6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Lake Michigan shoreline near La Porte, Indiana offers several tent camping options within a short drive, including the highly-rated Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park. These walk-in tent sites provide a more secluded camping experience approximately 20 miles from La Porte. Tent campers seeking primitive tent camping can access these sites via short trails, with site #1 located at the front of the trail and sites #2-5 requiring a longer hike down the path and to the left. Sweet Cherry Resort in Michigan also offers dedicated tent camping areas within a reasonable drive from La Porte.
Walk-in tent sites at Indiana Dunes National Park feature basic amenities with toilets available but no drinking water on site. Campers should bring their own water supplies and prepare for minimal facilities. The Central Avenue sites prohibit fires and alcohol, making them suitable for those seeking a more natural camping experience. Most tent-only camping areas in the region require reservations, particularly during peak summer months. Sites typically have dirt or sand surfaces, so tent campers often bring ground mats to improve comfort. Weather conditions can create muddy conditions after rain, particularly at some of the Michigan campgrounds within driving distance.
According to a recent visitor, the Central Avenue Walk-in Sites provide "plenty of privacy" with clean sites that are "far enough off the trail" to feel secluded. The walk to Lake Michigan beaches is described as "not too long," making these sites popular for tent campers wanting beach access. At Sweet Cherry Resort, a camper noted that "tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots," with clean facilities and proximity to public beaches. The tent-only areas throughout the region tend to be quieter than mixed-use campgrounds, though family-oriented campgrounds like Coloma/St. Joseph KOA can be crowded during peak season. Fall camping offers less crowded backcountry tent camping experiences with cooler temperatures.
"It’s far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long. Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail."
from $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $75 - $150 / night
Check Availability"It was small enough for our kids to ride bikes around alone and they frequented the park, which we could see from our site. Jumping pillow & mini golf were also a hit."
"They had a hot tub and heated pool. Mini golf and bikes you could rent. The store was nice and lots to offer and the prices were very reasonable. Showers close by."
from $60 - $120 / night
Check Availability"camp suite 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."
from $30 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots. I had the place to myself as it was Labor Day Monday night. Showers and bathrooms were clean. Pool looked nice."
from $20 / night
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ScoutIt was nice camping here. There is an asphalted road leading right to the campsites. The hot, adjustable showers are perfect. The sites are made of gravel paved with sand, which makes them perfectly flat. I liked that.
ScoutJust pulled in today. I’m so impressed. Loving this place. Will be back.
GuideClean lighted bathrooms and hot showers. Very shady campground but not much privacy between sites. About a mile walk to the lakeshore.
TravelerStaying through the week just on the outside of Labor Day Weekend. This place was perfect for us to come over and get away from it and enjoy the changing weather. Electric only sites, and the staff were friendly. Always enjoy coming here for good hiking and beach time.
LegendWe had an overnight stay here during some pretty nasty weather. Site 7 was perfect as it has a very wide concrete landing pad that kept us from trudging around our site in mud. Flooded roads resulted in a road race being diverted through the park. We were able to cheer them on while having dinner at our campfire. There’s a paved walkway around the circumference of the campground which allows you to take a nice stroll. Trails to the lake are easily accessible. The bathrooms and showers were clean, although a bit dated. We had a pleasant evening.
GuideWow! What a State Park inside the National Park! Spacious, beautiful, and a big surprise on Lake Michigan South East. Indiana. Towering trees, San dunes, marshland, and fifteen miles of beach shore parklands. If you haven’t been, go! This is a year round play land. Camping is surrounded by forest, electric only, bathrooms/showers ((vault and flush), and clean for state park standards. Bring your, bikes, kayaks, beach attire, and hiking boots for spring, summer, and fall. Bring snowshoes and cross country skis in winter.
TravelerSuper accessible and affordable National Park camping! Easy access to all the Dunes, and varying level of amenities for different rigs. I just spent one night here but I wish I spent longer. Only downside is you need to pack extra bug spray for the summer mosquitoes!!
GuideThis campground has lots of spaces, but fills up quickly so plan ahead. It has clean restrooms, dump and water, but no electricity. Mosquitoes and gnats were very bad and it was very humid, so nights were challenging. Had to leave windows shut and quiet hours, so no generator. Reasonably priced and campground hosts to their jobs very seriously.
LegendWe have camped every summer here for years for an annual rally that is hosted here
It’s great that we have the air conditioned rally room that our group rents for all our events and space to spend with group if it’s rainy or hot
There is a differnt experience in park depending on where you stay - if your in full sun open area in summer it’s miserable but if your in the wooded area it’s much nicer
The bathrooms are not the best - they are outdated but have hot water and work great - I prefer the bathhouse by the wooded area over the one in the big building - showers are nicer
The lots are clean and hook ups all work great
Pool is showing it’s age but still clean and kids love to swim in it
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near La Porte, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near La Porte, IN is Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near La Porte, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near La Porte, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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