Camping options near Monterey, Indiana sit on the intersection of several ecosystems, with elevations ranging between 730-780 feet. The area straddles the Tippecanoe River watershed with sandy soil in some locations and marshy wetlands in others. Weather patterns typically feature humid summers with temperatures averaging 81°F in July and cold winters dropping to average lows of 15°F in January.
What to do
Hiking trails with varied difficulty: Tippecanoe River State Park offers multiple hiking paths suitable for different skill levels. "A nice little place to relax. Fire tower climb was beautiful," notes one visitor, while another mentions that "Trails 1,3,4&5" can be accessed directly from the campground area at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: France Park features a fishing lake with unique limestone quarry surroundings. According to a camper at France Park, "Great place to fish. Beautiful waterfalls." Some sites are positioned along the fishing lake with no nearby neighbors, offering privacy for anglers. Water levels vary seasonally, with spring typically providing the best conditions.
Scuba diving: The clear quarry waters at France Park permit scuba diving during specific hours. "I scuba dive and this has been a place I grew up diving. You used to be able to dive anytime but now you can only dive when the dive store is open," explains a regular visitor. The underwater visibility ranges from 10-30 feet depending on recent rainfall and time of year.
Beach activities: Indiana Dunes State Park provides lake access with lifeguarded swimming areas during summer months. "The beach was well maintained, and had lifeguards during certain hours, which gave me a little bit of extra comfort in bringing my kids to the lake," explains a visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites with natural features: Many campsites near Monterey offer generous spacing and mature trees. "Almost every camper brings their dog. It is how camping should be!" reports a visitor to Tippecanoe River State Park, while another camper at Potato Creek State Park Campground mentions "We recommend securing a spot in the back sites 230-287 for larger lots and quieter atmosphere. Younger families tend to book up front near the playground."
Clean bathroom facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept washrooms. A camper at Michigan City notes "The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing." Similarly, at Maple Ridge Campground, a visitor stated, "The shower and bathroom was the best I ever saw at a campground."
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds feature playgrounds, pools, and organized activities. "Great campground for the family. Has in-ground pool, mini golf, small arcade room, camp store, playground and fishing," notes a visitor to Pla-Mor Campground. Another camper shared, "Lots of things to do with kids. Planned events, awesome putt putt, pool with splash area for littles. Multiple playgrounds, even a new one recently built."
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Weather conditions affect camping comfort significantly. "Spring& late fall would be a good time to visit," advises a camper at Tippecanoe River, while another notes, "The mosquitos get bad in the summer, so come prepared." Similar warnings appear for other campgrounds, with one visitor simply stating, "Worst place for mosquitoes."
Noise considerations: Train lines run near several campgrounds. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park warns, "It's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long. If you're a heavy sleeper and you can deal with that, you'll be just fine but us tent camping there was nothing to block the sound."
Water activities safety: Lake Michigan can present hazards. "Be careful in the lake, because rip current often take young visitors out too far and into dangerous waters," cautions a visitor. Rivers may have variable flow rates depending on recent rainfall, with high water typically in spring and early summer.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity matters: Select sites with direct playground access. "For the playground, sites 2,3,4,6,&7 have direct access to a playground& you can watch your children from your site," advises a camper at Tippecanoe River. Similarly, "All the interior sites by comfort station B have direct access to the playground from your site & you can watch your children from your site. Avoid if you dislike the sound of children playing."
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events for children. At Michigan City Campground, one visitor noted, "Great spot for families... pool, playground, clubhouse, store. Very close quarters camping. Friendly." Another camper mentioned scheduled activities include "tractor ride, kids bingo, and elephant ears" at Maple Ridge Campground.
Consider glamping options: For less rustic accommodations near Monterey, Indiana, modern glamping facilities provide comfort for families. The upscale accommodations at Morels on the Wabash include features like "a hot tub available for soaking" after a day of outdoor activities, offering a more comfortable alternative for families with young children or those new to camping.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many state parks offer electric only. "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," warns an RVer at Potato Creek State Park. Another notes, "There's 2 sides at the dump station. Get water before setting up at the water station after the small gatehouse."
Cell service varies: Coverage differs significantly between carriers. "I have AT&T service and could not use my phone at all, my husband has Verizon and had no problems with cell service," reports a visitor to Tippecanoe River State Park. This pattern holds true across several nearby campgrounds.
Site selection for big rigs: Larger RVs should target specific areas. "Site 58 is the only pull through in the campground," notes a visitor describing Tippecanoe River. At Michigan City Campground, one RVer recommended "90ft premium pull through spot. Nice campground that is maintained," indicating suitable options for larger vehicles.
