State Parks Near Elkhart, Indiana

9 state park units lie within 50 miles of Elkhart, including 6 parks across the line in Michigan. The closest is Potato Creek State Park, about 23 mi southwest of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Potato Creek State Park23 mi southwest
Within 25 miles
1of 9 within 50 mi
With camping
52 with cabins
Dog-friendly
0pets allowed

State parks near Elkhart, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Elkhart; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Potato Creek State Park

    23 miles southwest · South Bend, Indiana · State Park

    Visitors come for cross-country skiing, horseback riding, ice fishing, mountain biking, and winter sports. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.

    1 alert357 campsitesCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Potato Creek State Park →

  2. Warren Woods State Park

    36 miles west · Three Oaks, Michigan · State Park

    Warren Woods State Park is a 311-acre park in Berrien County, about 3 miles north of Three Oaks.

    Hours, fees and rules for Warren Woods State Park →

  3. Warren Dunes State Park

    36 miles northwest · Bridgman, Michigan · State Park

    Overnight options include 3 camping areas, with tent sites.

    Camping

    Hours, fees and rules for Warren Dunes State Park →

  4. Grand Mere State Park

    37 miles northwest · Stevensville, Michigan · State Park

    Grand Mere State Park is a 1,118-acre park in Berrien County, in Stevensville.

    Hours, fees and rules for Grand Mere State Park →

  5. Chain O'Lakes State Park

    38 miles southeast · Albion, Indiana · State Park

    Popular activities here are cross-country skiing, ice fishing, historic sites, winter sports, and canoeing and kayaking. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.

    1 alert426 campsitesCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Chain O'Lakes State Park →

  6. Van Buren State Park Rail Trail

    45 miles north · Benton Harbor, Michigan · Trail State Park

    Van Buren State Park Rail Trail is a 110-acre trail state park in Van Buren County, about 16 miles northeast of Benton Harbor.

    Hours, fees and rules for Van Buren State Park Rail Trail →

  7. Kal-Haven Trail State Park

    48 miles north · Allegan, Michigan · Trail State Park

    Covering about 2,234 acres, Kal-Haven Trail State Park lies in Van Buren County, about 12 miles southwest of Allegan.

    Hours, fees and rules for Kal-Haven Trail State Park →

  8. Van Buren State Park

    48 miles north · South Haven, Michigan · State Park

    Overnight options include 2 camping areas, with tent sites.

    Camping

    Hours, fees and rules for Van Buren State Park →

  9. Pokagon State Park

    49 miles east · Angola, Indiana · State Park

    Things to do include cross-country skiing, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and swimming. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach.

    1 alert273 campsitesSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Pokagon State Park →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Elkhart

  1. Potato Creek State Park 23 mi southwest · 357 campsites
  2. Warren Dunes State Park 36 mi northwest · Campground listed
  3. Chain O'Lakes State Park 38 mi southeast · 426 campsites
  4. Van Buren State Park 48 mi north · Campground listed
  5. Pokagon State Park 49 mi east · 273 campsites

Cabins and lodging near Elkhart

  1. Potato Creek State Park 23 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
  2. Chain O'Lakes State Park 38 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays

Swimming near Elkhart

  1. Potato Creek State Park 23 mi southwest · Beach, pool or swim area
  2. Chain O'Lakes State Park 38 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
  3. Pokagon State Park 49 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area

Hiking near Elkhart

  1. Potato Creek State Park 23 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
  2. Chain O'Lakes State Park 38 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
  3. Pokagon State Park 49 mi east · Hiking trails listed

Fishing near Elkhart

  1. Potato Creek State Park 23 mi southwest · Fishing listed
  2. Chain O'Lakes State Park 38 mi southeast · Fishing listed
  3. Pokagon State Park 49 mi east · Fishing listed

Questions about state parks near Elkhart

What is the closest state park to Elkhart?

Potato Creek State Park is the closest, about 23 miles southwest of Elkhart in a straight line. Next are Warren Woods State Park and Warren Dunes State Park.

How many state parks are near Elkhart?

9 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Elkhart have camping?

5 parks list camping, the nearest being Potato Creek State Park, Warren Dunes State Park and Chain O'Lakes State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Elkhart?

None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.

Are there free state parks near Elkhart?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.