The best waterside campgrounds near Mishawaka, Indiana

Set up your tent along Mishawaka’s rivers and lakes—this region offers over 1,000 waterside campsites where you can drift off to the sound of frogs and wake up to mist on the water. Campsites here start at $24 a night, with an average of $60, and you’ll find practical features like toilets, pet-friendly rules, and fire rings for a late-night cookout. Bring your fishing rod or binoculars; wildlife-watching, fishing, and swimming are staples. Locals swear by Mulln-Heim Vineyards (488 reviews) for its leafy riverbank pitches, 2Chicks And A Farm (150 reviews) for open skies, and The Once a Pond A Time Campsites (94 reviews) for paddling and peaceful evenings. You’ll find both solitude and the splash of adventure right on the water’s edge.

96% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Set up your tent along Mishawaka’s rivers and lakes—this region offers over 1,000 waterside campsites where you can drift off to the sound of frogs and wake up to mist on the water. Campsites here start at $24 a night, with an average of $60, and you’ll find practical features like toilets, pet-friendly rules, and fire rings for a late-night cookout. Bring your fishing rod or binoculars; wildlife-watching, fishing, and swimming are staples. Locals swear by Mulln-Heim Vineyards (488 reviews) for its leafy riverbank pitches, 2Chicks And A Farm (150 reviews) for open skies, and The Once a Pond A Time Campsites (94 reviews) for paddling and peaceful evenings. You’ll find both solitude and the splash of adventure right on the water’s edge.

96% (1.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lochloosa River Retreat

98%

(138)

39mi from Mishawaka · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Culver, IN

Lochloosa River Retreat – Family Fun, River Adventures and Relaxing Stays on the Tippecanoe! Welcome to Lochloosa River Retreat—your home away from home along the beautiful Tippecanoe River! Nestled on 6 peaceful acres, our hobby farm offers primitive tent camping, dry RV sites, a River View RV lodging site (RV included) and a cozy cabin stay in the Zen Shed—perfect for families, paddlers, and nature lovers looking to unwind. At full capacity, we can host up to 60 people and also offer group hosting. Paddle, float, and explore! We offer kayak and tubing trips on a scenic stretch of the river—message us to get on the float schedule. Guest enjoy playing in the shallow creek that winds through the property, as well as relaxing at camp, listening to the sounds of running water and a fire, or playing and cooling off in our saltwater pool complete with a slide and diving board. Wildlife is abundant, so bring your binoculars for birdwatching or cast a line from the riverbank. Want more comfort? Book a stay in the Zen Shed, our rustic riverside cabin or the River View RV for the ultimate glamping comfort—both perfect for a peaceful, unplugged getaway with real beds and front-row views of nature. Located near Lake Maxinkuckee and the charming town of Culver, there’s plenty to explore just a short drive away. There are also a few nature preserves nearby as well as a new Bark Park! A nearby country store (2 miles) offers pizza, chicken, ice, and other essentials. 🚿 Clean indoor bathrooms and showers 🏕️ Tent, RV sites, cabin lodging (Zen Shed) or RV lodging (River view RV) 🛶 Family-friendly tubing and kayak trips 🐾 Pet-friendly (north of the creek only) 🔥 Campfires, sunsets and stargazing galore Please review site details before booking. Pets are welcome only at campsites north of the creek, as our farm animals live on the south side. Please make sure to enter pets at booking to make sure your preferred site is pet friendly. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We can’t wait to welcome you to Lochloosa—where adventure meets relaxation and memories are made by the river!

2. Have A Lake Of Your Own!

92%

(138)

40mi from Mishawaka · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging · Lawrence, MI

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.

3. Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan

98%

(30)

40mi from Mishawaka · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

4. Indiana Dunes National Park

95%

(40)

66 sites · Dune Acres, Indiana

Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

5. Harbor Country Cabins

100%

(13)

27mi from Mishawaka · 2 sites · Lodging · Sawyer, MI

I become owner of this property in 2017. The cabins were built in the late 90's financed by the previous owner. The property was vacant for decades prior to that. In the 1950's, the property was a drive-in motel called the 'Harbert Motel'. We have an arial photo from this time period which showed a number of small bungalows for guests, each with its own carport. I love all the stories I hear from locals who have been around long enough to remember how things 'used to be'. Southwest Michigan has an interesting history and has been a 'destination' from city dwellers for close to 100 years. Even Al Capone and his goon's frequented the area as they moved illegal good during the days of prohibition. Learn more about this land: Breweries, Wineries, Berry Picking, Art Studios, Farmers Markets, hiking trails, biking trails, Lake Michigan boating, kayaking, fishing, canoeing.......all those things and more await you in Southwest Michigan. We have 6 'tiny house' style cabins on 1-acre property we call - Harbor Country Cabins. Harbor Country Cabins is located along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail. Our resort offers a unique lodging and gathering location in the center of Harbor Country, near Southwest Michigan’s premier destination for beaches, breweries, wineries, dining and summer fun. With 12 queen bunk and 4 twin bunk beds spaced across 6 cabins, our property can hold up to 28 people. Price in this listing is for rental of all 6 cabins.

Public campgrounds near Mishawaka

95%

(40)

Dunewood Campground

42mi from Mishawaka · 66 sites · Tents, RVs · in Indiana Dunes National Park

Stories from the community

R

Rachel

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Nicole and her husband were extremely inviting and accommodating. The property is beautiful and the wildlife abundant. Would definitely recommend!

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.

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.

G

Genesis

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

My fiancée and I loved our weekend getaway at Nichole’s site. She was very welcoming & gave us a tour of the camp site. The area was very clean & was a perfect spot for us to disconnect from the city life. She even offered the river tubing ride which we also HIGHLY recommend. It was definitely the highlight of our trip. Nicole was also very quick on her responses and helped us with the questions we had. We will definitely visit again & we recommend this stay 👍🏼💚🌳

Site # 2 is about half way down the pond from the main house. A dock, suitable for sunbathing, picnicking or fishing is just steps away from this site.

T

Tsali

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan

I loved camping here. Robin is very welcoming and her property is very nice. Definitely recommend staying here.

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!

A

Amy

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Beautiful location. We really enjoyed the river and views. The hosts were great and easy to work with. We will definitely be back.

J

JuliAnn

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Friendly hosts, nice location! Would definitely return.

M

Marise

September 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

The property was a pleasant surprise for being in a rural area. It was nice to have options of river access for kayaking or a salt water pool to reside in. It was clean. If you’re a tent camper your areas appeared nicely spaced out. If you have an RV you will be at the entrance just off the road (which was rarely traveled). Wide open places if you were to have a group you would have the front all to yourselves. Kayaking on the river was fun. It was a nice couple of days.

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!

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!

E

Emily

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

I loved camping here! The site is clean and well cleared with an amazing view of the river. The hosts were so welcoming and helpful!

M

Mikhail

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

One of the best Hipcamp experiences so far! Spacious camp spot with stunning views at the river. Feels really secluded, in the same time you are steps away from the facilities and swimming pool. Also, I didn’t have any issues with bugs and mosquitoes despite being among trees close to the river.

Creek runs to the river on the edge of Lochloosa. Creekside tents sites available complete with soothing sounds of the babbling brook!

M

Megan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Fabulous hosts (friendly & helpful), well kept property with beautiful views. Bathrooms clean & well stocked. Pool was crystal-clear & perfect for relaxing & hanging out.

C

Christine

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

My girlfriend and I loved Nicole's place. It is beautiful, we had a stream running along side our camp site. She is on the river. She has chickens and goats.

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.

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.

E

Emily

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

We loved our stay and didn’t want to leave! We stayed here for a weekend for a girls trip and did a float on Saturday. We stayed on the Firefly campsite and it was a perfect campsite for us, it was private and had a view of the river. The pool was amazing and so clean. Nicole was so kind and helpful with any questions we had before and during our stay. We will definitely be back!

D

Danny

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Nicole’s land was definitely a time to remember! They were very accommodating to me and my family. The pool was always cleaned everyday and bathrooms/showers were the best and also clean! Will definitely be back again!

M

Marcy

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

One of my favorite places to stay! During this trip, I enjoyed kayaking. Nicole and her husband were very helpful. The kayaking experience was beautiful and relaxing. All the amenities were clean and well-maintained. The swimming pool is an added bonus at this campground. Nicole & her husband are friendly and kind.