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Best Tent Camping near Hammond, IN

478 Reviews

Tent campsites near Hammond, Indiana provide several options for primitive camping with varying amenities. Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland, Illinois offers tent sites in an urban setting with amenities including picnic tables, showers, and toilets. The Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park provide more secluded tent camping with toilet facilities and water hookups, accessible via hiking or walking trails.

Most tent camping areas near Hammond have limited facilities compared to developed RV campgrounds. At Shabbona Woods, campers cannot keep vehicles close to campsites, and sites lack electric and water hookups. The campground gates close after 10 pm, restricting late arrivals. Many sites throughout the region are walk-in only, including those at Central Avenue and Channahon State Park, requiring campers to carry gear from parking areas. Toilet facilities vary widely, with some locations offering only vault toilets or no facilities at all. Most campgrounds permit fires in designated rings, though fire bans may be implemented during dry conditions.

Several tent camping areas offer unique experiences not available to RV campers. The Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes provide excellent privacy and beach access. According to one visitor, "The spot was clean. It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long." Channahon State Park Campground offers tent sites along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail, making it particularly suitable for cyclists. McKinley Woods has spacious, shaded tent sites with large picnic tables, though the area can experience flooding after heavy rainfall. Urban tent campers at Shabbona Woods may hear city sounds including ambulance and fire truck sirens, while more remote sites offer greater quiet.

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Best Tent Sites Near Hammond, Indiana (9)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Hammond, IN

16 Photos of 9 Hammond Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Hammond, IN

478 Reviews of 9 Hammond Campgrounds

  • H. K.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Nice but very little shade

    We stayed in the primitive tent area near the back of the park. It is walk in.

    There was a pole for a lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring and tent pad. There is one clean flush toilet and shower per each gender (the shower stall was spacious with plenty of hooks and benches). There were also vault toilets not too far away. The water spigot was pretty far away though. There were plenty of garbage cans.

    There were a few small trees but very little shade. On hot days I think a pop up shade shelter would be necessary to make it bearable.

    Overall it was pretty quiet.

    The last night we were there a large group of people with their tents showed up. There were not enough tent pads or picnic tables for all of them. I don't know if it was the park that booked so many people or if it was the group that overbooked.

  • H
    May. 26, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Great stay, come ready

    We stayed two nights in mid-May, at site number 72. Area was gorgeous, well maintained, shady and quiet. Tons of hiking trails in very close proximity to the campground! There is electricity on site, but no water or sewage at each site. However there is a water fill station and a dump station. So just come prepared. Also, they have a very strict no alcohol policy. Not that that stopped people, but don't go walking around with a beer bottle! We would definitely return.

  • Elizabeth G.
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Pleasant and quiet

    Stayed in site 43 of the Douglas loop. Douglas loop is all non electric.

    Our site was big enough for our tents, a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms/showers are really close by which is nice but you do get the lights from the bathroom facing site 43. Not a big deal but if you’re looking for more darkness then definitely choose one of the other sites around 43.

    All parking sites are paved for camper vans/trailers but no water or power hookups. All sites have nice huge tent pads that are nice and level. Only noise we heard was the train every now and then.

    The showers are individual rooms separate from the bathrooms. And there’s a gas station and liquor store near the entrance of the campground for fire wood and beer.

    I didn’t get to stay in the walk in campsites but they are very nice and close-ish to the showers.

  • Chris M.
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Clean & Spacious

    We pulled in around 4:30 in the evening. The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites. Since the weather was cooler , it was pretty sparse with other campers. We stayed 2 nights over the weekend. You are within walking distance to the beach within the park. The buildings have great architecture. The sight had 50 amp electric hook ups but no water or sewer connections, and we knew that going in. We had a back in sight #69. There was plenty of space on all sides. We have a 37’ motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around. The sight also had a wood picnic table and fire ring for a wood fire pit. We will definitely be back! I wish I had taken more photos from the beach and beach pavilion.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Outer Circle

    We reserved a spot in the outer circle. We like having woods on one side. Nice campground camping….parking pad, fire ring, picnic table. Good amount of space between spots. Nice bathrooms & showers. We have a rooftop tent and we’re very happy. Loved the hike over “Mt. Tom” to the gorgeous beach and warmish lake for a swim. We choose the State Park vs. National Park so we could hike to the beach.

  • Amy M.
    May. 14, 2017

    Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    TICKS

    We stayed in the semi modern sites, which was tents and no RVs nearby, which was good. That was about it. The Interstate was directly behind the sites, so the highway traffic noise took away from the feeling you want when camping, that off the grid feeling.

    The site was clean, picnic table and fire ring. There was a water spigot close by too. We did some short hiking to sand dunes which was really cool. Nice paths lead to beautiful sunset over dunes.

    Upon returning from the hike, we set up camp. That's when we found the ticks. We found probably 10 on our dog, several on us. The couple next to our site was struggling with ticks also, and they hadn't hiked, so makes me think they were from the campground. (We stayed ON the trail carefully while hiking). We've camped a lot and never dealt with this many ticks.

    We actually ended up bailing due to how many were on us all. Spent the next 24 hours picking them off everyone in our family at home. Not good. We know it's a fact of life, but this place was infested. Bummer of a trip.

  • Crissy R.
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Let there Be Rain and Silence....

    If you’re looking to go camping with the conveniences of the modern world nearby, this is the place to be. Located off of golf way rd and duneway pkwy, this campground is located roughly about an hour from Elkhart, if that’s where you’re coming from. They have a few options as far as sites go. Sites 1-34 are reservable online and the remainder of the sites are first come, first served. Also keep in mind, sites 1-54 you’re able to park your car/RV. However, sites 55-67 are walk in only. There are showers and restrooms located center of both areas. There are also water stations which are very convenient. Most of the campsites are fairly close, but far enough where you are not sitting on top of each other. This time around I opted for the walk In. For starters, let’s just say to be prepared for whatever weather may come. My luck, it poured the entire time and was windy. Furthermore, each site has designated fire rings that have a grill. The experience was awesome, it’s $25 a night that you pay at the automated kiosk. There are rangers that drive around during the day and there are signs posted with all the latest updates, rules/regulations. Overall, great experience, definitely look forward to coming back!

  • Gina A.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Kankakee River State Park Chippewa

    $20 a day with with restrooms has NO shower area. No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper.

Guide to Hammond

Tent camping near Hammond, Indiana offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature while still being close to urban amenities. From well-reviewed campgrounds to scenic trails, there’s something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Explore these local attractions

  • The Illinois and Michigan Canal near McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove provides a picturesque setting for hiking and biking, with trails that connect to various scenic points.
  • Hammel Woods offers beautiful wooded areas and trails, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while camping.
  • The nearby Kankakee River State Park is a great destination for kayaking and canoeing, with access points available from Davis Creek Campground, making it easy to enjoy a day on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hammond, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hammond, IN is Camp Shabbona Woods with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Hammond, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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