Best Tent Camping near Elkhart, IN
Public lands and state parks surrounding Elkhart, Indiana provide several tent camping options within a short drive. Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area in Howe, Indiana offers primitive tent camping with walk-in sites approximately 25 miles east of Elkhart. Harper Lake Campground in Kimmell, Indiana provides tent-only camping about 35 miles southeast. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Shady Point Campground in Jones, Michigan (roughly 30 miles northeast) and Lakeside Campground in the same area offer tent camping with lake access.
Tent campsites at Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area feature basic amenities with vault toilets but no drinking water or hookups. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including water and food. The sites are set on natural terrain with minimal grading, making them suitable for traditional tent setups. Fire rings are available at most locations, though firewood is not provided on-site. During heavy rain periods, some areas may become muddy, particularly in spring and fall. Most primitive tent camping areas enforce a 14-day stay limit and operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than reservations.
Walk-in tent sites at Sweet Cherry Resort provide a dedicated tent camping area separate from other accommodation types. According to one visitor, "Tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots" with clean bathroom facilities nearby. At Pigeon River, campers noted the area is better known for its water recreation than the campground itself, with one reviewer mentioning the "shuttle service is convenient and not overly expensive" for kayaking trips. Tent campers at Shady Point Campground benefit from well-maintained bathrooms and showers, with access to swimming in Bair Lake. The sandy soil common to Michigan campgrounds requires tent campers to bring ground mats or tarps for comfort, particularly after rainfall when sites can become muddy.
