Tent camping options near Kokomo, Indiana include both established campgrounds and rustic sites accessible within a one-hour drive. The region features predominantly flat terrain with elevations between 800-850 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions with overnight temperatures that can drop significantly.
What to do
Water recreation access: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort provides lakefront tent sites with direct water access. According to one camper, "This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum. The lake is fabulous, but there didn't seem to be too many fish available for catching!!"
Playground facilities: French Post Park offers playground equipment suitable for younger children. The park includes "a playground. A shelter with plenty of picnic tables to have a fairly large gathering," making it convenient for day use activities between camping sessions.
Hiking opportunities: Clovis Creek features walk-in tent sites that require short hikes from parking areas to campsites. The 20 designated tent sites provide more isolation than drive-up locations, appealing to campers seeking quieter experiences away from vehicle noise.
What campers like
Beginner-friendly setup: French Post Park provides straightforward camping for newcomers. One visitor noted it "Seems like a beginner place to go camping. Easy for families with young kids. They have a tent camping section in one area with rooms to leave cars."
Separate vehicle parking: The tent camping area at French Post Park features designated parking away from the actual camping spots, creating a more natural camping environment without vehicles directly at sites.
Proximity to urban attractions: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort's location makes it practical for combining outdoor experiences with city visits. A reviewer described it as "Pretty place and fun for a laid back place to stay. I wouldn't recommend it for long term."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: French Post Park requires advance booking through the town office rather than online systems. According to a camper, "You need to call to make reservations from the town," which differs from many modern campgrounds with digital booking.
Limited amenities: Clovis Creek provides firewood and picnic tables but lacks toilet facilities and trash service. Campers need to pack out all waste and bring portable toilet solutions for overnight stays.
Seasonal considerations: While Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort operates year-round, most Kokomo area campgrounds experience significant temperature variations between seasons. Spring and fall camping typically offers more comfortable conditions than mid-summer when humidity levels rise substantially.
Tips for camping with families
Start with structured sites: French Post Park provides a controlled environment for first-time family camping trips. One camper noted it's "Pretty cool area to hang out," with sufficient space for children to explore safely while remaining within sight of the campsite.
Pack additional water: Most tent camping locations near Kokomo require bringing all drinking water supplies. A minimum of one gallon per person per day is recommended during summer months when humidity increases hydration needs.
Consider weekday visits: The most popular tent camping sites fill quickly on summer weekends. Planning mid-week trips provides better site selection and quieter camping experiences, particularly important when camping with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most dedicated tent camping areas near Kokomo restrict RV access or lack appropriate hookups. Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort accepts both tents and RVs but maintains separate camping areas for each type.
Prepare for natural surfaces: Tent camping sites throughout the Kokomo region typically feature natural ground conditions rather than improved tent pads. Bringing additional ground cloths and proper stakes suitable for softer soil conditions improves setup stability.
