Tent camping options near La Porte, Indiana extend beyond the immediate shoreline, with several smaller campgrounds located within a 40-mile radius. The region features a mix of forested camping areas and beachfront access points, with elevations generally below 800 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, creating favorable camping conditions from May through September, though spring and fall camping requires preparation for potential temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Beach swimming access: Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday sits just minutes from Lake Michigan beaches, making it convenient for day trips. "Very close to Lake Michigan and the beach!" notes Katie S., who appreciated the proximity during their first camping trip with a new camper.
Mini golf and activities: Family-friendly recreation options abound at several campgrounds. "They had a hot tub and heated pool. Mini golf and bikes you could rent," reports Katie S. about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, highlighting the variety of on-site entertainment beyond just camping.
Urban-adjacent hiking: Camp Shabbona Woods offers hiking opportunities despite its urban setting. "This camp site is in a very urban area and is very small," explains Scott M., adding that the "campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing," making it better for those seeking light forest cover rather than dense woodland camping.
What campers like
Convenient facilities: The well-maintained amenities at Sweet Cherry Resort receive positive attention from visitors. "Showers and bathrooms were clean. Pool looked nice. Best part is that it's a 3 minute drive to a public beach with great swimming and a beautiful sunset," according to Alyssa, who camped there on Labor Day.
Organized activities: Weekend programming for children makes certain campgrounds stand out. At Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, Jennifer W. shares that "The kids loved the jumping pillow, pool, and nightly tractor-pull train," highlighting the structured entertainment options that keep younger campers engaged.
Well-stocked camp stores: On-site provisions reduce the need for trips to town. "The store has everything you could need and if they don't, there is a gas station right outside of entrance," notes Monica R., appreciating the convenience during her first visit to Michigan.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Campsite proximity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Our site had plenty of space and lots of shade," reports Jennifer W. about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA, while Kim L. described their site as "a full hook up with a fire pit in the mud pond...a very expensive glorified parking spot."
Urban noise factors: Some campgrounds near La Porte are within earshot of urban sounds. Jeffrey L. shares about Camp Shabbona Woods: "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok."
Tent site configurations: At Sweet Cherry Resort, the tent camping area has a specific layout. "Tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots," explains Alyssa, noting the separation between parking and actual camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Supervised activities: Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday offers structured programming for children. "Lots of fun activities on the weekends for the kids and FREE! They have movie nights, we met Disney characters, did crafts, and enjoyed the barrel train & ice cream sundaes," shares Cassie B.
Safety considerations: Smaller campgrounds can provide greater peace of mind for parents. "It was small enough for our kids to ride bikes around alone and they frequented the park, which we could see from our site," according to Cassie B., highlighting the benefit of campground layout for family supervision.
Beginner-friendly options: First-time campers should consider certain locations. Camp Shabbona Woods is "set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping," according to Scott M., making it ideal for families testing out the camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Weather preparation: Michigan camping can present moisture challenges for RVers. At Campside Michigan, the gravel roads can develop water accumulation after heavy rainfall, requiring appropriate footwear and vehicle preparation for accessing campsites.
Site selection importance: Securing the right site type makes a significant difference in the camping experience. "Very accommodating when we requested a site near friends," notes Jennifer W. about the staff's willingness to help with specific site assignments at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA.