Best Tent Camping near Mishawaka, IN

Tent camping options near Mishawaka, Indiana include several established campgrounds within driving distance, primarily in neighboring Michigan. Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday and Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday both accommodate tent campers with designated tent areas. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park offers tent-only camping with greater privacy and natural surroundings. Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area provides more rustic tent camping opportunities approximately 45 miles east of Mishawaka.

Most tent camping areas feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. The KOA campgrounds provide more facilities including showers, toilets, drinking water, and trash disposal, while the walk-in sites at Indiana Dunes National Park offer a more primitive experience with only toilets available. Sites typically consist of dirt or sand surfaces, especially at the Michigan campgrounds. Seasonal considerations affect availability, with most established campgrounds operating from spring through fall. A recent review noted that at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites, "The spot was clean. It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy."

Walk-in tent sites at Indiana Dunes National Park provide a more secluded camping experience compared to the busier KOA locations. The sites require a short hike from parking areas, creating separation from vehicles and other campers. According to one visitor, "Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail. You have to walk all the way down and take a left before you find sites 5, 4, 3, and 2 in that order." Sweet Cherry Resort offers tent sites in a cleared area separate from other camping types, providing a dedicated space for tent campers. Tent campers frequently mention the cleanliness of facilities as an important factor, with most established campgrounds maintaining clean bathrooms and shower facilities when available.

Best Tent Sites Near Mishawaka, Indiana (13)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Mishawaka, IN

759 Reviews of 13 Mishawaka Campgrounds


  • H
    May. 26, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Great stay, come ready

    We stayed two nights in mid-May, at site number 72. Area was gorgeous, well maintained, shady and quiet. Tons of hiking trails in very close proximity to the campground! There is electricity on site, but no water or sewage at each site. However there is a water fill station and a dump station. So just come prepared. Also, they have a very strict no alcohol policy. Not that that stopped people, but don't go walking around with a beer bottle! We would definitely return.

  • Elizabeth G.
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Pleasant and quiet

    Stayed in site 43 of the Douglas loop. Douglas loop is all non electric.

    Our site was big enough for our tents, a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms/showers are really close by which is nice but you do get the lights from the bathroom facing site 43. Not a big deal but if you’re looking for more darkness then definitely choose one of the other sites around 43.

    All parking sites are paved for camper vans/trailers but no water or power hookups. All sites have nice huge tent pads that are nice and level. Only noise we heard was the train every now and then.

    The showers are individual rooms separate from the bathrooms. And there’s a gas station and liquor store near the entrance of the campground for fire wood and beer.

    I didn’t get to stay in the walk in campsites but they are very nice and close-ish to the showers.

  • Chris M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Clean & Spacious

    We pulled in around 4:30 in the evening. The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites. Since the weather was cooler , it was pretty sparse with other campers. We stayed 2 nights over the weekend. You are within walking distance to the beach within the park. The buildings have great architecture. The sight had 50 amp electric hook ups but no water or sewer connections, and we knew that going in. We had a back in sight #69. There was plenty of space on all sides. We have a 37’ motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around. The sight also had a wood picnic table and fire ring for a wood fire pit. We will definitely be back! I wish I had taken more photos from the beach and beach pavilion.

  • 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

  • B
    Jun. 11, 2023

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Great Lakeside Camp

    Great campground. Better cared for than a State Park and better accommodations, too. Newish shower house with 6 uni-sex showers (all with their own locking doors). Water mechanisms on several made hot water a little tricky… test before you undress haha. If 5+ showers are in use, don't count on much hot water.

    Very friendly operators and employees. Genuinely interested in how you're doing. Above average camp store and they even deliver your firewood order to your site for you ($7 for a 15"x15"ish bundle).

    Beach access is easy and the beach is nice. On the cooler week we were there, would only see one or two other people out if any, but when school gets out mid-June, sounds like it gets busier. Our Monday-Friday stay saw us as the only tent campers which was great. Our kids enjoyed the playground and we made use of the grills by the picnic shelter a few times.

    All tent sites (except for T12) are walk in (but most are only 100-300 feet).

    Tent Sites 1, 2, 3, 11 and 12 as well as the group site are on their own away from the main loops. They are served by a flush toilet with running (cold) water. Or you can make the slightly longer walk to the shower house.

    Tent 1 is 100 foot walk, small site, easily visible from T-2 and 3 as well as the group site.

    Tent 2 is medium sized, across from T-3 and visible from T-1 and T-3. 

    Tent 3 is large. Slightly overlooks the group site and can see T-1 and T-2.

    Tent 4 is large, but almost totally isolated. It's surrounded by hills (although T-5 is on one of those hills so could overlook it. Long walk to bathroom.

    Tent 5 overlooks 4 a little and is a medium sized site. Also long walk to bathroom.

    Tent 6 is elevated above everything so overlooks T-5, T-7 and the RV loop. It's a huge site with nothing but nature around and above you. Long walk to bathroom.

    Tent 7 shortest walk to car parking, but surrounded by other sites. Access to other sites runs through site as well.

    Tent 8 and 9 are basically one large site with two tables and fire rings. Requires a walk up several flights of stairs, but puts you on top of a bluff that, without trees, would give you a view of the lake. They charge a premium for these sites.

    Tent 11 is probably the longest walk… you walk past T-1,2,3, then up 70 steps to the top of a ridge. You cannot see or be seen and the picnic table is covered with a shelter. Not a ton of space, but a great site for a lite packer.

    Tent 12 is a drive in site right next to the bathroom and the main drive into the campground.

    We were pleasantly surprised and, outside of a cold shower or two, never disappointed in our stay.

  • 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.

  • Amy M.
    May. 14, 2017

    Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    TICKS

    We stayed in the semi modern sites, which was tents and no RVs nearby, which was good. That was about it. The Interstate was directly behind the sites, so the highway traffic noise took away from the feeling you want when camping, that off the grid feeling.

    The site was clean, picnic table and fire ring. There was a water spigot close by too. We did some short hiking to sand dunes which was really cool. Nice paths lead to beautiful sunset over dunes.

    Upon returning from the hike, we set up camp. That's when we found the ticks. We found probably 10 on our dog, several on us. The couple next to our site was struggling with ticks also, and they hadn't hiked, so makes me think they were from the campground. (We stayed ON the trail carefully while hiking). We've camped a lot and never dealt with this many ticks.

    We actually ended up bailing due to how many were on us all. Spent the next 24 hours picking them off everyone in our family at home. Not good. We know it's a fact of life, but this place was infested. Bummer of a trip.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Outer Circle

    We reserved a spot in the outer circle. We like having woods on one side. Nice campground camping….parking pad, fire ring, picnic table. Good amount of space between spots. Nice bathrooms & showers. We have a rooftop tent and we’re very happy. Loved the hike over “Mt. Tom” to the gorgeous beach and warmish lake for a swim. We choose the State Park vs. National Park so we could hike to the beach.

  • Crissy R.
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Let there Be Rain and Silence....

    If you’re looking to go camping with the conveniences of the modern world nearby, this is the place to be. Located off of golf way rd and duneway pkwy, this campground is located roughly about an hour from Elkhart, if that’s where you’re coming from. They have a few options as far as sites go. Sites 1-34 are reservable online and the remainder of the sites are first come, first served. Also keep in mind, sites 1-54 you’re able to park your car/RV. However, sites 55-67 are walk in only. There are showers and restrooms located center of both areas. There are also water stations which are very convenient. Most of the campsites are fairly close, but far enough where you are not sitting on top of each other. This time around I opted for the walk In. For starters, let’s just say to be prepared for whatever weather may come. My luck, it poured the entire time and was windy. Furthermore, each site has designated fire rings that have a grill. The experience was awesome, it’s $25 a night that you pay at the automated kiosk. There are rangers that drive around during the day and there are signs posted with all the latest updates, rules/regulations. Overall, great experience, definitely look forward to coming back!


Guide to Mishawaka

Tent camping options near Mishawaka, Indiana extend beyond established campgrounds into surrounding natural areas with varying levels of amenities. Most sites within driving distance are situated in southern Michigan or western Indiana, typically 30-60 minutes from Mishawaka. The region offers a mix of forest and lakeside camping opportunities with sites available from late spring through early fall, though weather patterns can create muddy conditions during rainy periods.

What to do

Water activities at local lakes: Shady Point Campground provides access to Bair Lake for swimming and water recreation. According to Nicole P., "It sits on Bair Lake and was great for swimming. The bathroom and showers were well maintained."

Blueberry picking: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday offers unique seasonal activities. Cindy B. shared, "This KOA has blueberry fields everywhere on the property. For a period of time in summer and early fall, you can pick your own blueberries in the morning to have in your breakfast pancakes!"

Kayaking opportunities: The rivers and lakes in northern Indiana provide watercraft options for tent campers. At Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area, Whitley K. noted, "Kayak through winding rivers and lakes in Northern Indiana. The shuttle service is convenient and not overly expensive."

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many tent campers prioritize cleanliness when choosing the best tent camping near Mishawaka. At Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, Ryan M. mentioned it was "Well kept and very pretty," while Monica R. stated, "First impression on entering the KOA was that it was very clean, organized and well maintained."

Privacy between sites: Tent campers often prefer secluded spots away from crowded areas. Don W. shared about Central Avenue Walk-in Sites: "The spot was clean. It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long."

Access to beaches: Many campgrounds offer proximity to Lake Michigan. Hannah S. commented that Covert/South Haven KOA provides "Clean facilities and only a 20 min drive from South Haven's beautiful beaches!" Similarly, at Sweet Cherry Resort, Alyssa noted, "Best part is that it's a 3 minute drive to a public beach with great swimming and a beautiful sunset."

What you should know

Seasonal operation: Most tent camping near Mishawaka operates from spring through fall. Coloma/St. Joseph KOA is open "May 1 to October 12," while Covert/South Haven KOA runs from "April 17 to October 18."

Weather considerations: Spring camping may encounter muddy conditions. Devina M. warned about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA: "Because it rained rather heavily, it formed a huge collection of water... expect mud basically everywhere. Bring rain boots for mud!"

Site configurations: Sweet Cherry Resort organizes tent sites differently than RV areas. Alyssa reported, "Tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots... Showers and bathrooms were clean."

Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. At Lakeside Campground, Noel L. noted, "Campground is all seasonal campers now. Owners were super nice and found room for us for one night layover."

Tips for camping with families

Dedicated activities for kids: Family-oriented campgrounds offer structured entertainment. At Covert/South Haven KOA, Melissa B. shared, "There are a lot of lodging options, tons of kids activities, both free and for a small fee, great pool, cafe and store! Lots of sports equipment to loan as well."

Alternative lodging for mixed groups: For families with members who prefer more comfort, Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday offers cabins. Sarah P. reported, "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."

Campground size considerations: Smaller campgrounds can provide better supervision for children. Cassie B. mentioned at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA, "It was small enough for our kids to ride bikes around alone and they frequented the park, which we could see from our site."

Tips from RVers

Site spacing variations: Some campgrounds have limited room between RVs. At Coloma/St. Joseph KOA, Lori S. observed, "Small sites, lots of people. Camp hosts were fantastic as were camp store employees. Nice store and pizza shop. Just too crowded for our tastes."

Accessibility considerations: Those with mobility challenges should consider campground layout. Cassie B. noted about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA, "My husband went with a broken leg and got around there just fine thanks to it being such a small park."

Seasonal campsite availability: Many local campgrounds primarily cater to seasonal campers. At Lakeside Campground, Noel L. mentioned, "Campground is all seasonal campers now," suggesting that transient tent camping near Mishawaka might require advance planning during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mishawaka, IN is Shady Point Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Mishawaka, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.