35mi from Winona Lake · 4 sites · RVsWe established this homestead in 1981. The original 10 acres grew to 15 after acquiring our neighbors smaller lots. With one of those properties we used the well and septic and built camp sites to entertain our friends and family. We have opened this up to some outside travelers to attract interest in our local community. Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, and Class C RVs allowed. All campers must be self contained with your own
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Camp Ames is located on the scenic Mississinewa River 3.5 miles outside of Peru, Indiana. We have full service camp sites. The camp shack is appointed with a picnic table and TV to catch up on the latest news. Bald eagles are a huge attraction in this area. Acres Trust Nature Preserve is a short walk away. We have our own 4 acre wildflower meadow that attracts many butterflies and birds during the summer months. It's just a peaceful, quiet place to visit. Cell phone service is not great here but not totally absent if you stand in the right place. Wi-Fi is available. This is our private camp ground and not a for public use unless arrangements are made with us. We will assign your site before your arrival. A vacancy on this site does not mean we have availability as our friends and family may be visiting. When requesting a site please include a description of your camper, the number of people and how many amps your camper requires. This help us place you on a site if one is available.
Suggested Local Attractions:The World's Greatest Amateur Circus: Peru, Indiana, is also known as the "Circus City". In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Peru was home to the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and others. Even the Ringling Brothers Circus wintered there for a while. For 10 days each July, Peru celebrates the Circus City Festival with rides, crafts, food, games, and more. The highlight, however, is the live amateur circus that has performances throughout the festival. A unique and authentic experience that echoes the early heyday of the circus, this is a fun event not to be missed. Performers are locals, some of whom are direct descendants of professional performers in the earlier shows. Even if a visit is timed to occur outside of July, a visit to the small but impressive International Circus Hall of Fame might be worth the trip. Circus Hall of Fame is located 1.8 miles from Camp Ames.
Grissom Air Museum: Located 7.6 miles from Camp Ames
There are some great interactive displays inside the museum for the kids to sit inside the cockpits of mock ups for pictures and the planes throughout the grounds are well maintained and offer interesting facts. Great Air Museum Celebrating the Aviation History of Grissom Air Force Base.
Miami County Museum: Located 3.6 miles from Camp Ames
Cole Porter's custom 1955 Cadillac, circus carvings, a stagecoach, the World's Tallest Man's overalls, a fantastic collection of rifles, Clyde Beatty's lion tamer's outfit, lots of farm and pioneer items, Miami Indian relics.
Mississinewa Resevoir: Located 3 miles from Camp Ames
Mississinewa Lake is a seasonal resevoir designed for flood control. That said, depending on rainfall during the summer, many recreational activities are available. Swimming at the beach, boating, and fishing. A nice campground and hiking are also on site.
Nickel Plate Trail: Located 2.9 miles from Camp Ames
This asphalt trail is one of the best in the State to ride or walk on!!! It keeps getting better because the trail keeps getting extended with more pathway added. The volunteers do a superb job up keeping this 50 mile path. Make this a to do for a beautiful Fall ride once the leaves begin to change. You'll be immersed in intense colors and wonderful woodsy sights and smells.
Seven Pillars: Located 0.8 miles from Camp Ames
This breathtaking formation along the Mississinewa River was created over the centuries as wind and water eroded the limestone, carving rounded buttresses and alcoves into the north bluff of the river.
Seven Pillars Nature Preserve - Acres Land Trust - Located 0.3 miles from Camp Ames!
This preserve on the south side of the Mississinewa River is named after the landmark 25-foot limestone pillars, also owned by ACRES, which are located on the north side of the river. On top of the bluff grow red cedar, Juneberry and shadbush. In the preserve are beech, maple and other trees, as well as open meadow. The Miami Nation continues to gather at the pillars. The preserve is 148 acres of woods open to the public to walk the woods. There is 1.8 miles of trail. PRESERVE RULES: As a preserve visitor, you are responsible for keeping these habitats undisturbed. Follow these rules to allow the preserve’s plants, wildlife and natural formations to thrive here, in place, for generations: Open Dawn til Dusk, Foot Traffic Only, Dogs Allowed, Always On Leash,Take Nothing, Leave Nothing, Stay On The Trails
McClure’s Orchard/Winery: Located 9.8 miles from Camp Ames
A small, family-owned and operated apple farm nestled in the rolling hills of northern Indiana, located an hour from Indianapolis. Currently growing 125 varieties of apples, which throughout the season are available for u-pick or already picked.
Beginning Labor Day Weekend, ride the tractor and trolley through the Orchard, for tours and apple picking. Toward the end of September through October, the trolley will stop in the pumpkin patch for u-pick. There is no parking or admission fee, and no charge for the ride through the Orchard. More than apples and pumpkins, there’s a playground area and petting zoo for the kids (and the kiddos at heart). During September and October, saddle up a horse, and take a horse ride on the weekends for $1. On most weekends, there’s live music; so, be sure to check the website to see who is playing and which day. McClure’s has a café serving delicious food, made fresh daily. The apple dumplings are amazing! The adults in the group can also sample or enjoy a glass of McClure’s award-winning wine and hard cider. In 2019 a down town location was opened on the Wabash River featuring Wine Tasting just 3.4 miles from Camp Ames.
Preslie Meadow: Located at Camp Ames
Preslie Meadow is a acre wildflower habitat. Established in 2018. Paths are provided to walk and enjoy the beauty. An array of wildflowers can be seen at different times in the spring and summer months. Birds, butterflies, bunnies and deer benefit from the meadow. Photographers and admirers walk the paths and drive by all season. Visitors are welcome and ask not to pick the flowers.
Named after the daughter of JR and Marla Dennis of Kokomo. Preslie Lynn Dennis passed from injuries sustained in a car accident on June 22, 2018. She was just short of her 18th birthday and ready to leave for boot camp to serve our country in the United States Army having already served in the National Guard. This multi-talented young lady left us all heart broken. Preslie Meadow lets her memory and beauty live on.
