By Harold Merton
If you travel in Northern Indiana by RV you probably find that you would
like to stay a night or two even if you had not originally planned to
do so.
This area is rich in things to do especially in the area of Shipshewana
and Middlebury. Shipshewana is a major destination for a great many visitors
who want not only to attend their huge flea market but to also learn more
about the Amish people.
The locale is also very close to the major RV manufacturing plants in
Elkhart and surrounding communities.
When we visit Shipshewana we make our headquarters the Elkhart/Middlebury
Exit KOA which is located on SR 120 just a few miles west of Shipshewana
at the intersection of SR 13.
Peter and Hope Perkins are hosts at this KOA situated in the midst of
Amish country. They offer Amish crafts in their camp store and have Amish
bake sales on the property.
Several RV plants are located in the area and tours can be arranged.
They have well-serviced sites with two modern washroom buildings and
can accommodate RVers with up to 50 amp service at their site.
The campground pavilion has been busy a number of times we visited with
activities by campers and small camping clubs who have met there.
An efficient laundry room also has a great literature rack and their
camp
store has a lot of items that you might need.
They offer a data port and fishing at no additional charge.
The swimming pool at the front is a welcome site to many campers on
a warm day and when we last visited the campground in April Peter was
busy getting it into shape for this year.
When we visited in 2005 we found it to be very adequate but on our arrival
in April on our return home from a major RV trip we found that many
of the pull-through sites had been rebuilt making them the most level
sites we had found in our entire trip.
They have devised a great way to keep RVers from running over their
sewer outlets. A simple little piece of decorative plastic fence marks
the spot so all will see its exact location.
When you register you are given a copy of their campground newsletter,
a professionally-produced tabloid size publication produced by staff
there. This guide to local attractions is so good that we awarded it
our Best Campground Local Tourist Guide award at the end of 2005. This
publication is very good and quite informative on the area.
LP gas and wi-fi service are available at additional charge as well
as
firewood and mini-golf.
We find the showers here very nice and there is always plenty of hot
water.
There is a great nature walk that starts behind the campground office.-p
Their self-guided driving tours of the Amish area are great. You will
find
yourself on backroads being directed by hand letter signs taking you
to
Amish farms that offer furniture, quilts and baked goods. In season
the campground offers story hour, crafts, fishing contests, dances,
movies and games.
Kids may enjoy feeding the campground goats.
From I80-90 you take exit #107, go south 1/2 mile on SR 13. They are
located four miles north of Middlebury at the intersection of SR 13 and
SR120.
This is one KOA that can be busy so reservations are recommended.
We enjoy this rural KOA whenever we are in the area. You will probably
find it meets your requirements as well.
Elkhart Co./Middlebury Exit KOA
52867 State Road 13
Middlebury IN 46540-8935
574.825.5932
Reservations 800.562.5892
email: MiddleburyKOA
www.middleburykoa.com