Tent camping options near Notre Dame, Indiana include a mix of smaller family-owned campgrounds and established KOA facilities within 30-40 miles of campus. The region sits near the southern shore of Lake Michigan with sandy terrain and wooded areas typical of the Great Lakes region. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during camping season, with cooler nights dropping to the 50s even in July.
What to do
Blueberry picking adventures: During summer months at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, campers can pick fresh blueberries right on the property. "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!" reports Cindy B.
Lake Michigan beach trips: Beaches are just a short drive from most campgrounds in the region. "Only a 20 min drive from South Haven's beautiful beaches!" notes Hannah S. about Covert/South Haven KOA. Many campers use their tent sites as a base camp for day trips to Lake Michigan.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing on smaller lakes. At Shady Point Campground, Nicole P. found it "sits on Bair Lake and was great for swimming." Sites are often within walking distance of lake access points where campers can fish for bass and panfish.
What campers like
Family-focused amenities: Kids activities are abundant at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, where Jennifer W. appreciated that "the kids loved the jumping pillow, pool, and nightly tractor-pull train. Bathrooms were clean and conveniently located."
Tent-specific areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated tent camping sections. At Sweet Cherry Resort, "tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots," according to Alyssa, providing separation from RV areas.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and shower facilities are consistently mentioned in reviews. At Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, Melissa B. noted "bathrooms/showers are NICE! And it's only 10-15 minutes from the beach in south Haven."
Convenient supplies: Many campgrounds offer on-site stores with camping essentials. At Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, Monica R. found "the store has everything you could need and if they don't, there is a gas station right outside of entrance."
What you should know
Seasonal popularity: Summer weekends fill quickly at campgrounds near Notre Dame, especially during football season and graduation weekends. Reservations are essential from May through September.
Terrain variations: Most tent sites feature sandy soil typical of the Lake Michigan region. Some areas can become muddy after rain, with Devina M. advising about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday: "Bring rain boots for mud!"
Walk-in requirements: At Central Avenue Walk-in Sites in Indiana Dunes National Park, be prepared to carry gear from parking areas. Don W. notes "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."
Site sizes: Many campgrounds have modest-sized tent sites. Lori S. observed at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday that there are "small sites, lots of people" though the "camp hosts were fantastic."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-rich campgrounds: When selecting the best tent camping near Notre Dame with children, look for scheduled programming. At Campside Michigan, families enjoy organized weekend activities designed specifically for children.
Pool access: Swimming pools provide entertainment for kids when not exploring nearby attractions. At Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, Amy J. appreciates the "heated pool and lots of activities for kids."
Cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins offer a comfortable introduction. Sarah P. reported about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday: "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."
Tips from RVers
Hybrid camping options: Some tent campers travel with RV friends or family. At Shady Point Campground, Sharlyn O. notes both tent and RV camping worked well: "Was in a pull behind. Everything was easy and calm. Kids loves it. No problems."
Shuttle services: For campers bringing kayaks or canoes, Pigeon River State Fish and Wildlife Area offers convenient water access. Whitley K. mentions "Shuttle service offered for short or long kayak trips... The shuttle service is convenient and not overly expensive."
Site selection considerations: When tent camping at primarily RV-oriented campgrounds, request sites away from large rigs. RV sites often have more level ground but less shade than dedicated tent areas.