Tent camping opportunities in the Middlebury area extend beyond the immediate vicinity, with options ranging from 15-45 miles away in both Indiana and Michigan. The region features moderate summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season (May-September), with higher humidity levels than western states. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 800-950 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat terrain suitable for campers of various experience levels.
What to do
Water activities on multiple lakes: Goff Lake Campground provides access to fishing and swimming in a private lake setting. Visitors can bring their own kayaks and paddleboards for day use without additional fees.
Hiking nearby: Circle B RV Park and Cabins offers access to walking paths with one reviewer noting it's "very well maintained, lots to do, great atmosphere."
Family entertainment options: Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday organizes regular weekend activities as mentioned by a camper: "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."
Beach access: Several campgrounds provide driving access to Lake Michigan beaches. One visitor to Coloma KOA mentioned, "Very close to Lake Michigan and the beach!" making day trips to shorelines convenient during summer months.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Shady Point Campground receives high marks for upkeep with one visitor mentioning, "The bathroom and showers were well maintained" and another noting "everything was easy and calm."
Amenities for children: Families appreciate the recreational options at certain campgrounds. A Coloma KOA reviewer shared, "The kids loved the jumping pillow, pool, and nightly tractor-pull train. Bathrooms were clean and conveniently located."
Accommodation for non-planners: Lakeside Campground sometimes works with last-minute campers despite being primarily seasonal. One reviewer mentioned, "Owners were super nice and found room for us for one night layover."
Store options with reasonable pricing: On-site conveniences matter to campers in this region. A Shady Point visitor highlighted, "It had a well stocked store with very reasonable prices," eliminating the need for trips into town for basic supplies.
What you should know
Seasonal occupancy limits availability: Many campgrounds in the Middlebury region primarily serve seasonal campers. A Lakeside reviewer noted, "Campground is all seasonal campers now," though they sometimes accommodate short-term visitors when possible.
Varying site conditions: Site quality can differ significantly even within the same campground. One Coloma KOA camper reported, "Our site was horrid- a full hook up with a fire pit in the mud pond. We had mosquito soup for the rear of our very small campsite."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences moderate rainfall, creating drainage issues at some locations. A Coloma cabin visitor warned, "The bathrooms are semi clean, but expect mud basically everywhere... Bring rain boots for mud!"
Staff responsiveness varies: Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area offers more natural camping but with minimal oversight, while Coloma KOA reviewers frequently mention attentive staff: "The owners and staff do a great job of keeping the campground safe, clean and inviting."
Tips for camping with families
Consider cabin options for first trips: Cabin accommodations provide comfort for families new to camping. A Coloma KOA visitor shared, "We stayed in the deluxe cabin for one night and loved it! The cabin was so cute and well kept. It came with a fridge, stove, and bathroom. We had 6 people in it and we fit comfortably."
Look for compact campgrounds: Smaller facilities allow more independence for children. As one Coloma reviewer explained, "It was small enough for our kids to ride bikes around alone and they frequented the park, which we could see from our site."
Check pool access and design: Not all swimming facilities accommodate young children. A family noted at Coloma KOA, "No steps to walk in so it was very hard for our 2 smallest kids to use it. Not a problem for older kids who can swim, but disappointing for smaller kids."
Verify noise levels: Some campgrounds near Middlebury cater to families seeking activities rather than quiet. One camper observed, "Great for families; not so much for people seeking quiet nature... Just too crowded for our tastes."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most campgrounds near Middlebury have compact RV sites. A Coloma KOA camper described their experience as "a very expensive glorified parking spot," suggesting upgrading to premium sites when available.
Accessibility considerations: Despite compact layouts, some campgrounds accommodate mobility needs. A Coloma visitor mentioned, "My husband went with a broken leg and got around there just fine thanks to it being such a small park."
Hookup reliability: Full-service sites are available but sometimes with limitations. Verify amperage needs when booking, as some campgrounds offer only 30-amp service despite advertising full hookups.
