If your ideal family camping trip involves fresh air, shady trees, activities for the kids, and a whole lot of trail time, you’re in the right place. Northern Indiana has some (perhaps surprisingly) great hiking spots. Whether you’re into peaceful nature walks, big scenic overlooks, or quick strolls that end with ice cream (no shame!), you’ll find tons of nice trails near Manapogo.
And if there’s one nearby place that you need to visit, it’s Pokagon State Park. With more than 1,200 acres of forests, wetlands, lakeshore, and rolling hills, Pokagon is one of the region’s favorite state parks and is loaded with family-friendly hikes that fit RVers, energetic kids, and anyone who just wants to stretch their legs before a diet of s’mores back at camp.
Why Pokagon State Park is a Must-Hike Spot in Northern Indiana
Located just a quick drive from Manapogo and Lake Pleasant, Pokagon is known for its clean, well marked trails, lovely scenery, and peaceful vibes. It’s the kind of place where kids can chase butterflies, parents can slow down, and everyone can enjoy a reminder that hiking doesn’t have to be totally extreme to be fun and entertaining for all.
What to expect at Pokagon:
- Beautiful trails with little elevation (perfect for families)
- A mix of shady forest paths and open lake views
- Wildlife everywhere (bring binoculars!)
- Picnic areas for post-hike snacks (pack the cooler, Mom!)
- Clean restrooms near trailheads
And since you’re staying at one of the most family-friendly RV campgrounds in Indiana (ahem → Manapogo), you’re just minutes from trailhead adventures that feel a world away.
The Best Hiking Trails at Pokagon State Park
Here are the top trails your family will love, whether you’ve got tiny hikers, energetic teens, or adults with coffee in hand.
🥾 Trail 3 – The Lakeshore Trail
- Distance: 1.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Perfect for: Families with kids of all ages, mornings before the beach, stroller-friendly stretches
- Why kids love it: Duck watching, skipping stones, and lots of “look at this!” moments
- Why parents love it: Beautiful scenery + low effort = a win
If your dream hike includes lake breezes, water views, and plenty of places to stop and play, this is your trail. Trail 3 loops around Lake James and Snow Lake, giving hikers a peaceful shoreline walk with little ups and downs that keep kids interested without pushing anyone into meltdown territory.
🥾 Trail 1 – The Nature Center Loop
- Distance: 1.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Perfect for: Families who like hands-on learning
- Great for: Beginning hikers, families with young kids, and anyone who loves a trail with personality
Start at the Pokagon Nature Center to grab trail maps, check out indoor wildlife exhibits, and chat with park naturalists. Then hop onto Trail 1, a wooded loop filled with interactive signs, wildlife info, and a few fun educational stops.
🥾 Trail 7 – The Wetland Walk
- Distance: 1.7 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Perfect for: Bug lovers, bird watchers, curious toddlers
- What makes it fun: Wooden walkways! Kids LOVE a good boardwalk
Trail 7 winds through marshy wetlands, shady woods, and lily filled ponds. This is prime frog spotting territory, just FYI.
🥾 Trail 6 – The Rolling Hills Loop
- Distance: 2.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Perfect for: Families with older kids, anyone who wants a little challenge
- Pro Tip: This is a great trail for older kids who love to lead the group
Don’t let the “moderate” label freak you out. It basically means you’ll tackle a few short hills and get a little extra nature packed into your adventure. This loop heads deeper into the woods and gives you a quiet, peaceful hike with tall trees, fun little bridges, and plenty of wildlife to keep things interesting.
🥾 Trail 9 – For the Adventurous Crew
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Perfect for: Families looking for a longer hike
- Pack: Snacks, water, and a camera—this one’s a beauty
Trail 9 has beautiful views, diverse terrain, and the satisfaction of a “real” hiking experience that older kids and teens love. It’s long enough to feel like an accomplishment, but not so tough that you’ll need full camping gear and a pep talk halfway.
🥾 The Hell’s Point Challenge Route (For the Brave!)
- Distance: ~2 miles (depending on route)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Perfect for: Families with big energy
Okay, don’t let the name scare you. Hell’s Point is just the highest point in the park, and hiking there earns you amazing views (and bragging rights). Kids love saying they “conquered Hell’s Point,” and parents love the selfie opportunities.
Bonus Trails Near Pokagon
If your family is ready for more wandering after Pokagon, kudos!
🌳 Trine State Recreation Area
Easy loops, peaceful views, and lots of wildlife.
🌼 Fawn River Nature Preserve
Short, pleasant hikes through wildflowers and open woods.
These spots are perfect if you want to squeeze in a simple afternoon walk before dinner at the campsite.
Family Hiking Tips to Nail the Day
Hiking with kids shouldn’t feel like a survival show. Here are some camper-tested hacks to keep everyone happy:
✔ Bring plenty of snacks: Kids burn energy fast—and hiking snacks somehow taste better.
✔ Make it a game: Try “Who can spot the next trail marker?”, “I spy something green!”, or “First one to find a squirrel wins!”
✔ Let kids carry their own mini backpacks: They feel official, even if the only thing inside is a juice pouch. Or, have them do all the work. Your call.
✔ Take breaks (often): Rocks, stumps, and shady patches make great pit stops.
✔ Bring binoculars: It turns every bird sighting into a full event. Btw, there’s a bunch of em!
✔ Start earlier in the day: Cool air + fewer bugs + better moods = a peaceful, happy hike.
What to Pack for a Family Hike Near Manapogo
Here’s your quick hiker’s checklist:
- Comfy walking shoes
- Sunscreen + bug spray
- Water bottles
- Trail snacks (granola bars, fruit, crackers)
- Mini first-aid kit
- Hats
- A trash bag (help keep the trails clean!)
- Camera or phone for photos
- Extra socks for kids (trust us on this one!)
After a big day exploring Pokagon, the fun doesn’t stop. Head back to Manapogo to jump into Lake Pleasant to cool off, let the kids pedal around on their bikes, kick your feet up on the beach, or gather around the ol’ campfire. This is the good stuff: slow evenings, sticky fingers, and kids running around with that classic summer glow.
If you’re a family that wants easy access to great hiking and plenty of activities back at camp, Manapogo is one of the best campgrounds for you in northern Indiana. This is the kind of place where kids roam free, adults chill under the trees, and trail adventures turn into campfire stories the moment the sun goes down.
The great outdoors in Northern Indiana is calling. Boots on. Let’s roll!
