Tent camping near Garrett, Indiana encompasses more than just state parks and designated campgrounds. The region sits within the Great Lakes Plain with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping season from May to September, while spring and fall campers experience cooler conditions, often with morning fog near water features.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area offers organized kayaking through their shuttle service. "Kayak through winding rivers and lakes in Northern Indiana. The shuttle service is convenient and not overly expensive," notes reviewer Whitley K.
Waterfront fishing: Anglers can set up directly on riverbanks at several campgrounds. At Independence Dam State Park Campground, "Site 13 has direct access to the river on a small walking path," according to Amanda M., making it convenient for fishing without moving gear.
Lake connectivity exploration: Lake systems in southern Michigan provide unique water exploration opportunities. At 6 Lakes Campground, "You can go through little canals to get to other parts of the lake," shares Ashley B., creating opportunities for extended paddling adventures between connected waterways.
What campers like
River views: Many campers appreciate sites positioned along waterways. "Most sites are on a small elevated bank on maumee river," explains Amanda M., noting the layout at Independence Dam State Park. However, she cautions that "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."
Clean facilities: Despite limited amenities at primitive campgrounds, maintenance standards receive praise. Andy K. reports of Independence Dam: "These were the cleanest port a potties I have ever used. I was quite impressed with the bathrooms, for what they were."
Shade coverage: Circle B RV Park and Cabins earns high marks for site conditions. Jeffrey Y. notes it's a "Great campground, very well maintained, lots to do, great atmosphere," with tree coverage providing relief during hot summer days.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Weekend camping often requires advance planning. When visiting Independence Dam, one reviewer discovered "a two-night minimum on the weekends" that prevented their one-night stay while passing through.
Access limitations: Many campgrounds feature terrain challenges. "There is no direct access to the river in most areas," reports Andy K. about Independence Dam, noting only "an opening near the middle of the campsite which allows access, along with access for kayaks."
Site layout confusion: Online descriptions sometimes differ from actual campground layouts. At Independence Dam, "the website indicated the sites were tent only but when I called, I was told we could park and sleep in our campervan," causing confusion for one visitor attempting to plan their trip.
Tips for camping with families
Best site selections: For families wanting privacy and space, specific site recommendations help. At Independence Dam, "Sites 11-15 are the best in my opinion," shares Amanda M., with "Site 15 is our favorite, it has the most room and still has a small path down to the river."
Noise considerations: Road proximity affects some camping experiences. Andy K. notes that at Independence Dam, "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."
Limited activities: River Camp Fort Wayne provides basic facilities requiring families to bring their own entertainment. With minimal developed amenities, campers should plan accordingly for keeping children occupied.
Tips from RVers
Self-registration process: Many campgrounds in the region operate without staffed offices. Independence Dam features "self-registration. The rates seemed kind of steep ($19 on weekdays; $20 weekends and $22 on holiday weekends) for sites with no hookups," according to Lee D.
Camp host locations: Understanding campground layout helps avoid disappointment. At Independence Dam, "Sites 9 and 10 were not bookable in 2020 an hopefully remain that way, they are basically in front on the camp host site, so the camp host is between you and the river," explains Amanda M.
Pad limitations: Limited paved surfaces restrict larger vehicles at some campgrounds. At Independence Dam, "there were only a very few sites that had paved pads that would accommodate our van; the rest were clearly for tents only," cautions Lee D.
