Tent camping near Decatur, Indiana concentrates around river corridors and wooded public lands within a 45-mile radius. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with higher humidity levels near waterways. Spring flooding can affect riverfront camping areas, particularly at sites along the Maumee River from April through early June.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Independence Dam State Park Campground offers multiple river entry locations for paddlers. "This park is great for the right kind of trips, we visit here often in the summer to enjoy the river, kayak, and relax," notes Amanda M., who recommends site 13 for its "direct access to the river on a small walking path."
Fishing opportunities: The Maumee River corridor provides seasonal fishing options near camping areas. "We saw some people fishing near the dam and perhaps the campground would be suitable for these folks and/or people boating/kayaking in who portage down the river," reports Lee D. about Independence Dam State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: The paved path system at riverside campgrounds supplements more extensive trail networks. Andy K. mentions that "The paved path that goes along the camping sites is very nice and makes for a great walk or bike ride." For serious hikers, backcountry options include shelter-based camping approximately 10 miles into trail sections.
What campers like
Shade coverage: The tree canopy at riverside tent sites provides crucial summer heat relief. According to Andy K., "It's very green with lots of trees and shade cover," making Independence Dam State Park more comfortable for tent camping during hot months.
Clean facilities: Despite limited amenities, campers report well-maintained vault toilets at several locations. "These were the cleanest port a potties I have ever used. I was quite impressed with the bathrooms, for what they were," notes Andy K. about his tent camping experience.
Riverside tent sites: Premium locations place campers directly along waterways. Amanda M. points out that "Most sites are on a small elevated bank on maumee river," creating desirable camping spots with natural sound barriers from nearby roads.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Tent campers should research specific site locations before booking. "Sites 1-6 are misleading on the site, they are not on the river bend, there is a gravel trail/road between them and the river bank," warns Amanda M., who recommends sites 11-15 instead.
Bathroom proximity trade-offs: Convenience comes with drawbacks for some tent sites. One camper explains their experience: "The down side of 16 is it is situated right next to the toilets, so you get a lot of foot traffic from others using the bathroom and the constant slamming of the toilet door gets a bit annoying."
Road noise considerations: Many tent camping areas near Decatur sit relatively close to traffic corridors. Andy K. mentions that at St. Mary's Section - Buckeye Trail, "the two lane traffic road is within 50-100 yards of the campsite, so the sound of vehicle traffic is quite frequent, especially since this road appears to be a favorite of motorcyclists."
Tips for camping with families
River safety planning: River access points have varying degrees of steepness and supervision. "There is no direct access to the river in most areas, but there is an opening near the middle of the campsite which allows access," notes Andy K., highlighting the need for vigilance with children near water features.
Campground staffing expectations: Many locations operate with minimal onsite personnel. Amanda M. explains there are "no staff only very nice camp hosts (they are next to site 11)" at River Camp Fort Wayne, which affects check-in procedures and assistance availability.
Shelter options for beginners: For families new to backpacking, shelters reduce equipment needs. Jonathan W. explains that the Adirondack shelter on the St. Mary's Section trail "is large enough for six to sleep comfortably off the ground" and "perfect for you" when "learning to backpack the Buckeye Trail, and you want to take the first steps towards that without worrying about the physical load."
Tips from RVers
Site surface limitations: Many tent camping areas restrict RV access due to surface conditions. Lee D. discovered this when calling about a potential camping trip: "When I tried to make reservations, there was a two-night minimum on the weekends and we were just passing through so I decided to see if we might be able to snag one night if there were sites available." Upon arrival, they found "only a very few sites that had paved pads that would accommodate our van; the rest were clearly for tents only."
Reservation requirements: Weekend camping often requires advance planning. "There is self-registration. The rates seemed kind of steep ($19 on weekdays; $20 weekends and $22 on holiday weekends) for sites with no hookups and only porta-potties," notes Lee D. about Independence Dam State Park Campground.
