Recommendations on camping 4 hours from South Bend, IN?

[zinger60]

We have a week set aside for the end of July to go camping. We would like to go somewhere up to 4 hours away, don't care which direction but wanting a place to set up the camper for a week and take short day trips around the area. Its just the hubby and myself and we spend most of our camping time enjoying the scenery or historic sights. Anyone have any suggestions?

[rsdata]

about 5 hours away is My Old KY Home State Park in Bardstown, KY

attractions around that area, are

1. 3 distilleries in Bardstown each has tours
2. Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY about an hour drive
3. Independent Stave Co. where they make barrels and give two tours a day
4. Lake Cumberland S P and a drive over Cumberland river dam and dam overlook, about 2.5 hours away
5. The Whistle Stop restaurant, voted the best non-chain restaurant in KY several years about 90 min drive
6. Jim Beam (90 minute tour) and Four Roses warehouses, about an hour drive away
7. not far from Louisville Slugger museum and the Falls on the Ohio in Louisville
8. not far from Corvette museum
9. not far from Mammoth Caves
10. not far from Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve distilleries

A little closer is Taylorsville Lake, which is still close to all of those things.

Been to both and especially enjoy My Old KY Home SP. Close to downtown, Walmart and many attractions in and around Bardstown, KY.

[McGeee]

Excellent choice for Bardstown. You might want to note that if you are a golfer, the campground is right next to a golf course.
Also on the property of "My Old Kentucky Home State Park" is an Amphitheater that features nightly performances of "The Stephen Foster Story"...a tribute to America's first musical super star.

As mentioned...Bardstown is closer to 5 hours from South Bend. Within the 4 hour limit, you could consider some Southern Indiana State Parks.

O'Bannon Woods State Park is located in Corydon, Indiana, and one of our personal favorites. Lots of trees, great new Aquatic Center, and nice Nature Center. There is a 1850's Settlement recreated, complete with a Hay Press Barn and live working Oxen...Forrest and Gump.
The town of Corydon is the State's first Capital, and the Original Statehouse is located in the downtown area.
There are plenty of caves to explore and wineries in the area. You will also be close to Louisville, and all those attractions mentioned above.

Like most Indiana State Parks, O'Bannon Woods sites are electric only. If that's a deal breaker for you, consider Charlestown State Park. The newest of Indiana's State Parks, Charlestown doesn't have as much tree cover as the other, but does feature some Full Hook up spots... and you'll still be close to all the attractions mentioned.

Another thought would be Versailles State Park. Plenty of tree cover in the campground and very well maintained. There's also a very nice lake for fishing. You'll be close to Cincinnati all that has to offer...Reds Baseball, museums, and the Newport Aquarium.
20 minutes south of Versailles is Madison, IN and Clifty Falls State Park. It to is very nice, with excellent hiking. There is a campground there as well. We've stayed there a few times....some people like...just not our preference. There was only one bathhouse, and all the sites were gravel...though some had hardly any gravel at all, and made rainy days a muddy mess. That's why we prefer Versailles...asphalt parking and multiple bath houses that are well maintained.

Good Luck.

[lbrjet]

Northern Michigan. I would go north, not south in July. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a beautiful place. Traverse City is nice, and maybe a day trip to Mackinac Island.


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[McGeee]

There is another Great Lakes destination about 2 1/2 hours East of St. Joseph's County....the Lake Erie Islands.

You'll find several camping options around there, from full service RV Parks to some fine Ohio State Parks. We've even taken our camper on a ferry to Kelley's Island and stayed a week. That might limit the options of Day Trips for you, but you could take some water taxi's to some of the area attractions.

South Bass Island has a campground also, and the town of Put-In-Bay is located there. It's famous for being the site of the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. Lots of History there and a nice monument with a look out deck...on a clear day you can see Pelee Island, Canada from there.
You'll find nice boardwalk dining next to the marina...and the bars will be hopping that time of year. Put-In-Bay almost has a "Key West" feel to it during the Summer months.

There are also many fine wineries in that area.

[jking46]

Try Oubache state park and Shakamak state park in Indiana. Two of our favorites. Both have pools.Shakamak has really good fishing. Bring a trolling motor and rent a jon boat by the day. Electric motors only on the lakes.