Best Tent Camping near Ogden Dunes, IN
Tent camping options near Ogden Dunes, Indiana include several primitive sites within reasonable driving distance. Indiana Dunes National Park offers Central Avenue Walk-in Sites, providing tent-only camping with toilet facilities but no drinking water or electric hookups. The walk-in tent sites require hiking in with gear and are reservable, making advance planning essential for weekend visits during peak seasons.
Walk-in tent sites at Central Avenue provide privacy and seclusion from neighboring campers. The sites require carrying equipment from the parking area along trails, with site 1 positioned at the front of the trail while sites 2-5 require walking farther and taking a left turn to access. The tent camping area features basic toilets but lacks amenities like showers, picnic tables, or drinking water. One camper noted that "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."
Tent campers seeking alternatives can consider Davis Creek Campground at Kankakee River State Park in Illinois, approximately 60 miles southwest of Ogden Dunes. This established campground offers reservable tent sites with toilet facilities and drinking water. While accessible via walk-in, the campground prohibits fires and alcohol. The location provides scenic surroundings with river access. Campers should note that gates at some regional campgrounds like Camp Shabbona Woods may close after certain hours, restricting late-night arrivals. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many local tent campgrounds have an "open, scenic" quality with "good access to water," though urban sounds may be noticeable at sites closer to developed areas.
