Tent campsites near Kendallville, Indiana range from rustic, primitive sites to more developed campgrounds with varied amenities. The region features glacial lakes, rolling woodlands, and interconnected waterways that provide seasonal camping opportunities from spring through late fall. Temperatures fluctuate considerably, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and frequent thunderstorms requiring proper tent preparation.
What to do
Boat-in camping access: At Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area, campers can access remote tent sites via watercraft for a more secluded experience. A visitor noted, "Kayak through winding rivers and lakes in Northern Indiana. The shuttle service is convenient and not overly expensive."
Lake swimming: Shady Point Campground offers swimming opportunities in Bair Lake. According to one camper, "It sits on Bair Lake and was great for swimming. The bathroom and showers were well maintained."
Canoe exploration: 6 Lakes Campground provides access to connected waterways. "You can go through little canals to get to other parts of the lake. Sites have perfect amount of shade," reports one visitor who enjoyed exploring the interconnected water system.
Basketball and games: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities beyond water activities. One family staying at Shady Point mentioned, "It had playgrounds and basketball court and a small 'game' room," providing entertainment options during non-water activity times.
What campers like
Affordable camp stores: Campers appreciate on-site provisions without premium pricing. A family at Shady Point Campground noted, "There was also a well stocked store with very reasonable prices," reducing the need for trips into town for forgotten supplies.
Shade coverage: Tent campers particularly value tree cover during hot summer months. A visitor to 6 Lakes Campground mentioned sites have the "perfect amount of shade," making summer camping more comfortable without excessive sun exposure.
Staff assistance: Seasonal campgrounds still accommodate short-term visitors. A camper at Lakeside Campground reported, "Owners were super nice and found room for us for one night layover," despite the campground being primarily seasonal residents.
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and showers rank high in camper satisfaction. A family who spent four nights at Shady Point observed, "The bathroom and showers were well maintained," which contributed significantly to their positive experience.
What you should know
Seasonal occupancy: Many campgrounds near Kendallville primarily serve seasonal campers with limited availability for short-term stays. A visitor to Lakeside Campground discovered, "Campground is all seasonal campers now," though they were still accommodated for a single night.
Variable water conditions: Lake and river conditions can affect recreational quality. One camper at River Camp Fort Wayne gave a tentative review stating, "Looks like a very nice campground I've never been though," highlighting the importance of checking current conditions before planning water activities.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others accommodate walk-ins. Most tent sites at established campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays, particularly those with water access.
Limited primitive amenities: Tent sites at most area campgrounds lack individual water hookups. Campers should bring containers for transporting water from central spigots to their sites, especially at more rustic locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Funny Farm Campground offers family-friendly amenities including picnic tables and recreational areas. Multiple access types including drive-in and walk-in camping provide options for families with different equipment and mobility needs.
Multi-generational camping: Families appreciate campgrounds that accommodate different comfort levels. A family at Shady Point Campground spent "4 nights here and the staff was extremely accommodating," making extended stays with children more manageable.
Camp store convenience: Families value on-site supplies to reduce town trips. One camper noted their kids "loved" the campground experience where "everything was easy and calm," allowing parents to relax rather than constantly entertaining children.
Water safety preparation: Families camping near lakes should bring appropriate flotation devices for children. Most campgrounds with swimming access don't provide lifeguards, requiring parental supervision at all times.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: Campers with trailers appreciate easy site access. One RVer at Shady Point Campground reported, "Was in a pull behind. Everything was easy and calm," indicating manageable access even for less experienced trailer drivers.
Electric hookup availability: While many tent sites lack individual electric service, several campgrounds offer electric sites for hybrid camping. Most tent-friendly campgrounds with electricity charge additional fees for powered sites, typically $3-5 more per night than non-electric options.
Dump station access: RVers using tent sites still need waste disposal options. Several campgrounds including Shady Point provide sanitary dump stations even for tent campers using portable toilets, allowing extended stays without leaving the campground.
