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Best Tent Camping near Syracuse, IN

490 Reviews

Tent campsites in the Syracuse, Indiana region include several established campgrounds within reasonable driving distance. Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area offers primitive tent camping with boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access options, while Shady Point Campground in Jones, Michigan provides more developed facilities for tent campers. Lakeside Campground, also in Jones, features tent sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings for visitors seeking basic amenities during their outdoor stay.

Most tent campgrounds near Syracuse have varying levels of facilities and terrain conditions. Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area provides basic toilet facilities but lacks drinking water, showers, and electric hookups, making it suitable for more self-sufficient campers. Fires are permitted at both Pigeon River and Lakeside Campground, allowing tent campers to enjoy traditional campfire experiences. Surface conditions typically consist of natural terrain with minimal site development. Campers should plan to bring adequate water supplies, particularly at primitive locations where potable water is not available.

The tent camping experience in this region offers a mix of lake access and natural surroundings. Lakeside Campground and Shady Point Campground provide water access, making them popular choices for swimmers and water enthusiasts. Pigeon River features winding rivers and lakes suitable for kayaking, with shuttle services available for various trip lengths. The area generally attracts fewer crowds than more developed campgrounds, providing a more secluded outdoor experience. According to one visitor, "Kayak through winding rivers and lakes in Northern Indiana. 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."

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Best Tent Sites Near Syracuse, Indiana (9)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Syracuse, IN

490 Reviews of 9 Syracuse Campgrounds

  • N
    Apr. 17, 2019

    Indian Springs Campground

    Dirty

    Dirty restrooms. Dirty lake. You have to pay extra to use the slide. Camp sites have been cut in half. Only 1 bathhouse/restrooms all the eay in the front at the beach. On the 2nf day we did find a porta potty in the back but it was nasty and everyone refused to use it. Manager was rude when i could not fit my car, tent (10x20), table and fire ring on out site. Told me o had to move my tent 1 foot over after it was already set up and loaded with beds. She left and I pulled it down and restaked just in time for her to vome and look disappointed that i had followed her order to pull it down and said i did not have to do that. The site was mostly dirt very little to no grass. When it rained we had nothing but mud. Hay rides on the weekend were late and the man driving it went way to fast down the back hill making you feel you were about to fall out. Employees childrwn throwing water on the people riding the hay ride. Someone went around fogging for mosquitos and allowed the children to run and play in the fog. Karaoke lady was extremely rude to all the children.

  • Laura H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2020

    Twin Mills Camping Resort

    Beautiful Wooded Campground

    Twin Mills is a really beautiful and quiet RV Campground, with tall trees in Northern Indiana. We frequent this location when getting RV Repairs and visiting Elkhart, the birth place of most RVs.

    There are cabins and tent sites and a large lake access point with a beach area. The playgrounds seemed to be in good shape and the dumpsters were centrally located.

    The park has a gate entrance for security.

    There is a large pool area and basketball court.

    There are several sections in the park, some more wooded and narrow sites, some are more spread out.

    Cellular: T-Mobile had good signal strength and bandwidth, AT&T was not as good but still doable.

    Most of the sites are full hook up, some have 30amp and some have 50amp.

    Amenities: Pool Clubhouse Basketball Volleyball Picnic tables Fire rings Trash Playground Lake access Beach area Dock Cabins Tent sites

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Shamrock Park

    Great for fishing

    We wanted to stay at Warren Dunes State Park, but I think this discovery was a better choice. A clean and friendly municipal campground on the St. Joseph River. The grounds are mostly open with little shade, but we had a tent site by the river and trees. What impressed me most was that they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks. Another nice feature is the outdoor sink at the shower & restroom building for campers to wash dishes. As tent campers I wish more places had a set up like that. There’s a large stack of firewood, so it’s easy to get a bundle that’s good and dry. We did go to Warren Dunes for an afternoon. It’s busy and crowded. If you go to the beach, be aware there’s very little shade. North of there is Grand Mere State Park, which is better for hiking. In Berrien Springs, check out Zick’s specialty meats across the river from the camp.

  • Clay T.
    Dec. 26, 2024

    Chain O'lakes State Park Dispersed Campsite

    "Free, never heard of that app."

    Although it states in the app free dispersed camping. Doesn't always mean just that. The cheapest campsite at primitive camping is $12 bucks. (Tent sites) For more, you can get electric hookup sites galore that all include a fire ring picnic table and a pretty leveled out spot.

  • Gay G.
    Aug. 19, 2021

    Thousand Trails Bear Cave

    Great Campground

    This is a nice, family friendly campground. Lots of very friendly other campers, a heated pool, playground for the kids, nice size lots with fire pits, picnic tables, electric& water (including at tent sites). Pool has an ADA lift chair. 2 shower/bath houses, camp store, a real bear cave you can tour in (free), a creek that meanders through it. The resort sits on the St. Joseph river & this park has a boat ramp & dock for fishing. There is a gate that campers need a code to get into so it keeps out unwanted’s. Nice staff. Yolanda is a great manager. Security, a ‘honey wagon’. Laundry center. Quiet hours are 10p-8a. It’s near Buchanan Michigan and the RED BUD Motor Cross track. Very friendly people, always stopping and talking.

  • Robin H.
    Jul. 21, 2020

    Kilsoquah Camp

    LOVE but.....

    We love camping out here. It’s our favorite place to be in Huntington. It’s super cheap, the sites are well taken care of, plenty of play spots for kids, electric and primitive, the sites come with picnic tables and fire rings with cooktops, some of the spots are out in the open and others are inset back into the trees. Some spots have wonderful views of the lake too! Our only issue is that because there is no one constantly there like a normal campsite, there are people who take the best view spots are stay for weeks on end knowing you can only stay, I think 14days, before moving to a new spot. Went there this past weekend and the people across from us were also BLARING music so loud you could feel the bass in your chest. We kindly asked if they could lower it, not turn it off, just lower it and the man was so kind and did it, however the woman threw a fit and turned the music back up. We ended up moving sites even tho we paid for that specific one and already were set up. There is no number to call so you just have to deal. But it’s totally worth it for the price and the sites. People just need to learn camping rules and take other people into consideration. 🤷🏼‍♀️

  • N
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Cade Lake County Park & Campground

    Beautiful

    Stayed sept 2022, $30 tent site (no electric). Its $40 with electric. Arrived after office hours, campground gated, but host was super friendly and helpful! The grounds are immaculate. Bet it's very popular in summer. Beautiful place, wish I could have stayed a lot longer.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    Area Convenient and Clean

    Elkhart County 4-h Fairgrounds: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for access to the area, very clean facilities, and not too many campers thus time of year.
    Price 2024: $35 for water/electric only. Security: No Usage during visit: Very light Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: none Site Spacing: very close Pad surface: our area was grass Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet except for one day of motorcycle raises at the nearby track.
    Outside Road Noise: Not most sites Through Traffic in campground: Some for activities at the fairground Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: some sites Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At sites Bathroom: Very nice flush toilets Showers: yes Pull Throughs: Yes Cell Service (AT&T): Varied throughout campground Setting: open grass fields around very well manicured county fairground. Recent Weather: 70s and rain. Insects:None Host: I am not sure.
    Rig Size: Large Sites: full hookups and water/electric only

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2017

    Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    Typical Fairgrounds Camping Experience

    I have camped here a couple of times while visiting northern Indiana to have repairs done on my RV. Overall, I like this campground where for $30/night you can get a 50 amp full hook-up site or $23/night a 30 amp and water site. If you plan on staying longer weekly and monthly rates are really good. The campground sits in the middle of the county fairgrounds so there is usually something going on – either a fair, concert, horse event, or an RV rally. Depending on what time of year you are here and part of the week, the campground could be very crowded or very empty. The nice thing is the people in the office let you pick whatever site you want and don’t assign one to you. There are 275 full hook-up sites with 50 amp full hook-up and 30 amp water & electric only. There are no fires allowed and some sites don’t have picnic tables but you can request one and they will bring it to your site.

    There is very little shade and during my last visit the late September fall temperatures climbed to nearly 90 degrees and was brutal. This campground is better suited for RVs than tents but you are permitted to tent camp. Bathrooms and showers are scattered about and I was amazed at always how clean they (and the grounds as a whole) are. They do offer WiFi which worked pretty well in non-peak hours like early morning but was not reliable and sometimes frustrating. Since many sites have a clear view of the sky, you most likely will get satellite television reception and a dozen or so antenna channels.

    One of the things I like about this park is the vast expanse of grounds to wander about walking my dog. There is a trail system just outside of the park that allows you miles and miles of walking and biking trails. Downtown Goshen is less than two miles away and has some great restaurants (including Venturi Pizza, Maple Indian Cuisine – which has an awesome buffet, and Goshen Brewing Company). The Saturday farmers market is great with lots of produce, breads, meats, cheeses, and crafts.

    The last time I visited coincided with the Mennonite Relief Fund which was a big fund raiser for their charity that packed the grounds with stuff for sale, food, and activities. It was fun to be there during the event but it meant the campground and grounds were packed.

    Now for the bad about this campground. It is located right next to very busy train tracks that operate 24/7 and blow their horns quite often. They were really annoying in the middle of the night. Sites are close together so if it is crowded and you have a neighbor, you will be right on top of them. There is no shade which can be very miserable.

    Pros:

    · Price - $30/night for a 50 amp full hook-up site

    · Nearby downtown stores and restaurants

    · Sites are not assigned so you can pick where you want to camp

    · Grassy patios

    · Large grounds to meander around

    · Nearby biking/walking trail

    Cons:

    · Very noisy from nearby trains operated at all hours

    · Few trees for shade or privacy

    · Some sites are very tight and close to your neighbor

    · Can be very crowded

    · WiFi provided but not reliable

Guide to Syracuse

Tent campers visiting Syracuse, Indiana have access to multiple camping options within a 40-mile radius. The region features several lakes including Lake Wawasee and smaller waterways that create opportunities for water-based recreation. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons experience cooler nights that require additional layers.

What to do

Explore lesser-known waterways: Circle B RV Park and Cabins in Angola provides convenient access to the surrounding lakes. According to Jeffrey Y., the campground is "very well maintained, lots to do, great atmosphere."

Try paddling with rentals: River Camp Fort Wayne offers tent sites with easy river access. While Angela B. hasn't visited yet, she notes it "looks like a very nice campground" based on the facility's online information.

Enjoy family-friendly activities: Green Acres Campground near Coldwater features electric hookups and basic amenities for tent campers. Katie A. mentions, "there is another campground, 'En Gedi'" in the area that visitors might want to investigate as an alternative option.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Shady Point Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and showers that receive positive feedback. Nicole P. states, "Family spent 4 nights here and the staff was extremely accommodating... The bathroom and showers were well maintained."

Lake access: Lakeside Campground offers tent sites with electric hookups and water access. Noel L. shares, "Awesome campground. Campground is all seasonal campers now. Owners were super nice and found room for us for one night layover."

Calm environment: Tent campers appreciate the peaceful settings at many area campgrounds. At Shady Point, Sharlyn O. reports they "had a nice family get away... Everything was easy and calm. Kids loves it. No problems."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Syracuse require advance booking, especially during summer months. Call ahead to confirm availability at smaller facilities like Harper Lake Campground.

Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited or no winter camping options. Water systems typically shut down after the first frost.

Limited amenities at primitive sites: Some locations lack drinking water and electric hookups. Green Acres provides electric hookups, picnic tables, and toilet facilities, but campers should verify current amenities before arrival.

Tips for camping with families

Bring water toys: Shady Point Campground on Bair Lake offers swimming areas appropriate for children. Nicole P. mentions, "It sits on Bair Lake and was great for swimming. The bathroom and showers were well maintained."

Pack extra supplies: During peak summer weekends, local stores may have limited inventory. Many campgrounds have restrictions on gathering firewood, so purchasing bundles locally is recommended.

Choose sites with playgrounds: Family-oriented facilities provide recreational options. At Shady Point, Nicole notes they had "playgrounds and basketball court and a small 'game' room. There was also a well stocked store with very reasonable prices."

Tips from RVers

Check access limitations: Many tent campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. Goff Lake Campground accommodates big rigs while still offering tent sites, making it suitable for groups with mixed camping styles.

Reserve hookup sites early: Electric sites at campgrounds like Lakeside and Shady Point Campground fill quickly during peak season. At Lakeside Campground, staff occasionally accommodate overnight stays when possible, as Noel L. experienced: "Owners were super nice and found room for us for one night layover."

Consider tent camping near full hookups: Some RV-focused campgrounds offer tent sites with access to water and electric hookups, providing more comfort than primitive camping without requiring an RV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Syracuse, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Syracuse, IN is Harper Lake Campground with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Syracuse, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Syracuse, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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