Tent campsites near Leesburg, Indiana range from primitive sites to more developed campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level in a landscape characterized by small lakes, agricultural lands, and scattered woodlands. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing, making May through September the primary camping season when overnight lows remain above 50°F.
What to do
Kayaking on multiple waterways: Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area offers kayaking excursions through winding rivers and lakes. The Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area provides shuttle services for short or long trips, with one camper noting, "The shuttle service is convenient and not overly expensive. It doesn't offer the greatest views but offers a great time on the water with friends or family."
Swimming in lake waters: Several campgrounds provide lake access for swimming during summer months. Shady Point Campground sits directly on Bair Lake with designated swimming areas. According to a visitor, "It sits on Bair Lake and was great for swimming. The bathroom and showers were well maintained."
Basketball and games: Family-oriented activities are available at certain campgrounds. Shady Point Campground maintains basketball courts and a game room for visitors. One camper mentioned, "It had playgrounds and basketball court and a small 'game' room," making it suitable for families with children needing recreational options.
What campers like
Well-stocked camp stores: Campers appreciate on-site provisions at reasonable prices. One Shady Point visitor commented, "There was also a well stocked store with very reasonable prices," eliminating the need for trips to distant towns for basic supplies.
Accommodating campground staff: Multiple reviews mention helpful personnel at area campgrounds. At Circle B RV Park, a camper reported a "great atmosphere" among the factors contributing to their positive experience. The Circle B RV Park and Cabins earned praise for being "very well maintained, lots to do."
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards vary between campgrounds, but several receive positive mentions for cleanliness. One family spending four nights at Shady Point noted, "The bathroom and showers were well maintained," an important consideration for tent campers relying on shared facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal camper dominance: Many campgrounds near Leesburg primarily serve long-term seasonal campers rather than short-term visitors. Lakeside Campground demonstrates this trend, with a reviewer noting, "Campground is all seasonal campers now. Owners were super nice and found room for us for one night layover."
Primitive conditions at wildlife areas: State-managed lands offer more basic amenities than private campgrounds. Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area provides toilets but lacks drinking water, showers, and electric hookups, requiring tent campers to bring all necessary supplies.
Access options vary by location: Campgrounds in the region offer different entry methods. River Camp Fort Wayne provides both drive-in and walk-in access options for tent campers, allowing for different site selection based on vehicle proximity preferences.
Tips for camping with families
Look for multiple activity options: Campgrounds with diverse recreation facilities keep children engaged. A family that spent four nights at Shady Point reported, "This is a campground that is mostly seasonal campers. It had playgrounds and basketball court and a small 'game' room," indicating good options for different age groups.
Consider shorter stays for first visits: Testing campgrounds with brief initial stays helps determine suitability for longer family trips. One camper at River Camp Fort Wayne suggested checking facilities before committing to extended stays, though they hadn't personally visited yet.
Check swimming safety features: Lakes in the region vary in depth, currents, and supervision. Shady Point Campground received positive reviews from families with children using the swimming areas, with one noting their "family spent 4 nights here and the staff was extremely accommodating."
Tips from RVers
Water and electric hookups: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups suitable for smaller RVs and tent campers with electrical needs. Goff Lake Campground provides water and electric connections, along with toilet facilities and a dump station, though it lacks showers.
Pull-through accessibility: Some campsites accommodate easier parking for those with trailers. At Shady Point, a camper reported, "Was in a pull behind. Everything was easy and calm. Kids loves it. No problems," indicating good site access for towed camping setups.
Dump station availability: For longer stays, waste disposal becomes important. Several campgrounds including Shady Point and Goff Lake maintain sanitary dump stations on premises, allowing extended stays without leaving to find disposal facilities.
