). This is not for everyone, but if you want to come and commune with nature and enjoy some peace and quiet, then this is the spot for you!

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Songdog Meadows

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Angola, IN

Home Sweet Home, tucked in the heart of agriculture and lake life, Angola is a wonderful small town in the north east corner of Indiana. Songdog Meadows is our little piece of joy, from morning swims in the pond, long walks with our retrievers and sunsets to take your breath away, it is truly and deeply a treasure we cherish. The property host a variety of apple trees, open grass land, and a large cluster of trees surrounding a 3/4 acre pond, while being surrounded by wood lots on three sides and open fields to the west. It is truly a peaceful haven in a rural country area. Learn more about this land:Hang your hammock or pitch a tent just outside our 3/4 acre pond. There are two basins with a channel and a peaceful tree filled grass area between. The pond is in the corner of the 10 acre lot where we live at the end of a dirt road with only a small amount of traffic. The camp site is walk in on mowed pathways, with the driveway and parking area less than 200 yards away. There is a security light so you will never be in complete darkness. A stone fire pit and picnic table sit just off shore of the swimming area of the pond. There are several wide mowed pathways surrounded by prairie grasses, shaded by large trees. The area can easily handle several tents, hammocks and small RVs. The area is rural farm land with a handful of houses on the short dirt road. But this property is surrounded by wood lots and open fields. Two neighbors houses are visible but separated by trees. Our house is visible from the pond and camping area.

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Mirror Lake Private Property

4 sites · Lodging101 acres · Rome City, IN

You talk about social distancing Mirror Lake is the place for you. All of the Mirror Lake properties are private. There is 175 acres here at mirror lake and the lake is approximately 12 acres. With Amish farms and families all around. The Mirror Lake Bunkhouse has all amenities. You are welcome to cook over an open fire, use the grill or the small kitchen accessories provided. don’t forget the option is always available to go out to dinner with a restaurant only 4 miles away. Although we are located in the middle of the country. You can wake up to beautiful sunrises or take in breath taking sunset in the evening. The lake is a private lake owned by three property owners. Our Cabin # 2 “Old Phil” Is located on the west side of the lake in a 15 acre woods. About 1-1/2 miles away is Our cabin # 1 “Little Elk” Is located near the little Elkhart River. Nestled in its own 10 acre woods. Both of these properties are primitive ( no running water in an out house for a bathroom). Firewood is provided and there are trails in the woods to walk. The Mirror lake property has been a family farm for over 185 years. There is a family cemetery that dates to 1832. If you want to be around a lot of people in the fast track this is not the place for you. If you’re looking for peace, quiet, tranquil, social distance but still enjoyed this is the place for you!

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Fallen Tree Campground

8 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Albion, IN

Fallen Tree Campground is located directly next to Chain O’Lakes State Park, were you can swim, hike, fish, kayak, etc.! Your space has access to a shared bathroom, shower, kitchen, dining room, living room, etc. Be sure to grab a coffee or a hot tea and walk our beautifully lit trails that will give you a sense of peace and maybe a bit of magic. The campground covers 7 acres and is partially wooded with some mature trees and lots of young forest. We are working hard to turn it all back into native land, one tree at a time. All sites are primitive with no electricity or running water. Fallen Tree also has chickens and geese! We would love to introduce you to all of our feathered friends.

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Camp David

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Rochester, IN

Old family farm. Quiet river side cabin. Deer, otter, turkey all frequently visit the area. Sit on the deck, build a fire, or just wet a line. The sounds of nature will be your night time lullaby. Far enough away but easy to get to. Come relax and spend some time at camp David. If you don't have fire wood we will provide you with some at $25 a 75 cb ft. Learn more about this land: Quiet place on the deck over looking the Tippecanoe River in Fulton County Indiana. Fish, float, or just watch the water flow. Easy access from the road and not far from town. Birds, otter, deer, and turkey will be around to checkout their new neighbors. It’s generator ready if you want lights or to charge your phone. Enjoy the outdoors and the peace and quiet. Sorry no beds. A blow up mattress is there to use if you like.

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Shipshewana lake with channel

1 site · RV1 acre · Shipshewana, IN

Learn more about this land:Shipshewana Lake channel frontage Large Amish area Town of Shipshewana 2.5 miles many small specialty shops very touristy with the large flea market through out the summer Pumpkin vine bike trail starts about a mile from site Shipshewana Lake book shackSummer Jon Boat RentalWinter Ice Fishing

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The Fun Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Fort Wayne, IN

Learn more about this land: Our location is also home to our fantasy destination, The Fun Farm. Not only is the scenery replete with natural beauty - the pond, the fields, the sledding hill, the nature trail through the forest - but also a setting to engage the imagination! Additional services may be arranged on-site. For example, who would you like to have breakfast with? A superhero? A princess? Or perhaps a souvenir caricature of you and your group is in order to commemorate the experience? Maybe an experiential art, dance, drama or music lesson? Guided tours of the grounds can also be arranged to learn more about the history of the farm and it's originality. If you're interested in a "day trip" or even a limited event, we have the facilities to accommodate your birthday or holiday, engage in art Classes, raise funds for your good cause or enjoy "something different" for this year's corporate party. We're also open to your ideas for a custom school, festival or carnival event. We can accommodate groups from 1 to 400 (maybe more, if we send a few enchanted creatures on vacation!) MORE NOTES ABOUT THE CAMPSITE: We're flexible with wherever you would like to pitch your tent, but the spots we have established are next to our cabin (where the lighting is best and the ground is flattest.) Parking is most easily found next to these sites as well (and the lighting is also excellent.) Also, in the near vicinity, a shared firepit is readily available and can accommodate at least 12 people. Check out the additional options (like firewood bundles) below and let us know how we can help you make great memories!

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Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan

4 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Mendon, MI

This stylish home and property sets the stage for a one of a kind stay. The unique setting is quiet and comfortable, makes you believe that you are hours away from civilization but you're only a short drive from the city and in close proximity of US 131, Interstate 94, M60 and M66. Fishing and kayaking year round, unique decks and gardens overlooking a private eight acre pond encompass this back to nature lifestyle. We're located right on the Portage River that feeds into what locals call The Mighty St. Joe. Maybe you'd like to take a rural walk or run, listen to the frogs and the birds ~ yet minutes away from Portage or Kalamazoo and a short drive from major highways. A 20 minute nature walk around Pondor Lake will surly calm your soul and heart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We can accommodate larger groups! Just let us know what you need and how we can make your stay memorable. Do you have a boat? No problem ~ public accesses to neighboring Portage and Fishers Lake, along with the St. Joseph River, are literally minutes away. Staying at Pondor Lake will be memorable and relaxing. Pondor Lake ~ a private place to ponder.

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Little Turkey Ranch

20 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Lagrange, IN

Wake up with the birds and cast the morning away as bass bite at every opportunity. While deer drink from the lake and creek the turtles play peekaboo then scurrying away as a great blue heron flys over. Wooded (bring your own tent) Tent camping available now on Little Turkey Ranch off of Little Turkey Lake. You will have lake and creek access to swim in. Explore in kayaks, canoe and catch trophy sized Fish! Boat docking available for small pontoons and small fishing boats, fire pit at your campsite Rv hookups and Lodge Coming soon!

The best camping near Chain O'Lakes State Park guide

Overview

About

Dreaming of heading out to lake country for a boating paradise? Come to Chain O’Lakes already. Here, you will find plenty of pristine beauty among nine connecting lakes. With so many acres of glassy water to explore, make sure to bring your canoe or kayak to drink it all in the right way. As you paddle through the chains of picturesque kettle lakes, you’ll wonder why you didn’t come adventure through this quaint park before. Did we mention there are 10 miles of forested trails just waiting to be traversed and shimmering lakes just waiting to be fished? Whether you're down for some classic tent camping or want to get a little more spontaneous and stay at a cabin on the hillside, you’ll be filled to the brim with good times when you come to Chain O’Lakes.

Notable campgrounds

Electric Sites: Offering 331 sites with electrical hookups, these spots are perfect for campers seeking modern comforts amid nature.
Non-Electric Sites: For a more rustic experience, choose one of the 49 non-electric sites nestled in the park's scenic beauty.
Primitive Sites: Embrace the wilderness at one of the 33 primitive sites, ideal for the true outdoor enthusiast.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, especially for peak season, to ensure you secure your ideal campsite.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities.
Explore nearby camping options if your preferred site is unavailable.

When to go

The best time to visit Chain O'Lakes State Park is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and the park's full range of activities, including swimming and boating, can be enjoyed. Winter offers a tranquil, frosty landscape perfect for ice fishing and cross-country skiing, though some amenities may be limited.

Know before you go

Check for alerts on blue-green algae and trail closures before your visit.
Swimming is available from the Saturday before Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Boat rentals are offered on weekends and holidays, perfect for exploring the lakes.
Remember, only electric motors are allowed on the lakes to preserve the tranquil environment.
For a unique experience, join an interpretive program to learn more about the park's natural and cultural history.