Tent campsites near Huntertown, Indiana range from basic riverside spots to more developed facilities within an hour's drive. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 80°F and cold winters with regular snowfall. Many camping areas in this corner of Indiana and neighboring Ohio and Michigan provide access to water recreation on rivers and lakes.
What to do
Kayaking on the Maumee River: At Independence Dam State Park Campground, campers can launch directly from near the campground. "The paved path that goes along the camping sites is very nice and makes for a great walk or bike ride," notes Andy K., who also mentions a kayak access point "near the middle of the campsite."
Fishing spots: The Maumee River offers fishing opportunities right from your campsite. Amanda M. describes the sites at Independence Dam: "Most sites are on a small elevated bank on maumee river, (you can walk down the path but not put a kayak in)." Site 13 specifically "has direct access to the river on a small walking path," making it convenient for anglers.
Water activities: Tent campers can access guided water experiences at Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area. "Kayak through winding rivers and lakes in Northern Indiana. The shuttle service is convenient and not overly expensive," says Whitley K., adding that while "it doesn't offer the greatest views" it provides "a great time on the water with friends or family."
What campers like
Natural settings: The River Camp Fort Wayne location offers tent camping along a river within 15 miles of Huntertown. Though one reviewer hasn't visited yet, Angela B. notes it "looks like a very nice campground," providing a tent option closer to town than many alternatives.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers appreciate clean facilities even at rustic sites. At Independence Dam, Andy K. was "quite impressed with the bathrooms" noting these were "the cleanest port a potties I have ever used," which can be an important consideration for tent campers without access to RV facilities.
Site selection matters: Experienced campers recommend specific sites at tent campgrounds. At Independence Dam, Amanda M. advises "Sites 11-15 are the best in my opinion" and specifically recommends site 15 as it "has the most room and still has a small path down to the river." This kind of local knowledge helps first-time visitors select optimal sites.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require minimum stays. At Independence Dam, Lee D. found "there was a two-night minimum on the weekends" which created challenges for travelers "just passing through." Off-season or weekday camping may offer more flexibility.
Actual amenities may differ from listings: Call ahead to confirm what facilities are available. Lee D. discovered at Independence Dam that while "the website indicated the sites were tent only... we could park and sleep in our campervan," showing that official information sometimes needs verification.
Noise considerations: Proximity to roadways affects the camping experience. At Circle B RV Park and Cabins, Jeffrey Y. found a "great atmosphere" and noted the campground is "very well maintained" with "lots to do." However, at other locations like Independence Dam, campers report "the sound of vehicle traffic is quite frequent" due to proximity to roads.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with diverse activities: Families benefit from having multiple recreation options. At Circle B, Jeffrey Y. noted there's "lots to do" making it "awesome fun" for family groups who need variety to keep children engaged.
Site privacy considerations: For families needing space, certain sites offer more seclusion. At Independence Dam, Andy K. noted that some sites have "one site that is closer to the river and then a site 'behind' it," creating different privacy levels. He appreciated that "they don't rent out the space in front of it" at site 16, giving unobstructed river views.
Bathroom access is important: When camping with children, consider proximity to facilities. Andy K. mentioned that while site 16 at Independence Dam had good river views, it "is situated right next to the toilets, so you get a lot of foot traffic from others using the bathroom and the constant slamming of the toilet door gets a bit annoying."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Many tent campgrounds near Huntertown offer few amenities for RVs. At Funny Farm Campground, RV campers can find water and electric hookups, but no sewer connections at most sites, requiring use of the sanitary dump station.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Most tent-focused campgrounds have limited paved areas. Lee D. discovered at Independence Dam that "there were only a very few sites that had paved pads that would accommodate our van; the rest were clearly for tents only," making advance research crucial for larger vehicles.
Expect basic amenities: Even at campgrounds accepting both tents and RVs, facilities are often minimal. Rates at Independence Dam seemed "kind of steep ($19 on weekdays; $20 weekends and $22 on holiday weekends) for sites with no hookups and only porta-potties," according to Lee D., suggesting value expectations should be adjusted accordingly.
