Best Tent Camping near Chesterton, IN
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.