Best Tent Camping near Garrett, IN
Tent camping options around Garrett, Indiana include several primitive sites within an hour's drive, with the most notable being Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area about 35 miles northeast of town. Circle B RV Park and Cabins in Angola also accommodates tent campers, offering a maintained base camp for exploring northeastern Indiana's outdoor areas. Independence Dam State Park Campground in nearby Ohio provides riverside tent sites along the Maumee River.
Most tent-specific sites at Pigeon River offer minimal amenities with basic toilets but no running water or showers. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including drinking water, as services are limited throughout the region. Independence Dam State Park features vault toilets that reviews describe as "the cleanest port-a-potties" despite the absence of shower facilities. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Walk-in tent sites are available at several locations, including River Camp Fort Wayne, which requires campers to carry gear a short distance from parking areas.
Tent campers in the Garrett area experience more natural settings than those at full-service campgrounds. According to one camper at Independence Dam, "Most sites are on a small elevated bank on the Maumee River" providing scenic waterfront camping. Sites 11-15 received particular praise for their river access and privacy. The region's tent campgrounds typically feature good tree cover, offering necessary shade during hot summer months. While some primitive tent areas see limited visitation, holiday weekends can fill quickly, especially at established campgrounds like 6 Lakes Campground, which a reviewer noted has the "perfect amount of shade" along with boat access to multiple connected lakes. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds to tent camping areas throughout the region.
