Jonathan M.
Scout
ScoutChain O' Lakes State Park Campground
Nice Fall Weekend
For our first fall, chilly camping weekend, it was a nice getaway. We got to enjoy the Halloween decorations and the quiet chilly mornings.
Tent Camping near Goshen, IN
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Tent camping options near Goshen, Indiana include several established campgrounds within a short drive. Shady Point Campground in Jones, Michigan offers tent sites on Bair Lake with amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilets. Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area in Howe provides more primitive tent camping with boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access options approximately 25 miles northeast of Goshen.
Most tent sites in the Goshen area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area provides vault toilets but lacks drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Sites typically have minimal improvements with natural surfaces rather than developed tent pads. Seasonal considerations affect availability, with some campgrounds like American Campground in Hartford operating only from May through October. Fire regulations vary by location, with most permitting campfires in designated rings when no burn bans are in effect.
Tent campers in the region can expect different experiences depending on their chosen location. Shady Point Campground offers a family-friendly environment with lake access for swimming and recreational activities. The campground maintains clean facilities with a well-stocked store for supplies. A camper noted, "The bathroom and showers were well maintained." For those seeking a more natural experience, Pigeon River provides opportunities for kayaking through winding rivers and lakes in Northern Indiana with convenient shuttle services available. The primitive tent sites offer greater seclusion but fewer amenities, making them suitable for experienced campers comfortable with basic conditions.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Goshen (11)
1. Shady Point Campground
"Was in a pull behind . Everything was easy and calm . Kids loves it . No problems"
"It sits on Bair Lake and was great for swimming. The bathroom and showers were well maintained."
2. Lakeside Campground
3. Harper Lake Campground
4. Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area
5. Circle B RV Park and Cabins
6. Goff Lake Campground
7. Campside Michigan
from $75 - $150 / night
Check Availability8. Leidy Lake Campground
9. American Campground
10. Green Acres Campground
Drive Time
- 20 min from Elkhart, IN
- 35 min from South Bend, IN
- 50 min from Niles, MI
- 1 hr 9 min from Fort Wayne, IN
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Goshen, IN
3 Photos of 11 Goshen Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Goshen, IN
561 Reviews of 11 Goshen Campgrounds
Heather T.
TravelerKOA Campground Middlebury
Friendly (with a Broken Toilet)
This was our first time camping in our 1991 Coachman Catalina RV with our two small dogs. We had site 50, which was close to a trail and not far from the bathrooms. The campers around us were very friendly. Our dogs were attempting to get used to not barking when they saw other dogs, but everyone was very understanding that it was our/their first time. The site was quiet and offers a few mini golf holes, gaga ball, some photo ops, and a pier. One of the toilets in the women’s restroom wasn’t refilling with water, so every time I went in there, I would fix it. The flusher handle was clearly broken, too. Otherwise, the bathroom accommodations were fine.
- Frank B.Scout
Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground
Relaxing September Evening at Chain O' Lakes State Park
I stayed one evening last Wednesday here, a first time for me. Just tent camping / sleeping in the car. There were other campers around enjoying the pleasant evening, mainly in RVs. Everyone was very quiet and respectful. The shower buildings are old fashioned with a common area to place clothes and a towel, and only a shower curtain for each individual shower. However, I was the only one showering at the time anyway. The shower area was state park clean, I guess. Before leaving, I viewed the one room schoolhouse on the grounds, just from the windows as it wasn't open at the time. Quaint and old school. Overall, I recommend camping at the park if you can live with the shower building or have an RV for added convenience.
Andy K.
GuideEbys Pines
In the trees
We loved our stay here. Trees aplenty, ponds are nice and the little river is right there.
- SSteve S.Guide
Buck Lake Ranch
Old, not well maintained
We were here for a music festival. Facilities are dated and in need of upkeep. Showers were disgusting. Staff was friendly.
Michael M.GuidePokagon State Park Campground
Simple stop
We used Pokagon State Park as a two-night stopover on our way home from Northern Michigan, and overall, it was a good option for a short stay.
We stayed in Site 109, which was tucked away and felt fairly isolated from the rest of the campground. In early spring or late fall, I imagine the site would have a nice view of the lake, but in August the tree cover was too thick to see much of it.
The gravel pad was reasonably level, but we needed a couple inches of leveling blocks to get the RV sitting flat. There wasn’t really much of a grassy area at the site for the dogs, but we were able to walk them easily just down the road.
We brought our bicycles, which was a great way to explore the park. We rode around to the nature center, equestrian facility, and beach, and enjoyed being able to see more of the park without having to drive everywhere.
One thing that surprised us was the single dump station for the entire campground. Since none of the sites have full hookups, I would imagine the line could get ridiculously long after a busy weekend.
Overall, we’d stay here again, but probably only as a one- or two-night layover rather than a longer destination stay. Site 109 worked well for us because of its privacy and quiet location.
- Tom O.Guide
Pokagon State Park Campground
Lots to Do
A very large campground with lots to do. Spacious site. Charges a vehicle fee along with campground fee. Sites in loop 1 are gravel and mostly not level. Lots of noise from motor boats on the lake during the day.
- ttammy I.Scout
Pokagon State Park Campground
Stay away from loop 6
I love this state park. My kids wanted to Join us a week or to our. Site 507 and 509 were available. Do not stay there. The sewer smell was so bad we did not want to leave our trailer. If that was our first trip we would never returned
- Cassondra P.
LegendElkhart Campground
Decent Campground - Great for Rallys
We have camped every summer here for years for an annual rally that is hosted here
It’s great that we have the air conditioned rally room that our group rents for all our events and space to spend with group if it’s rainy or hot
There is a differnt experience in park depending on where you stay - if your in full sun open area in summer it’s miserable but if your in the wooded area it’s much nicer
The bathrooms are not the best - they are outdated but have hot water and work great - I prefer the bathhouse by the wooded area over the one in the big building - showers are nicer
The lots are clean and hook ups all work great
Pool is showing it’s age but still clean and kids love to swim in it
Guide to Goshen
Tent campers near Goshen, Indiana can find several additional options beyond the immediately surrounding area. The region features a mix of state-managed properties and private campgrounds across northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Many sites sit at elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level, with the terrain characterized by glacial moraines, small lakes, and mixed hardwood forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Kayaking with shuttle service: At Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area, paddlers can arrange transportation for river trips. "Kayak through winding rivers and lakes in Northern Indiana. The shuttle service is convenient and not overly expensive," notes Whitley K., who adds that while scenic views aren't exceptional, it "offers a great time on the water with friends or family."
Basketball and games: Shady Point Campground provides recreational facilities for active campers. The campground includes "playgrounds and basketball court and a small 'game' room," according to Nicole P., making it suitable for families seeking structured activities.
Swimming in natural lakes: Several campgrounds offer water access for swimming during summer months. Sharlyn O. reports having "a nice family get away" at Shady Point, mentioning that "everything was easy and calm. Kids loves it. No problems" while enjoying the lakefront location.
What campers like
Well-maintained campgrounds: Circle B RV Park and Cabins receives praise for its upkeep. Jeffrey Y. describes it as a "Great campground, very well maintained, lots to do, great atmosphere," highlighting the overall positive experience for visitors.
Reasonable camp store prices: Campers appreciate access to supplies at fair costs. Nicole P. notes that Shady Point Campground has "a well stocked store with very reasonable prices," making it convenient to purchase forgotten items without price gouging.
Accommodating staff: Camp personnel make a difference in the camping experience. One reviewer mentions that at Shady Point, "the staff was extremely accommodating," especially important for their extended 4-night stay.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Operating seasons vary significantly between campgrounds. American Campground in Hartford runs only from May 1 to October 31, typical of many private campgrounds in the region that close during winter months.
Seasonal camper focus: Some campgrounds primarily serve long-term campers. Noel L. reports about Lakeside Campground: "Campground is all seasonal campers now. Owners were super nice and found room for us for one night layover," indicating limited availability for short-term visitors.
Campground verification: Always confirm campground details before traveling. One reviewer noted about Green Acres Campground: "I didn't stay here, but there is no 'Green Acres Campground'. There is another campground, 'En Gedi'," providing the correct website and address information.
Tips for camping with families
Lake-based activities: Families appreciate water features for keeping children entertained. Nicole P. reports that Shady Point "sits on Bair Lake and was great for swimming," providing natural recreation options.
Multiple-night stays: Plan for extended visits to fully enjoy facilities. One family "spent 4 nights" at Shady Point and found the duration appropriate for utilizing all amenities including playgrounds and the lake.
Consider trailer camping: For families new to camping, pull-behind trailers offer convenience. Sharlyn O. mentioned being "in a pull behind" at Campside Michigan, noting that "everything was easy and calm" for their family outing.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: RV campers should verify sanitary facilities before arrival. Several campgrounds near Goshen offer sanitary dump stations, including Shady Point Campground and Goff Lake Campground, though amenities vary widely.
Site accommodations: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. While some locations like Shady Point are listed as "big-rig-friendly," others have restrictions that may not accommodate larger vehicles.
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary significantly between locations. When full hookups are needed, Lakeside Campground offers electric hookups and water connections, though sewer hookups may be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular tent campsite near Goshen, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Goshen, IN is Shady Point Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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