Tent camping near Somerset, Indiana offers primitive and established sites within a 50-mile radius of the town. Nestled within the rolling hills of central Indiana, these campgrounds provide access to several waterways including the Wabash River and various lakes. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with humidity levels that peak in July and August.
What to do
Fishing at nearby lakes: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort provides tent sites with lake access. According to one visitor, "The lake is fabulous, but there didn't seem to be too many fish available for catching!! Pretty place and fun for a laid back place to stay."
Visit local attractions: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort serves as a convenient base for day trips. One camper notes, "This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum."
Boat access camping: Clovis Creek offers 20 tent sites including boat-in access options for water recreation enthusiasts. The campground provides firewood on-site, enabling campers to plan water-based activities without carrying extra supplies.
What campers like
Beginner-friendly setup: French Post Park features a layout that separates camping from parking areas. The park includes a playground and shelter with multiple picnic tables that can accommodate "a fairly large gathering," according to one reviewer.
Short-term stays: Campgrounds near Somerset work well for weekend trips. One camper at Pine Lake noted it was "fun for a laid back place to stay. I wouldn't recommend it for long term."
Accessibility to urban areas: The camping options provide natural settings within reasonable driving distance to larger cities. River Camp Fort Wayne, located approximately 90 miles from Somerset, appears to offer this balance according to preliminary visitor feedback.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds in the area require advance booking. At French Post Park, "You need to call to make reservations from the town."
Limited amenities: River Camp Fort Wayne and other area campgrounds typically lack drinking water, showers, and electrical hookups. Campers must bring sufficient water and supplies for their stay.
Seasonal considerations: While Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort operates year-round, most tent camping areas in the region have limited seasonal availability. Weather conditions become less favorable for tent camping from late October through April, with average overnight temperatures frequently dropping below 40°F.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with play areas: French Post Park offers features specifically for younger campers. One reviewer described it as "Easy for families with young kids. They have a tent camping section in one area with rooms to leave cars. A boat camp right into the water. A playground."
Plan short stays: Harper Lake Campground and other options near Somerset work best for families planning 1-3 night stays due to limited facilities. These shorter trips provide an introduction to camping without overwhelming children with extended primitive conditions.
Pack extra recreation equipment: Most campgrounds in the area have open spaces suitable for outdoor games and activities, but minimal structured recreation. Bringing sports equipment, water toys, and nature exploration kits helps keep children engaged during downtime at camp.
Tips from RVers
Consider tent-only areas: Most RV campers near Somerset find better options at larger, more developed campgrounds with full hookups. The tent-focused campgrounds mentioned previously typically lack the infrastructure needed for comfortable RV camping.
Alternative accommodations: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort offers cabins, yurts, and glamping options for those seeking more shelter than standard tent camping provides, without requiring an RV.
Seasonal availability: Winter camping opportunities remain limited near Somerset for both tent and RV campers, with Pine Lake being one of few year-round options. Most campgrounds focus primarily on the May through September season.
