Tent camping near Hammond, Indiana offers opportunities ranging from riverfront sites to canal-adjacent camping. Several locations serve as bases for exploration of regional waterways and trails, particularly along the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail and Kankakee River watershed. Most primitive tent sites in this region require walk-in access with gear portage distances ranging from 100 yards to half a mile from parking areas.
What to do
Fishing access points: Mac Finn's Landing provides direct access to no-wake zones on the Kankakee River. A camper noted, "Lots of access to great fishing holes up the Kankakee and Iroquois Rivers. Kayak launch friendly!" Fishing enthusiasts should bring their own equipment as rental options are limited.
Canal trail cycling: The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail offers connected riding opportunities with convenient camping access. Art S. describes Channahon State Park Campground as "Perfect for cyclists along the canal trail. The Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail passes right by camp. You can stop for a rest or stay the night. It's a nice stopping distance if you are riding from Chicago to Starved Rock."
River paddling: The watershed system provides seasonal paddling routes with varying difficulty levels. According to Brian O., at McKinley Woods, "We canoed 3 miles up to the state park before we could cross over to the DuPage (a lovely river) and then back on the Des Plaines." Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with spring and fall typically offering the most navigable conditions.
What campers like
Urban-accessible nature: Camp Shabbona Woods balances urban proximity with natural surroundings. Scott M. explains, "Camp Shabbona Woods is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping. The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing. Caretakers were very helpful and did a great job keeping the campground clean."
Shaded spots: Several campgrounds offer tree coverage for summer heat protection. Brian O. mentions that at McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, "site #1 is the shadiest and most secluded but uneven. #2 is wide open and in the sun, #3 & #4 are shady and paved. All sites have enormous banquet sized picnic tables with cut-out in the bench for wheelchairs."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning hours provide opportunities for birdwatching throughout the region's wooded areas. One reviewer notes, "At night, you can hear owls and distant trains," though they caution that "motorboats and jet-skis begin around 6:AM" in areas near navigable waterways.
What you should know
Flooding potential: Low-lying campsites experience water accumulation after heavy rainfall. Rita S. experienced this at McKinley Woods: "Nothing was mentioned about this site being a flood zone. Our night went from on and off light rain to three hours of down pour rain. With that said our site was flooded once we woke up. We had three inches up the fire pit."
Gate closure times: Facility access varies by location with strict enforcement. Jeffrey L. notes about Camp Shabbona Woods, "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite."
Drinking water quality: Potable water sources exist but quality varies. One camper reports, "Water is available by an old fashioned pump, and is drinkable, but cloudy." Bringing supplemental water is recommended for tent campers staying multiple nights.
Tips for camping with families
ADA-accessible sites: Several campgrounds feature wheelchair-friendly accommodations. Brian O. describes, "In McKinley Woods proper there is a large camping area and two of the sites have concrete pads for ADA accessibility." These sites typically feature modified picnic tables and level tent pads.
Cross-country practice: Davis Creek Campground offers terrain suitable for training runs. Andrea F. shares, "I have been here several times in high school and in my adult years. Lots of what I did was participate in cross country practice here. This campground is open, there are a lot of amenities, it's very well kept, and there is good access to water."
Sound considerations: Urban-adjacent campgrounds experience noise pollution. Jeffrey L. reports at Camp Shabbona Woods, "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background." Families sensitive to nighttime noise should select more remote sites.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Very few campgrounds near Hammond accommodate RVs with full hookups. While tent sites are plentiful, RVers need to research facilities carefully. Mac Finn's Landing accepts RVs but without electrical or water hookups, prioritizing primitive camping experiences.
Walk-in requirements: Most campsites require parking in designated lots and carrying gear to the campsite. At Campside Michigan, tent and cabin campers should prepare to transport all supplies without vehicle access to the individual campsites.
Weekend reservations: Limited capacity at established campgrounds makes advance planning essential during peak season. Several campgrounds have fewer than five designated sites, with most requiring reservations through county or state reservation systems rather than accepting walk-ins.
