Best Tent Camping near Akron, IN

Northern Indiana's lakes and waterways near Akron provide several tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. French Post Park in Delphi, about 60 miles southwest of Akron, offers dedicated tent camping areas with space to park vehicles nearby. River Camp Fort Wayne, located approximately 45 miles northeast of Akron, provides both drive-in and walk-in tent sites. Harper Lake Campground in Kimmell, situated roughly 50 miles north of Akron, also accommodates tent campers looking for a lakeside experience.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. French Post Park includes fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, and trash collection, making it suitable for families and beginning campers. Reservations are required and must be made by calling the town office. River Camp Fort Wayne requires payment for sites and offers both drive-in access and walk-in tent sites for those seeking a bit more seclusion. Harper Lake Campground provides lakeside tent camping, though specific amenities information is limited. Campers should verify seasonal availability before planning trips, as some facilities may operate seasonally.

Tent-only areas at these campgrounds offer distinct advantages over other camping styles. According to one camper review, French Post Park is "easy for families with young kids" with a dedicated "tent camping section in one area with rooms to leave cars." The park also features a playground and shelter with picnic tables, making it suitable for gatherings. Water access is another highlight, with boat camping available right at the water's edge. The proximity to water at both French Post Park and Harper Lake Campground provides tent campers with fishing opportunities and water recreation options. Walk-in tent sites at River Camp Fort Wayne offer more privacy than standard drive-in spots, appealing to primitive tent camping enthusiasts seeking a more authentic outdoor experience while still having access to basic facilities.

Best Tent Sites Near Akron, Indiana (3)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Akron, IN

408 Reviews of 3 Akron Campgrounds


  • N
    Apr. 17, 2019

    Indian Springs Campground

    Dirty

    Dirty restrooms. Dirty lake. You have to pay extra to use the slide. Camp sites have been cut in half. Only 1 bathhouse/restrooms all the eay in the front at the beach. On the 2nf day we did find a porta potty in the back but it was nasty and everyone refused to use it. Manager was rude when i could not fit my car, tent (10x20), table and fire ring on out site. Told me o had to move my tent 1 foot over after it was already set up and loaded with beds. She left and I pulled it down and restaked just in time for her to vome and look disappointed that i had followed her order to pull it down and said i did not have to do that. The site was mostly dirt very little to no grass. When it rained we had nothing but mud. Hay rides on the weekend were late and the man driving it went way to fast down the back hill making you feel you were about to fall out. Employees childrwn throwing water on the people riding the hay ride. Someone went around fogging for mosquitos and allowed the children to run and play in the fog. Karaoke lady was extremely rude to all the children.

  • Clay T.
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Chain O'lakes State Park Dispersed Campsite

    "Free, never heard of that app."

    Although it states in the app free dispersed camping. Doesn't always mean just that. The cheapest campsite at primitive camping is $12 bucks. (Tent sites) For more, you can get electric hookup sites galore that all include a fire ring picnic table and a pretty leveled out spot.

  • J
    Apr. 27, 2021

    Last Resort Campground

    Nice campground

    This is a Passport America campground, so the rate was great! We only stayed overnight, and we had a pull thru FHU site that was pretty level. The spaces weren't too close. We didn't use the showers or bathrooms. The laundry room was clean and had 2 washers and 2 dryers for reasonable cost. We did have a picnic table and fire ring and the office did sell firewood. There was a nice playground and game room. They also had a pond for fishing. There was some train noise.

  • N
    Jul. 20, 2016

    Mississinewa Lake Campground

    Short but fun stay

    Campsites have a gravel parking pad, picnic table, fire-ring, electrical hookups, and thick health grass which is awesome if you're staying in a tent! The have public wifi that isn't really working that often. There was a truck delivering firewood making rounds through the campground which was very convenient. Stuff to do - disc golf, beach, beach volleyball, hiking & biking trails, boating/fishing. Unfortunately we didn't get to stay here for long, so we're planning on coming back soon.

  • Robin H.
    Jul. 21, 2020

    Kilsoquah Camp

    LOVE but.....

    We love camping out here. It’s our favorite place to be in Huntington. It’s super cheap, the sites are well taken care of, plenty of play spots for kids, electric and primitive, the sites come with picnic tables and fire rings with cooktops, some of the spots are out in the open and others are inset back into the trees. Some spots have wonderful views of the lake too! Our only issue is that because there is no one constantly there like a normal campsite, there are people who take the best view spots are stay for weeks on end knowing you can only stay, I think 14days, before moving to a new spot. Went there this past weekend and the people across from us were also BLARING music so loud you could feel the bass in your chest. We kindly asked if they could lower it, not turn it off, just lower it and the man was so kind and did it, however the woman threw a fit and turned the music back up. We ended up moving sites even tho we paid for that specific one and already were set up. There is no number to call so you just have to deal. But it’s totally worth it for the price and the sites. People just need to learn camping rules and take other people into consideration. 🤷🏼‍♀️

  • amber P.
    Jul. 9, 2021

    France Park

    No alcohol , unfriendly, staff, nice swimming area

    No alcohol, unfriendly, staff, nice swimming area

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2019

    Heritage Farm Alpaca Experience

    A truly wonderful experience!

    I learned of this place through the Dyrt (thank you!) and knew I wanted to stay here! There are several options available: tent camping (including a tree tent!), RV camping (two with electric hookups), and a 170-year-old log cabin. If you are RV camping, there are two very clean, private, and fully stocked "outhouses" (see photo below)

    We originally planned to camp in our van but with below-freezing temperatures and a forecasted snowstorm, we decided to take refuge in the log cabin. To call this a log cabin is a disservice; yes, it is made from logs(and is 170 years old) but I was expecting a tiny one-room cabin; instead it is a two-story cozy home that can sleep up to six people, all in one upstairs room (two full-size beds and two twin beds; would be great for families). It was cozy and warm, heated by a gas stove. The bathroom (with a shower) is accessed from just outside the back door but is heated. The kitchen is an outdoor grill and picnic table, but we did not use this. 

    Tim and Beth were very welcoming, as was Juno, their dog. We enjoyed helping to feed the Alpacas– they have over 50. The rooster crowed gustily at dawn (but dawn was after 7 am and we were already awake). Also on the farm is Stormy, the horse, chickens, and some barn cats. There is a shop that sells goods made from Alpaca wool and we made sure to visit before departing. 

    Staying here was truly special and we hope to return to camp in one of the RV spots or the tree tent in the future.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    Area Convenient and Clean

    Elkhart County 4-h Fairgrounds: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for access to the area, very clean facilities, and not too many campers thus time of year.
    Price 2024: $35 for water/electric only. Security: No Usage during visit: Very light Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: none Site Spacing: very close Pad surface: our area was grass Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet except for one day of motorcycle raises at the nearby track.
    Outside Road Noise: Not most sites Through Traffic in campground: Some for activities at the fairground Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: some sites Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At sites Bathroom: Very nice flush toilets Showers: yes Pull Throughs: Yes Cell Service (AT&T): Varied throughout campground Setting: open grass fields around very well manicured county fairground. Recent Weather: 70s and rain. Insects:None Host: I am not sure.
    Rig Size: Large Sites: full hookups and water/electric only

  • J
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Mississinewa Lake Campground

    Good campgrounds for boating!

    If you want woodsy, private sites, don’t come here. Most are grassy and sunny. There are many areas where the sites back up close to each other. 2 rows of full hookup. Plenty of 50 amp and many good tent sites. Beach in the park but not walking distance. Great mooring area for campers. Don’t try to pull-thru in any sites that are back-in. DNR will come around repeatedly and ask you to turn around...after you are already set up. Disc golf, trails, store near the beach, cabin rentals.


Guide to Akron

Tent camping options near Akron, Indiana center on lake and river access in this North Central Indiana region. The area features hardwood forests and rolling countryside with elevations typically between 800-900 feet above sea level. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures ideal for camping, while summer humidity can reach uncomfortable levels during July and August.

What to do

Fishing access: French Post Park provides direct waterfront access for anglers without requiring boat rentals. According to one camper, "Pretty cool area to hang out. You need to call to make reservations from the town."

Water recreation: Harper Lake Campground attracts paddlers looking for calmer waters. The 1006 South 900 W location in Kimmell positions campers directly on the shoreline with space for kayak and canoe storage near tent sites.

Walking trails: River Camp Fort Wayne connects to multiple hiking paths suitable for day excursions. While limited reviews exist for this newer camping area, one visitor noted it "looks like a very nice campground" though they "haven't been yet."

What campers like

Basic facilities: Tent campers appreciate the straightforward amenities at French Post Park. The reservation process requires calling the town office directly, which campers note helps maintain smaller crowds compared to online reservation systems.

Site layout: The organization of tent areas with separated vehicle parking at French Post Park creates a more natural camping atmosphere while maintaining convenience. The playground and picnic shelter provide alternatives during inclement weather.

Water proximity: Direct waterfront placement of tent sites at Harper Lake Campground allows for morning fishing directly from camp. The lack of RV accommodations means tent campers don't compete with larger rigs for prime waterfront locations.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: All tent camping at River Camp Fort Wayne requires advance booking. While the campground offers walk-in tent sites, these still require payment and registration before arrival rather than permitting spontaneous setup.

Seasonal limitations: Many facilities near Akron close during winter months, typically from November through March. Spring camping often encounters muddy conditions due to seasonal rain patterns.

Amenities variation: Basic toilet facilities exist at most locations, but shower access remains limited throughout the region. Campers should prepare for primitive conditions at most tent-specific areas.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: The dedicated play area at French Post Park provides entertainment for children during downtimes between outdoor activities. This helps prevent campsite boredom during extended stays.

Vehicle proximity: The tent camping section at French Post Park maintains a buffer from vehicles while still allowing reasonably close parking. This balance provides both safety for children and convenience for unloading gear.

Weather preparation: Northern Indiana's unpredictable spring and fall weather patterns necessitate layered clothing and rain gear even during seemingly clear forecast periods. Summer tent camping requires additional cooling considerations as temperatures frequently exceed 85°F with high humidity.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Akron cannot accommodate larger recreational vehicles. RVers report frequently being turned away from tent-only areas that lack appropriate hookups or turning radius for larger rigs.

Alternative options: RV campers seeking proximity to Akron should consider state park campgrounds slightly further from town, which offer more developed facilities and appropriate parking dimensions for larger vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Akron, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Akron, IN is French Post Park with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Akron, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Akron, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.