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Best Tent Camping near New Carlisle, IN

686 Reviews

Tent campers visiting New Carlisle, Indiana have access to several established campgrounds within driving distance. Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park offers secluded tent camping experiences approximately 20 miles from New Carlisle. Campside Michigan and Sweet Cherry Resort also provide tent accommodations for campers willing to travel slightly farther, with both sites featuring walk-in tent locations set back from parking areas.

Walk-in tent sites in the area typically require campers to park in designated areas and carry gear a short distance to their campsite. At Central Avenue Walk-in Sites, the terrain consists of natural forest floor with minimal site development, providing a more primitive camping experience. Most tent campgrounds near New Carlisle maintain basic toilet facilities, though amenities vary considerably. Sweet Cherry Resort offers more developed facilities including drinking water, showers, and trash collection, while the walk-in sites at Indiana Dunes provide a more rustic experience with only basic toilet access. Fire restrictions vary by location, with some sites permitting campfires in designated rings only.

The walk-in tent sites at Indiana Dunes National Park provide campers with a secluded forest experience and convenient beach access. Sites are positioned at varying distances from the access trail, with Site 1 located at the front of the trail and sites 2-5 requiring a longer walk to reach. This layout creates natural spacing between campsites, enhancing privacy. The walk to Lake Michigan beaches is relatively short, allowing tent campers to enjoy both forest and shoreline environments during their stay. According to one visitor, "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."

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Best Tent Sites Near New Carlisle, Indiana (10)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near New Carlisle, IN

15 Photos of 10 New Carlisle Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near New Carlisle, IN

686 Reviews of 10 New Carlisle 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.
    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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

Guide to New Carlisle

Cabin options near New Carlisle, Indiana range from rustic to comfort-oriented facilities within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences Midwestern seasonal variations with humid summers and cold winters, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season. Cabins typically require advance reservations with some locations booking 3-6 months ahead during peak summer weekends.

What to do

**Water activities: Families staying at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday enjoy proximity to Lake Michigan beaches. "Very close to Lake Michigan and the beach!" reports Katie S., who appreciated the balance between camping amenities and shoreline access.

**Fruit picking: During summer months, several campgrounds offer seasonal fruit harvesting. At Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, campers can enjoy the unique experience of picking their own fruit. "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!" notes Cindy B.

**Fishing: Multiple camping areas provide fishing opportunities within easy access. "On site fishing ponds are catch and release with lots of active fish to enjoy," says Kerry T. about the well-maintained fishing facilities at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday.

What campers like

**Clean facilities: Many reviewers highlight the maintenance standards at cabin campgrounds in the region. At Sweet Cherry Resort, Alyssa noted, "Showers and bathrooms were clean. Pool looked nice. Best part is that it's a 3 minute drive to a public beach with great swimming and a beautiful sunset."

**Kid-friendly amenities: Family accommodations feature prominently in the best tent camping near New Carlisle, Indiana. "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," according to Melissa B.'s experience at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday.

**Cabin comfort levels: Accommodations range from basic to well-appointed. Sarah P. stayed at Shady Point Campground and found the experience comfortable: "Family spent 4 nights here and the staff was extremely accommodating. This is a campground that is mostly seasonal campers. It had playgrounds and basketball court and a small 'game' room."

What you should know

**Seasonal variations: Many cabin facilities operate on limited schedules. Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday runs from "May 1 to October 12," allowing guests to experience the full summer season but closing for winter months.

**Site spacing considerations: Campsite layout varies significantly between locations. At Lakeside Campground, Noel L. found that "Campground is all seasonal campers now. Owners were super nice and found room for us for one night layover," indicating potential space limitations for short-term visitors.

**Terrain differences: Camping surfaces range from grassy clearings to wooded settings. Sweet Cherry Resort offers a distinctive setup where "Tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots," according to Alyssa's review.

Tips for camping with families

**Activity planning: Look for campgrounds with structured children's programming. "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," notes Cassie B. about the family offerings at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA.

**Campground size considerations: Smaller properties offer safety advantages for families with young children. Melissa B. appreciated that Covert/South Haven KOA is "Not too big, very clean and well taken care of. Bathrooms/showers are NICE! And it's only 10-15 minutes from the beach in south Haven-beautiful!"

**Cabin selection strategy: Evaluate space needs carefully when booking accommodations. "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," shared Sarah P. about her family's stay at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA.

Tips from RVers

**Weather preparedness: The region occasionally experiences severe weather. At Campside Michigan, staff prioritize camper safety during storms. One visitor to a nearby KOA noted, "A tornado passed within a mile or so of the campground and the employees were out within minutes to make sure everyone was o.k."

**Site selection: Choose locations based on specific needs and preferences. "We camp here every year with our family since it is perfectly halfway between us, in Michigan, and my family in Chicago. The kids love the activities and the pool and my family who are not necessarily 'outdoorsy' love that they can sleep in an air conditioned cabin with cable!" explains Lisa P. about making Covert/South Haven KOA their regular meeting spot.

**Seasonal timing: Late summer offers unique advantages for cabin camping near New Carlisle. Amy J. recommends visiting Covert/South Haven KOA during blueberry season: "This campground never disappoints. Heated pool and lots of activities for kids. Camp with blueberries right outside your door!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near New Carlisle, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near New Carlisle, IN is Campside Michigan with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near New Carlisle, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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