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The best ranch camping near Mishawaka

·

A charming city set in northern Indiana on the St. Joseph River, Mishawaka is known as the  “Peppermint Capital of the World” due to the area’s large quantities of mint. There are also 29 parks, golf courses, and an olympic-size public swimming pool for campers to enjoy. Road trip to Chicago—just under two hours away—to indulge in delicious pizza, or hitch up the speed boat and roll the RV into a full-service, pet-friendly, waterfront campground in Harrison Lake State Park. Tent camping near Potato Creek State Park offers local swimming and water activities in Worster Lake.

97% (652)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mishawaka

  • Plenty of comfortable lounge chairs available
  • Mulln-Heim Vineyards
  • Plenty of comfortable lounge chairs available

1. Mulln-Heim Vineyards

100%
(686)
24mi from Mishawaka · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a 3rd generation "Family Farm" of a different sort I suppose. Seems there's a bit of everything here, and arguably not enough of anything. At least for conventional farming. So we've learned to do things a bit differently.Our main crop is wine and juice grapes since our topography, climate, and soil type makes it a premier location for that. But with 30+ acres of forested hillsides, low ground, and natural areas we've evolved into a mixed farm and forest enterprise. Our goal is to utilize the productivity of all our property while still retaining the basic character and usefulness of the wild areas. Letting each thing be what it wants to be and does best on it's own. Flow, not force.So our year starts early with tapping maple trees and making maple syrup. Plus there's grape trimming about this time as well. When the forest floor starts to green up a bit later, we start digging Ramps, or Wild Leeks in the woods. Most of these will go to the more trendy Chicago restaurants, but we also have some local sales. Next comes inoculating winter-cut logs with Shiitake spawn for next years mushroom production. This year we also conducted a few hands-on workshop seminars on mushroom growing as well. Then it's on to our raised bed herb & veggie gardens. (Fresh herbs are just so much fun to cook with!) We grow enough for our own yearly use, as well as some for direct sales. Summer keeps us busy tending all the different crops here and trying to keep up. But there's that steady progression of fresh veggies to eat. Yum !!! Fall brings our annual Grape U-Pick in September and October. And we try to time related crops like mums, pumpkins, and gourds for this same time frame. Makes the place a bit more interesting. Late fall is when we bring in firewood to heat the house and workshop. Stacks of wood everywhere. Hopefully before the 1st snow. In winter it's time to fire up the woodworking shop and be a bit creative. Build furniture, equipment maintenance, who knows what next years projects will include. I like to keep everybody guessing.So, that's what goes on here. You're welcome to check it out, lend a hand, relax back at camp, walk the vineyards and/or forest, or just breathe and relax. That's up to you. But I would recommend visiting a few of the fine local wineries. Seems there's a festival going on at one or another of them just about every weekend. Good music, good wine, good times. And there's the Lake Michigan beaches a few miles down the road.Yeah, this is a pretty casual place here, love meeting new people, very open to civil discussions of all sorts.However, rude, ill mannered people will probably enjoy staying elsewhere. Just say'n.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
  • Riding stable that houses 55 horses.
  • Cabin with electricity and windows.
  • Riding stable that houses 55 horses.

2. Have A Lake Of Your Own!

92%
(138)
40mi from Mishawaka · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging
The property was originally owned by a family name Nichols (thus the name of the lake). It was handed down to the sons who each owned half the property. The driveway down the middle of property that leads to the lake was originally a fence line that divided the two pieces of property. The brothers did not get along and their are several stories of their warring on how to maintain the property.My parents bought this piece of property in 1964 and created a camp called "Lakeside Farm Camp", a small all boys camp. The camp has gone through several changes since then but has always been owned by the Edwards family. In 1984 the name was changed to "Cedar Lodge" a coed camp that specializes in English horseback riding and offering high level general camp activities. Enjoy the peace and quiet of our totally private fresh water lake. Take your boat out for a day of fishing or just chill next to the fire.  Sites are approximately 50 feet from each other. If you want privacy we suggest you book both. 
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
  • The Riding Stable and Resort
  • This is a nice shaded area where we offer spots. Plenty of room for multiple tents without crowding. Horses are in this field during the spring summer and fall from approximately 8 am to 9 PM EST. The storms here recently have created some changes.
  • The Riding Stable and Resort

3. The Riding Stable and Resort

97%
(141)
12mi from Mishawaka · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
When we bought this property in 2013, it was a little run down. Many years ago, it housed sheep and cows. We revamped our little 15-acre farm and continue to improve its looks. Now it is our home and houses my riding stable. Many people have commented on how nice it is. I thought this would be a great opportunity to share its beauty and the animals with others. Learn more about this land: We have 3 spots to pitch a tent, but we're pretty flexible. If you see another area, please ask!. Site "Woods" is most secluded. We now have a cabin!! Our "Chalet". It will sleep 4 and has some great amenities. The others are around our grassy barnyard area where you're able to enjoy all of our different animals!. All sites are 2-5 mins from the main house. You will be staying on our horse farm. We have many chickens, bunnies, a potbelly pig, feeder pigs (depending on the time of year), and our 4 house dogs. We offer overnight equine amenities as well. There are 2 showering options and restroom available. You can enjoy a small fire (weather dependent) or listen to the crickets and frogs under the starry night. Actually, you can do it all. We offer trail rides on the horses as well, (extra charges). You can even book a trip to the state park to ride the horse trails, which is only 15 minutes away. There is a great fishing lake less than 1 mile from the farm, so bring your poles and kayaks. Or rent ours! There is a Dollar General, 2 gas stations, and a liquor store in our tiny little town if you forget anything. Walmart is 12 minutes North of us.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$38
 / night
  • Eel River Bison Ranch
  • Eel River Bison Ranch
  • Eel River Bison Ranch

4. Eel River Bison Ranch

50mi from Mishawaka · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
We have a gift store with all handmade local products. We have bison meat for sale. You can see bison on the property. And we have walking trails out back in the woods with access to the river for Kayaking We also sell skulls bones and hides. The bones and skulls are fantastic for art and other cool projects. We have indoor plumbing if needed or hookups of electricity for your campers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
  • The Black Sheep Farm And Camp
  • The Black Sheep Farm And Camp
  • The Black Sheep Farm And Camp

5. The Black Sheep Farm And Camp

100%
(1)
35mi from Mishawaka · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful secluded area surrounded by woods and sweetcorn 🌽. We do have trails through the woods and corn feild, a pond with small fish, lots of friendly small animals including ducks, chickens, rabbits, cats, and dogs and all the wildlife and nature you could ever want! Great spot for kids and families as well! Lots of stuff for kids to do! Splash pad and huge playgroud only 3 miles away! Only 30 minute drive to kalamazoo or lake michigan:)
Pets
Campfires
Water hookup
from 
$25
 / night

A charming city set in northern Indiana on the St. Joseph River, Mishawaka is known as the  “Peppermint Capital of the World” due to the area’s large quantities of mint. There are also 29 parks, golf courses, and an olympic-size public swimming pool for campers to enjoy. Road trip to Chicago—just under two hours away—to indulge in delicious pizza, or hitch up the speed boat and roll the RV into a full-service, pet-friendly, waterfront campground in Harrison Lake State Park. Tent camping near Potato Creek State Park offers local swimming and water activities in Worster Lake.

97% (652)

Top-rated campgrounds near Mishawaka

  • Plenty of comfortable lounge chairs available
  • Mulln-Heim Vineyards
  • Plenty of comfortable lounge chairs available

1. Mulln-Heim Vineyards

100%
(686)
24mi from Mishawaka · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
This is a 3rd generation "Family Farm" of a different sort I suppose. Seems there's a bit of everything here, and arguably not enough of anything. At least for conventional farming. So we've learned to do things a bit differently.Our main crop is wine and juice grapes since our topography, climate, and soil type makes it a premier location for that. But with 30+ acres of forested hillsides, low ground, and natural areas we've evolved into a mixed farm and forest enterprise. Our goal is to utilize the productivity of all our property while still retaining the basic character and usefulness of the wild areas. Letting each thing be what it wants to be and does best on it's own. Flow, not force.So our year starts early with tapping maple trees and making maple syrup. Plus there's grape trimming about this time as well. When the forest floor starts to green up a bit later, we start digging Ramps, or Wild Leeks in the woods. Most of these will go to the more trendy Chicago restaurants, but we also have some local sales. Next comes inoculating winter-cut logs with Shiitake spawn for next years mushroom production. This year we also conducted a few hands-on workshop seminars on mushroom growing as well. Then it's on to our raised bed herb & veggie gardens. (Fresh herbs are just so much fun to cook with!) We grow enough for our own yearly use, as well as some for direct sales. Summer keeps us busy tending all the different crops here and trying to keep up. But there's that steady progression of fresh veggies to eat. Yum !!! Fall brings our annual Grape U-Pick in September and October. And we try to time related crops like mums, pumpkins, and gourds for this same time frame. Makes the place a bit more interesting. Late fall is when we bring in firewood to heat the house and workshop. Stacks of wood everywhere. Hopefully before the 1st snow. In winter it's time to fire up the woodworking shop and be a bit creative. Build furniture, equipment maintenance, who knows what next years projects will include. I like to keep everybody guessing.So, that's what goes on here. You're welcome to check it out, lend a hand, relax back at camp, walk the vineyards and/or forest, or just breathe and relax. That's up to you. But I would recommend visiting a few of the fine local wineries. Seems there's a festival going on at one or another of them just about every weekend. Good music, good wine, good times. And there's the Lake Michigan beaches a few miles down the road.Yeah, this is a pretty casual place here, love meeting new people, very open to civil discussions of all sorts.However, rude, ill mannered people will probably enjoy staying elsewhere. Just say'n.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
  • Riding stable that houses 55 horses.
  • Cabin with electricity and windows.
  • Riding stable that houses 55 horses.

2. Have A Lake Of Your Own!

92%
(138)
40mi from Mishawaka · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging
The property was originally owned by a family name Nichols (thus the name of the lake). It was handed down to the sons who each owned half the property. The driveway down the middle of property that leads to the lake was originally a fence line that divided the two pieces of property. The brothers did not get along and their are several stories of their warring on how to maintain the property.My parents bought this piece of property in 1964 and created a camp called "Lakeside Farm Camp", a small all boys camp. The camp has gone through several changes since then but has always been owned by the Edwards family. In 1984 the name was changed to "Cedar Lodge" a coed camp that specializes in English horseback riding and offering high level general camp activities. Enjoy the peace and quiet of our totally private fresh water lake. Take your boat out for a day of fishing or just chill next to the fire.  Sites are approximately 50 feet from each other. If you want privacy we suggest you book both. 
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
  • The Riding Stable and Resort
  • This is a nice shaded area where we offer spots. Plenty of room for multiple tents without crowding. Horses are in this field during the spring summer and fall from approximately 8 am to 9 PM EST. The storms here recently have created some changes.
  • The Riding Stable and Resort

3. The Riding Stable and Resort

97%
(141)
12mi from Mishawaka · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging
When we bought this property in 2013, it was a little run down. Many years ago, it housed sheep and cows. We revamped our little 15-acre farm and continue to improve its looks. Now it is our home and houses my riding stable. Many people have commented on how nice it is. I thought this would be a great opportunity to share its beauty and the animals with others. Learn more about this land: We have 3 spots to pitch a tent, but we're pretty flexible. If you see another area, please ask!. Site "Woods" is most secluded. We now have a cabin!! Our "Chalet". It will sleep 4 and has some great amenities. The others are around our grassy barnyard area where you're able to enjoy all of our different animals!. All sites are 2-5 mins from the main house. You will be staying on our horse farm. We have many chickens, bunnies, a potbelly pig, feeder pigs (depending on the time of year), and our 4 house dogs. We offer overnight equine amenities as well. There are 2 showering options and restroom available. You can enjoy a small fire (weather dependent) or listen to the crickets and frogs under the starry night. Actually, you can do it all. We offer trail rides on the horses as well, (extra charges). You can even book a trip to the state park to ride the horse trails, which is only 15 minutes away. There is a great fishing lake less than 1 mile from the farm, so bring your poles and kayaks. Or rent ours! There is a Dollar General, 2 gas stations, and a liquor store in our tiny little town if you forget anything. Walmart is 12 minutes North of us.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$38
 / night
  • Eel River Bison Ranch
  • Eel River Bison Ranch
  • Eel River Bison Ranch

4. Eel River Bison Ranch

50mi from Mishawaka · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
We have a gift store with all handmade local products. We have bison meat for sale. You can see bison on the property. And we have walking trails out back in the woods with access to the river for Kayaking We also sell skulls bones and hides. The bones and skulls are fantastic for art and other cool projects. We have indoor plumbing if needed or hookups of electricity for your campers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
  • The Black Sheep Farm And Camp
  • The Black Sheep Farm And Camp
  • The Black Sheep Farm And Camp

5. The Black Sheep Farm And Camp

100%
(1)
35mi from Mishawaka · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful secluded area surrounded by woods and sweetcorn 🌽. We do have trails through the woods and corn feild, a pond with small fish, lots of friendly small animals including ducks, chickens, rabbits, cats, and dogs and all the wildlife and nature you could ever want! Great spot for kids and families as well! Lots of stuff for kids to do! Splash pad and huge playgroud only 3 miles away! Only 30 minute drive to kalamazoo or lake michigan:)
Pets
Campfires
Water hookup
from 
$25
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Lake Nicholas. 12 acre totally private lake with great fishing. 36 feet deep.
E
Elizabeth
October 2025
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
Great spot. We were the only cabin, so lots of privacy and the bathroom to ourselves. We rented a canoe and purchased firewood, they were ready and waiting upon our arrival. Lake was great to canoe around. Trail loop was short and sweet, but a nice walk through the woods. Seeing the horse get let out in the afternoon was really nice.
See more
The lake you get to yourself.
B
Belinda
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
This was our second time staying here. Totally love the place. Enjoying the lake in our kayaks. Seeing the horses passing close to the campground. Definitely will recommend this place to stay.
See more
South side of the vineyard, looking west to camp.
M
Megan
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to Mulln-Heim Vineyards
What a lovely camping experience! Has everything you need and more! Farmer John is delight. 10/10 highly recommend, you won’t be disappointed.
See more
Lake Nicholas. 12 acre totally private lake with great fishing. 36 feet deep.
A
Anna
September 2025
With kids
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
We love this spot! Second time we have stayed and will be back!
See more
South side of the vineyard, looking west to camp.
N
Nikolas
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Mulln-Heim Vineyards
Absolutely stunning campsite! Plenty of space for multiple tent setups and loved having a prep table, picnic table, and additional seating. The tiki torches were also a nice touch to keep the bugs away. John was extremely kind and helpful throughout our stay. The property is beautiful and even has a short trail to walk connected to each campsite. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will definitely come back!
See more
South side of the vineyard, looking west to camp.
K
K
September 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Mulln-Heim Vineyards
Tent camping is so special in John’s vineyard. Even with campers staying in the next site, we never heard them & we felt like we had the vineyard all to ourselves. In our site we were covered with a beautiful canopy of trees. Just steps outside of that you can enjoy the vineyard and once the sun goes down you have a private tree lined view of the gorgeous night sky. It is amazing! The site is equipped with basic necessities. Even though we arrived late the first night, John came out to greet us. Throughout our stay he could not have been a more gracious host.
See more
Lake Nicholas. 12 acre totally private lake with great fishing. 36 feet deep.
A
Anna
September 2025
With pets
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
What a gem! We enjoyed our stay at Cedar Lodge so much—can’t wait to come back!
See more
Lake Nicholas. 12 acre totally private lake with great fishing. 36 feet deep.
V
Viki
September 2025
With pets
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
We stayed in Penguin Palace. The cabin and campsite were clean and as expected. We enjoyed canoeing on the lake, relaxing by the fire pit, and peach picking nearby. I would recommend this place for a nice outdoor weekend!
See more
South side of the vineyard, looking west to camp.
J
Jaylon
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
2 nights at Mulln-Heim Vineyards
10 thumbs up! This land was a 10/10 camping experience for my large party. John is an extremely kind host, with very beautiful land and vegetation that you have to try out on your walk, and/or great to pluck if your one to grill. Plenty of areas to walk around and the different camp sites are very spacious and secluded. Very quick drive into town and the nearby beaches. Can’t recommend this place enough.
See more
Mulln-Heim Vineyards
Avatar
Christine
August 2025
Tent
With pets
2 nights at Mulln-Heim Vineyards
We had a perfect 2 night get-away. We slept among the wildlife and the stars and John provided everything we needed to make camping, cooking, and exploring enjoyabale. Check out the surprise at the end of the posted trail, pick fresh sweet tomatoes, enjoy the tiki torches that keep the mosquitoes away, identify bird calls, sit by the campfire, cook on the provided chef's station, visit the nearby beaches, grab breakfast before leaving at The Local Cafe. We will be back!
See more
Mulln-Heim Vineyards
j
james
August 2025
20 ft travel trailer
Weekend Trip to Mulln-Heim Vineyards
We loved this camping spot. We are so pleased that John has created this lovely and welcoming Hip Camp. John was an amazing host. We cannot wait to return!
See more
The lake you get to yourself.
S
Sam
August 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Have A Lake Of Your Own!
We had a great time! Our group was five families, 10 adults and 6 young kids. We booked both tent sites and basically sprawled out all around the lake access. The kids bounced between the playset and the lake and it was really nice to be able to see the kids from the tent area. We also appreciated being able to shower and collect potable water. The host was very helpful and everyone we interacted with on the property was lovely.
See more
The lake you get to yourself.
S
Sam
August 2025
Tent
With pets
3 nights at Have A Lake Of Your Own!
(This review is a copy bc I booked two sites) We had a great time! Our group was five families, 10 adults and 6 young kids. We booked both tent sites and basically sprawled out all around the lake access. The kids bounced between the playset and the lake and it was really nice to be able to see the kids from the tent area. We also appreciated being able to shower and collect potable water. The host was very helpful and everyone we interacted with on the property was lovely.
See more
South side of the vineyard, looking west to camp.
L
Luke
August 2025
Tent
1 night at Mulln-Heim Vineyards
A wonderful spot to camp with a wonderful host! It was peaceful, secluded and incredibly beautiful! John helped us feel at home right away!
See more
South side of the vineyard, looking west to camp.
Avatar
Kaleb
July 2025
24 ft campervan
1 night at Mulln-Heim Vineyards
We had a nice stay in John's beautiful vineyard. He met us when we pulled in and showed us around. He is very friendly and accommodating. I would highly recommend. We would stay there again.
See more
South side of the vineyard, looking west to camp.
P
Patrick
July 2025
13 ft campervan
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Mulln-Heim Vineyards
Absolutely love camping at the vineyard. John was accommodating and made sure we were comfortable through out our stay. John's herb and vegetable garden was key to making our meals complete. I recommend the short trail on the back of his property as well. Has a bit of a surprise at the end!! Will be back to this one.
See more
South side of the vineyard, looking west to camp.
E
Edgar
June 2025
Tent
Group trip
Weekend Trip to Mulln-Heim Vineyards
Amazing time, John was a great host and super accommodating to our bigger group. Would love to come back again
See more
South side of the vineyard, looking west to camp.
E
Emily
June 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to Mulln-Heim Vineyards
Great private and peaceful spot for group (or solo) camping! John has thought of everything! It was beautiful and unique. John was a fantastic host, I felt really welcome and at ease while camping on his land! We are already planning our next visit!
See more
Lake Nicholas. 12 acre totally private lake with great fishing. 36 feet deep.
J
Jake
June 2025
With pets
5 nights at Have A Lake Of Your Own!
The cabin was easy to get to but felt far away from the real world. We enjoyed having a fire in the pit every night and cooking our dinner and s'mores over it. The owner was always prompt and accessible for any questions we had. Would recommend if you're looking for a primitive cabin site.
See more
South side of the vineyard, looking west to camp.
T
Tonya
June 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to Mulln-Heim Vineyards
Amazing little site tucked in the heart of nowhere. We heard so many birds in the morning and coyotes at night. Customer service was perfect.
See more
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best ranch camping near Mishawaka guide

Where to go

Chicago Surrounds

Head two hours west of Mishawaka to Chicago for a traditional slice of deep-dish pizza, renowned architecture, and a legendary jazz scene. Rent a kayak and explore the Chicago River, or explore 26 miles of lakefront with dozens of sandy beach spots surrounding Lake Michigan. Nearby are plenty of full-service RV campgrounds featuring shower facilities and flush toilets.

Harrison Lake State Park

Hunt waterfowl, take a swim, or catch fresh fish for dinner at Harrison Lake State Park. Just over the state border in Ohio, Harrison Lake State Park is roughly two hours east of Mishawaka. Scoop up a lakefront cabin for easy access to waterfront activities including the 150-foot beach. A launch ramp is available for motorized boats, or rent a pedal boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or power boat instead. Book reservations online up to six months in advance to get a pet-friendly campsite that offers electricity. Winter camping is also available and is great for sledding at the east end of the lake, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.

Potato Creek State Park

With a 327-acre lake surrounded by forests and wetland areas, Potato Creek State Park delivers plenty of outdoor activities. Stop by the Nature Center to learn about the area before biking the paved 3.2-mile trail. Cross-country skiing, snow tubing, and ice fishing are popular in winter, while fishing on one of the three piers on Worster Lake is a huge draw in summer. Rent a cabin nearby or pitch a tent in an off-grid campsite to get first dibs on canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals.

When to go

Mishawaka offers four distinct seasons and outdoor activities that are popular year-round. Freezing temperatures in December, January, and February create great conditions for cross-country skiing and ice fishing. June, July, and August see the highest temperatures of the year—around 77°F—for water activities and hiking. The off-seasons run from March until May and from September until late November, with smaller crowds and cooler weather.

Popular Mishawaka trips

All
River, stream, or creek camping
Waterside camping
Cabins
Cabins with fishing
River, stream, or creek cabins
Forest glamping
Farm glamping

Top parks near Mishawaka

Chain O'Lakes State Park IL
Channahon State Park
Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area
Kickapoo State Recreation Area
Wayne National Forest
Governor Dodge State Park
Hartman Creek State Park
Kettle Moraine State Forest (Northern Unit)

Top cities near Mishawaka

Indianapolis
Chicago
Toledo
Grand Rapids
Columbus
Rochester Hills
Cleveland
Cincinnati

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