One Tank Trip for Indiana Camping

There may be a few long running arguments on how the Hoosier State got its name, but there is no disputing the vast Midwestern beauty that this state contains, or the wealth of recreational fun around every bend! We're going to start our one tank trip off in Elkhart, a vibrant riverside city rich with turn-of-the-century architecture mixed with modern day touches. Downtown you'll find an abundance of tasty eats and a burgeoning arts district waiting to be explored. At the Midwest Museum of American Art, travelers will find everything, from pop art, to an extensive collection of Norman Rockwell paintings. At the National New York Central Railroad Museum travelers can ride the rails of history. For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, Elkhart is home to several parks, many of them in close proximity to the Elkhart and St. Joseph rivers that merge downtown. Here you can jog, ride your bike, or spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic. Elkhart easily caters to a variety of travelers, with a pace much slower, and far less crowded, than most other larger metropolitan areas. Let's move on to our next Indiana RV camping stop; South Bend. Head out of Elkhart on IN-19 S, and merge onto US-20 W. Exit onto S. Michigan Street. This leg of our one tank trip clocks in at about 20 miles. Named for the large southern curve in the St. Joseph River, which borders South Bend, the river has always been an important part of the city's growth, from the sawmills of long ago, to providing travelers and locals a spectacular place to gather for outdoor recreation. Throughout the city of South Bend you'll find a number of public parks suitable for walking, mountain biking and jogging. Home to the University of Notre Dame, football fans will delight in some pigskin history at the College Football Hall of Fame, while nature lovers can enjoy the rushing rapids of the East Race Waterway, the first artificial whitewater rafting course. But the sweetest destination in South Bend has to be the Chocolate Museum, specializing in all things cocoa: from posters and tins, to a behind the scenes look at making that smooth, creamy good stuff! Continuing onto our next Indiana RV camping stop, return to US-20 W for a 36-mile trip to Michigan City. Bordering the southernmost tip of Lake Michigan, Michigan City is a spectacular destination for any traveler. Michigan City is home to several parks where outdoor recreation abounds, from hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, to yes, even golf! In the summer months, head over to Mt. Baldy where you can wiggle your toes in the sand, work on your tan, or immerse yourself in the many water sports offered here. It's said that on a clear day, you can see the Chicago skyline from atop the giant dune located here, and the sunsets in this location are some of the most beautiful in the area. You won't want to leave without a visit to Indiana's only working lighthouse located in a 99 acre park, where there are still more incredible recreation opportunities! This is one area with so much to do, you just might have to plan a return trip. See you next year! Back to One Tank Trips for 2011 Woodall's Recommended Indiana RV Campgrounds