Tent campsites near North Judson, Indiana offer access to the Kankakee River basin, a region characterized by wetlands, oak savannas, and prairie remnants. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching into the 90s and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region are within 90 minutes of North Judson, requiring advance planning for weekend visits.
What to do
Water activities at French Post Park: Located along the Wabash River, this tent camping area provides direct water access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. According to Sammii D., "They have a tent camping section in one area with rooms to leave cars. A boat camp right into the water. A playground." The park offers relatively easy water access compared to other campgrounds in the region.
Hiking at Camp Shabbona Woods: Despite its urban setting, this campground connects to several forest preserve trails suitable for day hikes. Scott M. notes, "Camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping." The trails are generally flat and well-marked, making them appropriate for beginners and families.
Beach access near Central Avenue sites: The walk-in tent sites provide beach access opportunities along Lake Michigan. Campers should plan for a moderate hike between their campsite and the shoreline. Don W. mentions, "The walk to the beach was not too long. Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail."
What campers like
Privacy at tent sites: The walk-in nature of certain campgrounds creates better separation between sites. At Central Avenue Walk-in Sites, campers appreciate the layout. Don W. explains, "It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. You have to walk all the way down and take a left before you find sites 5, 4, 3, and 2 in that order."
Beginner-friendly setup: The tent camping options near North Judson include several sites designed for those new to camping. French Post Park receives praise for its accessibility to newcomers, with Sammii D. describing it as "a beginner place to go camping. Easy for families with young kids."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance stands out as a positive feature at several locations. Jeffrey L. comments on Camp Shabbona Woods: "The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly." Similarly, at Central Avenue, campers note clean campsites as a benefit.
What you should know
Gate closures affect access: Some campgrounds implement security measures that may impact late arrivals. At Camp Shabbona Woods, Jeffrey L. reports, "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok." Plan arrival times accordingly to avoid complications.
Urban proximity creates noise: The closer tent sites are to developed areas, the more ambient noise campers should expect. Jeffrey L. observed at Camp Shabbona Woods: "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background."
Limited shade at newer sites: Some camping areas feature young trees that haven't yet matured enough to provide significant shade. Scott M. notes about Camp Shabbona Woods: "The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated family amenities: Several tent campsites near North Judson feature facilities specifically designed for children. Campside Michigan offers both tent and cabin options with picnic tables and dedicated recreation areas, making it suitable for groups with children.
Choose campgrounds with playground access: For families needing to keep children entertained, select sites with built-in play areas. French Post Park provides playground equipment alongside tent camping areas, as Sammii D. describes: "They have a tent camping section in one area with rooms to leave cars. A playground. A shelter with plenty of picnic tables to have a fairly large gathering."
Consider proximity to bathrooms: When camping with children, tent sites closer to restroom facilities reduce nighttime treks. The layout of Camp Shabbona Woods places bathroom facilities within reasonable distance of all campsites, with Jeffrey L. noting that "the bathroom are in good shape."
Tips from RVers
Most tent-focused campgrounds lack hookups: RV campers should note that many sites prioritize tent camping with minimal services for larger vehicles. Jeffrey L. points out about Camp Shabbona Woods: "No electric or water hook ups can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite."
Vehicle parking restrictions apply: At walk-in tent sites, RVs and larger vehicles must typically remain in designated parking areas. These restrictions vary by location but generally limit vehicle proximity to actual campsites at places like Camp Shabbona Woods and Central Avenue Walk-in Sites.
Consider tent platforms as alternatives: When traditional RV spots aren't available, some campgrounds offer tent platforms as an option for RVers looking to camp outside their vehicle. This allows access to campgrounds that might otherwise be inaccessible to larger rigs.
