Top Tent Camping near Elkhart, IN

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Elkhart? Find the best information on tent camping near Elkhart, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Elkhart, Indiana's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Elkhart, IN (15)

Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Elkhart

578 Reviews of 15 Elkhart Campgrounds


  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Warren Dunes State Park
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Warren Dunes State Park

    Great for short stay

    I’m very familiar with Warren Dunes but this was my first time camping here. Great walks and hikes and the short drive to the beach is a plus. The sites aren’t too private and can fill up quickly. The bathrooms were clean and stocked. I read lots of reviews about the noise from the road and nearby highway and I didn’t think it would bother me, but I was wrong. I wish I had some ear plugs because I had difficulty falling asleep. Overall great place, especially for beginner campers as there is a small onsite store for camp basics. Three stars due to noise and not much privacy.

  • Brian O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Idyllic small location, deserves higher review

    Little four site camping area on the shore of Rivir Lake (not a typo). It can be accessed either by parking and walking in on the wide, well tended trail (#4 on maps) of by boating. The nearest boat launch is Miller lake, a mile west. Sites 3 & 4 are right on the lake with the best access, Sites 1 & 2 are across the trail which is along a raised berm with a bridge over the passage to Mud Lake.
    I'd give this a higher review, but most people wouldn't appreciate the primitiveness of the sites. It's distance from most amenities could be a turn off, but also could be perfect for others

  • Brian O.
    Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Can be crowded, but a good park overall

    We were a bit surprised that despite having a paid reservation , we still had to pay a $20 Day usage fee to enter the park, but no matter. This is a sprawling and sometimes confusing campground to find your way in. But the sites are generally shady if a bit close together. There are five facilities with showers and running water and six pit toilets. drinking water is accessible throughout the park.
    The majority of sites have six person tables, though some, especially in the new 385-416 loop have little four person tables. These are also the least shaded.
    Campground and facilities are clean and well maintained.
    The General Store is one of the most impressively well stocked I have ever seen. Equipment, toys, tools, food souvenirs, you name it. Good dry firewood is $6.50 a bundle in the store, $7 on the honor system after hours. It burns fast, so you might want to buy more than you think. The store is open until 9:00 Friday & Saturday, but only 2;PM on Sunday and never on Monday. Keep that in mind if you're doing a 3-day weekend as we did. When checking out, look up to see the beautiful wooden canoe with wildlife inlaid wood.
    Fire pits are mostly round iron with non-adjustable swing-away grills. Booking is through Indiana DNR/ Reserve America so you can see photos of the site you pick.
    This was our second experience with an Indiana state park, and like our first (Pokagon, in the winter) we were impressed with the clear marking of the hiking trails (and canoe trail for that matter) there was a map and guidepost at every junction.
    There's a beach, concession stand and boat rentals on Sand lake, the Park's largest. Lastly, there's a fish cleaning shed with running water outside the campground entrance that anyone in the park can use, something I wish more parks would provide.

  • Kris
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Lake Campground
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Blue Lake Campground

    Great place

    Blue Lake Resort is a hidden gem for campers! The serene atmosphere and beautiful lake views make it a perfect getaway. The amenities are well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. I particularly enjoyed the fishing opportunities and the peaceful nature trails nearby. I actually recently wrote an essay about the natural beauty of Indiana for my geography class, and it was really great to have the helpfull resource https://stateofwriting.com/uk/geography-writing-service. They have some great guides and tips for geography essays. 

    Definitely a place I’d recommend for families and nature lovers!

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Elkhart County Fairgrounds
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    Worked for What We Needed

    You use Gate 2 to get to the registration office. Check-in was quick and we proceeded to back-in site 444 with FHUs. Our back-in should have been smooth but we were out of practice. The utilities are at the far end of the sites. In most areas, the sites back up to each other and share a utility post(separate outlets for each site) and share the water spigot. As we had come out of the Brinkley Service Center, we did not need to dump. If we had hooked up sewer, we would have needed about 25’ of hose to reach a hole in the ground(no screw in adapter). Water pressure was okay depending on if both rigs are pulling water. They have wifi(4H Public) that was pretty good but there were not many rigs in the fairgrounds. We have 4 bars on Verizon. If you are allergic to train noise, this is not your place as trains run all day, all night, at regular intervals, and the tracks are adjacent to the FHU campground(CG) areas. Sites are quite close together but far enough that you can get your awnings out. As this CG was near the Brinkley Service Center and they had to come back out to us to finish repairs, this place worked for us. We would stay here again if we come back for service center work. They are very flexible with cancellations/reservation changes as they realize the majority of people are here for RV service.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shipshewana Campground South Park
    Sep. 4, 2024

    Shipshewana Campground South Park

    Okay Stay

    We took I-80 all the way to near Shipshewana where the roads took us about 7 miles into the campground (CG). Check-in was quick and easy because we had paid ahead online. We proceeded to pull through site 37 with FHUs. The utilities were in the center, which made it nice to dump our two black tanks in order to go to the Brinkley Service Center the next morning. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi. It was nice that the utilities were on the center of the pad. We got 4 bars on Verizon. If we wanted to put out satellite, we could have as there are not many trees in the central area to block the signal. We tried to sign into the free Wifi with no luck. The website wanted us to sign up for paid internet, which we did not do. The sites in the CG are for the most part very close together. We were here overnight to take our rig into Goshen for warranty work. Coming from the West, stay on I-80 to IN-13(exit 107) as it makes for an easier route than on the local roads versus following your GPS or Waze which may have you exit off in Elkhart. Check out the great selections at Yoder's Meat& Cheese just down the road. This CG was okay for an overnighter or short stay.

  • Wendy F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Eden Springs Park Campground
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Eden Springs Park Campground

    Shady level sites, plenty of space

    Great place for a few days, nice location and close to everything you'll need. Sites were shady, grass and gravel, level and plenty of space in between you and your neighbors. Lots to check out, historical area with lots to learn and see. Train rides on the weekends. Dog stations everywhere, super clean and well kept bathrooms and grounds. Great stay

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Warren Dunes State Park
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Warren Dunes State Park

    Great place to stay for a few days!

    Stayed for 3 days/2 nights. Place was a little crowded, but once it got dark it was quiet and peaceful. Most spots were fairly out in the open, but we had a nice spot with a few trees hiding us on 3 sides and not too far from water or bathroom trail. Bathrooms were decent and we liked the private showers, warm water!

    Overall, great walking paths, hiking and the beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!

    The only major downfall was the price of everything at the little store. $6 for an ice cream sandwich!?! No thanks! However, be sure to visit The Beach Bucket for your ice cream cravings on those hot days!! They also have firewood which burned so much better than what the camp store offered.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Covert Park Beach & Campground
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Great experience

    The camp is under new management and they are friendly and welcoming. I had no issues during my 1 night stay. The camp store is well stocked, and has firewood at a good price.

  • c
    Camper-submitted photo from Covert Park Beach & Campground
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Really nice

    Saw that prior new mgmt wasn’t great but I had never been here before and read reviews—-there is now new New mgmt in 2024 and I thought they were great hosts! I will be back for some beach yoga.

  • Rebekah J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Warren Dunes State Park
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Warren Dunes State Park

    Lots of road noise and LOTS of mosquitoes

    Stayed at site 201 at the Hildebrandt campground. Sites are smallish. Most sites have some shade, but little privacy in between. The scenery wasnt that great, mostly vine like trees you'd see in a flood plain. The water pump was out during our stay and needed to go to the station near the modern campground.

    We were scheduled to stay for 3d/2n but plans changed due to weather from hurricane beryl. It started to rain in the first evening and we had a mini creek running through our site. With the amount of rain projected to be on its way we could only imagine it being completely flooded.

    Mosquitoes were awful even before the rain. Vault toilets were well taken care of.

    If you want quite or the sound of nature, this campground is not for you. You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night. The general store near the campground entrance is a nice convenience if you forgot something or need ice/fire wood.

    It is wonderful though how close the Campground are to Lake Michigan/warren dunes, which is why we stayed.

  • Joe A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ruperts Resort Campground
    Jul. 7, 2024

    Ruperts Resort Campground

    Very nice and enjoyable place keep things simple and fun cheap too easy on the money 💰

    Nobody complaining it's big enough if you want to be loud late you can the people that have a rv all year round are all nice and cool I ran in to just about every one all nice I recommend Ruperts resort in Indiana Plymouth 😉 they have showers and restrooms too if it's raining they have huge spots to go out of the rain you can bring corn hole or any game you like to bring plus more than I can say 4th July was grrreeat!

  • j S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Tippecanoe River Run
    Jun. 29, 2024

    Tippecanoe River Run

    Very quiet, nice place, stargazing was better than expected

    Online reservations is a bit confusing. Map designated tent sites with numbers. When you book campsites they have letters with no map or site pics. You have to book a site but it says first come first serve. Good place for fishing from bank and launching kayak, canoes.

  • D G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Warren Dunes State Park
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Warren Dunes State Park

    Better for a Day Trip

    Went with my in laws who have a camper (I typically camp rustic). The site we were at was smaller and narrow. There was also a lot of noise from the I-94 freeway nearby while trying to sleep.

    While the hiking was good and the beach beautiful, they don’t allow alcohol which is my favorite post hike/beach activity.

    Overall I’d do a day trip for the hiking and beach, but stay elsewhere.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Warren Dunes State Park
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Warren Dunes State Park

    Excellent park

    While, this state park seems relatively small. The spaces are very big. They have a great little general store. The beach is just down the drive. Mood is mellow and relaxing place. Small con-a little bit of flooding. Despite other reviews online no radiation from the nuclear power plant.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Weko Beach Campground
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Weko Beach Campground

    Campground review

    The sites are randomly laid out and on top of each other. The bathhouse looked bad. You could hike the wooden walkway trails over the dunes easily. Pay to park public beach was very close.the beach area was very nice. Campground was not.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Warren Dunes State Park
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Warren Dunes State Park

    Near the dunes and a nice public beach

    This campground is a place to stay while you visit the huge dunes. Developed sites are very small and close together. Sand/grass pads that are not defined. Undeveloped or tent area was almost empty and bigger but no electric. Cabin area has best sites. Cabins are small. Limited toilets. Public beach was nice...quite a few people. Separate area for dogs to play on the beach. Hike the dunes for a great workout

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Happy Acres Campground
    Jun. 4, 2024

    Happy Acres Campground

    Stay in the Skybox

    We rented site 95 in the “skybox” it’s on the backside of the property. Super clean campground with friendly workers and seasonal residents were so friendly. Enjoyed the pool, pickleball and walking the trails. Has a 9hole disc golf. Very cool place and Angola has a lot to offer.

  • k
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hills Campground at Bass Lake
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Hickory Hills Campground at Bass Lake

    AWFUL!

    We just went there last night and woke up came home immediately! There was nothing to do at all! A run down park, lake and sites. There was boards with nails just laying all around the park. Not to mention the park was falling apart. It was more of a trailer park than a camping site. The garbage can was overflowing all over the ground. We payed for 2 nights and owner never got back to me to get our money back for tonight! Would not recommend one bit.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chain O' Lakes State Park
    May. 28, 2024

    Chain O' Lakes State Park

    Nice but older

    Our site was 21 inches unloved from front to back and 7 inches down on the passenger side! With poison oak all over the back of our site so bring a lot of leveling block and no kids! Other that that it was a decent park with lots of activities but a very hard campsite to navigate and a busy weekend forget about dumping lol your gonna be there a while. Also no Verizon signal but our friend had T-Mobile and he was ok signal.

  • Tina G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Happy Acres Campground
    May. 2, 2024

    Happy Acres Campground

    Unexpected gem

    We made an last minute stop here on a Sunday night. The owners were helpful and went out of their way to help us. The campground looks awesome and makes you feel at home. They are also big rig friendly. We will stop back here again.

  • fThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crooked Creek Campground and Cabins
    Mar. 8, 2024

    Crooked Creek Campground and Cabins

    Nice first experience

    We reserved a spot roughly a month in advance and really enjoyed our spot. Had partial shade and picnic table at our site. The bathrooms/showers were large and private (one occupant at a time). River access at this campground so you can kayak about 5 hours to the public access and drive back. Or you can also rent kayaks near the public access and they will transport for you.



Guide to Elkhart

Camping near Elkhart, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Potato Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great spacing between sites and offers miles of hiking and biking trails."
  • Beach Access: Spend a day at the beach near Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. A camper shared, "It's only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times."
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy fishing or kayaking at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Kayaking the 13 lakes can easily last from morning to sundown."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Michigan City Campground. One visitor said, "Very well kept, safe supervision, quiet clean facilities."
  • Wooded Campsites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by the wooded sites at Fort Custer Recreation Area. A camper remarked, "Huge beautiful campground. Lots of privacy."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at Pokagon State Park Campground. One review stated, "The camp host are very nice couple. Everyone was very friendly."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground. A visitor warned, "The mosquitoes are absolutely terrible due to the campground's proximity to the Tippacanoe River."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, particularly on weekends. A reviewer at Warren Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "The place was a little crowded, but once it got dark it was quiet and peaceful."
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites are close together, like at Van Buren State Park Campground. A camper noted, "Clean campground with large sites but no privacy between sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Van Buren State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Family-oriented campground with 2 playgrounds—thus very noisy during the day with kids."
  • Cabin Rentals: Consider renting a cabin at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground for a more comfortable stay. One family said, "The cabins are small but perfectly fine for our group."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan activities like hiking or fishing to keep kids engaged. A camper at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, "This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites, especially at Pokagon State Park Campground. A reviewer advised, "Some sites can accommodate larger rigs, most can't."
  • Dump Station Access: Be aware of dump station locations, as noted by a camper at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground. They mentioned, "The dump station needed a serious update."
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground fill up quickly, especially in summer. A visitor warned, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."

Camping around Elkhart, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elkhart, IN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elkhart, IN is Covert-South Haven KOA with a 4.7-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Elkhart, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.