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Best Tent Camping near Chesterton, IN

564 Reviews

Tent camping options near Chesterton, Indiana include several established campgrounds within reasonable driving distance. Central Avenue Walk-in Sites in Indiana Dunes National Park offers tent-only camping with walk-in access, while Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland, Illinois and Campside Michigan provide additional tent camping opportunities in the broader region.

The Central Avenue Walk-in Sites feature clean, private tent camping areas set back from trails for increased seclusion. These sites have toilets but lack drinking water, electric hookups, and trash services. Fires are not permitted at these walk-in sites, and alcohol is prohibited. One camper noted, "The spot was clean. It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long." Site arrangement follows a specific pattern, with Site 1 positioned separately from Sites 2-5, which are accessed by walking the full trail length and turning left.

Camp Shabbona Woods offers a more developed tent camping experience with amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, showers, toilets, and trash disposal. This campground permits fires and provides firewood for purchase. The site is described as small and urban with limited shade due to young trees still growing. A visitor commented that the campground is "set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping." The grounds are well-maintained by attentive caretakers who keep the area clean. Campside Michigan represents another option with four tent sites featuring similar amenities, including picnic tables, showers, toilets, and trash service, though these sites require a walk-in approach rather than direct vehicle access.

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Best Tent Sites Near Chesterton, Indiana (3)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Chesterton, IN

8 Photos of 3 Chesterton Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Chesterton, IN

564 Reviews of 3 Chesterton Campgrounds

  • H. K.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Nice but very little shade

    We stayed in the primitive tent area near the back of the park. It is walk in.

    There was a pole for a lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring and tent pad. There is one clean flush toilet and shower per each gender (the shower stall was spacious with plenty of hooks and benches). There were also vault toilets not too far away. The water spigot was pretty far away though. There were plenty of garbage cans.

    There were a few small trees but very little shade. On hot days I think a pop up shade shelter would be necessary to make it bearable.

    Overall it was pretty quiet.

    The last night we were there a large group of people with their tents showed up. There were not enough tent pads or picnic tables for all of them. I don't know if it was the park that booked so many people or if it was the group that overbooked.

  • H
    May. 26, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Great stay, come ready

    We stayed two nights in mid-May, at site number 72. Area was gorgeous, well maintained, shady and quiet. Tons of hiking trails in very close proximity to the campground! There is electricity on site, but no water or sewage at each site. However there is a water fill station and a dump station. So just come prepared. Also, they have a very strict no alcohol policy. Not that that stopped people, but don't go walking around with a beer bottle! We would definitely return.

  • Elizabeth G.
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Pleasant and quiet

    Stayed in site 43 of the Douglas loop. Douglas loop is all non electric.

    Our site was big enough for our tents, a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms/showers are really close by which is nice but you do get the lights from the bathroom facing site 43. Not a big deal but if you’re looking for more darkness then definitely choose one of the other sites around 43.

    All parking sites are paved for camper vans/trailers but no water or power hookups. All sites have nice huge tent pads that are nice and level. Only noise we heard was the train every now and then.

    The showers are individual rooms separate from the bathrooms. And there’s a gas station and liquor store near the entrance of the campground for fire wood and beer.

    I didn’t get to stay in the walk in campsites but they are very nice and close-ish to the showers.

  • Chris M.
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Clean & Spacious

    We pulled in around 4:30 in the evening. The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites. Since the weather was cooler , it was pretty sparse with other campers. We stayed 2 nights over the weekend. You are within walking distance to the beach within the park. The buildings have great architecture. The sight had 50 amp electric hook ups but no water or sewer connections, and we knew that going in. We had a back in sight #69. There was plenty of space on all sides. We have a 37’ motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around. The sight also had a wood picnic table and fire ring for a wood fire pit. We will definitely be back! I wish I had taken more photos from the beach and beach pavilion.

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Shamrock Park

    Great for fishing

    We wanted to stay at Warren Dunes State Park, but I think this discovery was a better choice. A clean and friendly municipal campground on the St. Joseph River. The grounds are mostly open with little shade, but we had a tent site by the river and trees. What impressed me most was that they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks. Another nice feature is the outdoor sink at the shower & restroom building for campers to wash dishes. As tent campers I wish more places had a set up like that. There’s a large stack of firewood, so it’s easy to get a bundle that’s good and dry. We did go to Warren Dunes for an afternoon. It’s busy and crowded. If you go to the beach, be aware there’s very little shade. North of there is Grand Mere State Park, which is better for hiking. In Berrien Springs, check out Zick’s specialty meats across the river from the camp.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Outer Circle

    We reserved a spot in the outer circle. We like having woods on one side. Nice campground camping….parking pad, fire ring, picnic table. Good amount of space between spots. Nice bathrooms & showers. We have a rooftop tent and we’re very happy. Loved the hike over “Mt. Tom” to the gorgeous beach and warmish lake for a swim. We choose the State Park vs. National Park so we could hike to the beach.

  • Amy M.
    May. 14, 2017

    Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    TICKS

    We stayed in the semi modern sites, which was tents and no RVs nearby, which was good. That was about it. The Interstate was directly behind the sites, so the highway traffic noise took away from the feeling you want when camping, that off the grid feeling.

    The site was clean, picnic table and fire ring. There was a water spigot close by too. We did some short hiking to sand dunes which was really cool. Nice paths lead to beautiful sunset over dunes.

    Upon returning from the hike, we set up camp. That's when we found the ticks. We found probably 10 on our dog, several on us. The couple next to our site was struggling with ticks also, and they hadn't hiked, so makes me think they were from the campground. (We stayed ON the trail carefully while hiking). We've camped a lot and never dealt with this many ticks.

    We actually ended up bailing due to how many were on us all. Spent the next 24 hours picking them off everyone in our family at home. Not good. We know it's a fact of life, but this place was infested. Bummer of a trip.

  • Crissy R.
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Let there Be Rain and Silence....

    If you’re looking to go camping with the conveniences of the modern world nearby, this is the place to be. Located off of golf way rd and duneway pkwy, this campground is located roughly about an hour from Elkhart, if that’s where you’re coming from. They have a few options as far as sites go. Sites 1-34 are reservable online and the remainder of the sites are first come, first served. Also keep in mind, sites 1-54 you’re able to park your car/RV. However, sites 55-67 are walk in only. There are showers and restrooms located center of both areas. There are also water stations which are very convenient. Most of the campsites are fairly close, but far enough where you are not sitting on top of each other. This time around I opted for the walk In. For starters, let’s just say to be prepared for whatever weather may come. My luck, it poured the entire time and was windy. Furthermore, each site has designated fire rings that have a grill. The experience was awesome, it’s $25 a night that you pay at the automated kiosk. There are rangers that drive around during the day and there are signs posted with all the latest updates, rules/regulations. Overall, great experience, definitely look forward to coming back!

  • Gay G.
    Aug. 19, 2021

    Thousand Trails Bear Cave

    Great Campground

    This is a nice, family friendly campground. Lots of very friendly other campers, a heated pool, playground for the kids, nice size lots with fire pits, picnic tables, electric& water (including at tent sites). Pool has an ADA lift chair. 2 shower/bath houses, camp store, a real bear cave you can tour in (free), a creek that meanders through it. The resort sits on the St. Joseph river & this park has a boat ramp & dock for fishing. There is a gate that campers need a code to get into so it keeps out unwanted’s. Nice staff. Yolanda is a great manager. Security, a ‘honey wagon’. Laundry center. Quiet hours are 10p-8a. It’s near Buchanan Michigan and the RED BUD Motor Cross track. Very friendly people, always stopping and talking.

Guide to Chesterton

Tent camping near Chesterton, Indiana offers access to the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Indiana Dunes ecosystem with its unique biodiversity. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Camping opportunities range from primitive sites within the national park to more developed facilities in the surrounding counties.

What to do

Hiking trails access: Central Avenue Walk-in Sites provide convenient access to the Indiana Dunes trail system. According to Don W., "The spot was clean. It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long."

Urban exploration breaks: Camp Shabbona Woods places campers within reach of Chicago's southern suburbs. Jeffrey L. notes, "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm which was weird but overall ok."

Beach activities: The Lake Michigan shoreline near camping areas offers swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing opportunities during summer months. Sites are typically within 1-3 miles of beach access points, depending on which campground you select.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and campground cleanliness rate highly among campers. Jeffrey L. mentions that at Camp Shabbona Woods, "the bathrooms are in good shape and the staff was friendly."

Privacy between sites: Central Avenue Walk-in Sites features tent sites positioned away from main trails. Site arrangement follows a specific pattern that provides separation between camping areas.

Beginner-friendly options: Several campgrounds cater specifically to those new to tent camping. Scott M. observes that Camp Shabbona Woods "is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping."

What you should know

Limited hookups: Most tent camping options near Chesterton offer minimal or no utility hookups. At Campside Michigan, sites lack electric hookups and drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies.

Seasonal considerations: Indiana Dunes area camping experiences significant seasonal variation. Summer weekends frequently reach capacity, while spring and fall offer more availability with moderate temperatures between 50-70°F.

Gate restrictions: Some campgrounds implement strict access hours. Jeffrey L. reports that Camp Shabbona Woods "close the gates after 10pm," limiting late arrivals or departures.

Alcohol policies: Restrictions vary significantly between sites. Central Avenue Walk-in Sites prohibits alcohol consumption, while Campside Michigan permits it within campground boundaries.

Tips for camping with families

Shade availability: Young families should consider sun exposure when selecting sites. Scott M. notes that Camp Shabbona Woods "does not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing," which may affect comfort during summer months.

First-time camping location: Camp Shabbona Woods provides an ideal setting for introducing children to tent camping. The campground's layout and amenities accommodate beginners with minimal camping experience.

Beach distance planning: With children, consider walking distances to attractions. At Central Avenue Walk-in Sites, the beach access requires a moderate walk that most children can handle, but parents should plan accordingly for carrying gear.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility limitations: Most tent camping areas near Chesterton restrict vehicle access. Jeffrey L. points out that at Camp Shabbona Woods, you "can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite," requiring additional planning for gear transport.

Walk-in requirements: Several campgrounds require walk-in access only. Campside Michigan features four tent sites, all requiring campers to transport equipment from parking areas to designated camping spots.

Reservation systems: Most established campgrounds near Chesterton require advance reservations, particularly during peak summer months from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chesterton, IN is Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

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

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