Best Tent Camping near Westville, IN
Tent camping near Westville, Indiana is primarily available at established campgrounds within 50-60 miles of town, including Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park and Camp Shabbona Woods in Illinois. These tent-focused areas provide varied camping experiences, from beach-accessible walk-in sites to more developed campgrounds suitable for first-time tent campers. Campside Michigan, located in neighboring Michigan state, offers additional tent camping options within reach of Westville.
Walk-in tent sites at Central Avenue in Indiana Dunes National Park feature clean, private camping spots accessed by trail rather than vehicle. The sites are arranged sequentially, with Site 1 positioned at the front of the trail and Sites 2-5 located farther down the path requiring a left turn to access. Most tent areas provide basic amenities—Camp Shabbona Woods offers drinking water, picnic tables, toilets, and shower facilities, while the walk-in sites at Indiana Dunes have toilet facilities but lack drinking water. Fire regulations vary by location, with fires permitted at Camp Shabbona Woods and Campside Michigan, but prohibited at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites.
The tent camping experience differs significantly between locations. Indiana Dunes' Central Avenue sites provide a more secluded, nature-immersed experience with walking access to beach areas. Sites are positioned to maximize privacy from the main trail, creating a more wilderness-like feeling despite being part of a national park. Camp Shabbona Woods presents a more urban camping environment with less mature tree cover and noticeable background noise. One camper noted that "the campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing," while another mentioned the urban setting where "ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background" can be heard. Tent campers should note that gates at Camp Shabbona Woods close after 10pm, and vehicles must be parked away from tent sites.
