Tent campsites near Michigan City, Indiana range from primitive walk-in sites to more developed grounds with amenities. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching 80°F and winters dropping below freezing. Fall camping offers colorful foliage while spring brings wildflowers and moderate temperatures, though seasonal rainfall can create muddy conditions at some sites.
What to do
Trail hiking: At Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, campers can access nearby nature trails and Lake Michigan beaches within a short drive. "Very close to Lake Michigan and the beach," notes Katie S., who appreciated the convenient location for day trips.
Swimming options: The pool at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA offers family-friendly recreation. "They had a hot tub and heated pool," reports Katie S., though another visitor mentioned limitations: "No steps to walk in so it was very hard for our 2 smallest kids to use it. Not a problem for older kids who can swim."
Rental activities: Several campgrounds offer equipment rentals for on-site recreation. "Mini golf and bikes you could rent," states Katie S. about the Coloma KOA, providing options for families looking to stay entertained without leaving the campground.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Central Avenue Walk-in Sites in Indiana Dunes National Park offers secluded tent camping with thoughtful site placement. "Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail. You have to walk all the way down and take a left before you find sites 5, 4, 3, and 2 in that order," explains Don W.
Clean facilities: Washroom facilities vary across tent campsites near Michigan City. At Sweet Cherry Resort, "Showers and bathrooms were clean" according to Alyssa, who also mentioned that the "pool looked nice" during her stay.
Urban proximity: Some campers appreciate the convenience of urban-adjacent camping. "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background," notes Jeffrey L. about Camp Shabbona Woods, describing the reality of camping near populated areas.
What you should know
Site access restrictions: Many tent camping areas have specific entry protocols. Jeffrey L. mentions that at Camp Shabbona Woods, "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite."
Seasonal conditions: Weather patterns affect camping conditions throughout the year. "Because it rained rather heavily, it formed a huge collection of water," describes Devina M. about Coloma KOA, adding practical advice: "Bring rain boots for mud!"
Site configurations: Understanding campground layouts helps set expectations. At Sweet Cherry Resort, "Tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots," explains Alyssa, providing context for tent campers planning their visit.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly programming: When camping with children, look for campgrounds with scheduled activities. "Lots of fun activities on the weekends for the kids and FREE! They have movie nights, we met Disney characters, did crafts, and enjoyed the barrel train & ice cream sundaes," shares Cassie B. about her experience at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA.
Campground size considerations: Smaller campgrounds often provide more security for families with young children. "It was small enough for our kids to ride bikes around alone and they frequented the park, which we could see from our site," notes Cassie B. about the compact layout at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA.
Shade availability: Camping comfort with children often depends on protection from direct sun. Scott M. notes that Camp Shabbona Woods "campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing," important information for families planning summer visits.
Tips from RVers
Site size realities: RV campers should research site dimensions before booking. One Coloma KOA visitor described their experience as "a very expensive glorified parking spot," noting that "our site was horrid - a full hook up with a fire pit in the mud pond."
Camp store conveniences: On-site stores eliminate the need for supply runs. "The store has everything you could need and if they don't, there is a gas station right outside of entrance," says Monica R. about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA, highlighting the practical amenities available.
Alternative accommodation options: For those wanting a camping experience without traditional tenting, several campgrounds offer structures. "We stayed in the deluxe cabin for one night and loved it! The cabin was so cute and well kept. It came with a fridge, stove, and bathroom," shares Sarah P. about her family's experience.
