Best Tent Camping near South Bend, IN

Looking for the best South Bend tent camping? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near South Bend, including sites, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Indiana camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near South Bend, IN (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday

    1. Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday

    13 Reviews
    12 Photos
    64 Saves
    Watervliet, Michigan

    This family-owned, nationally recognized, award-winning KOA is the closed to beautiful Lake Michigan, providing guests with top-notch services, amenities and unrivaled proximity to nearby beaches, orchards, vineyards, kayaking rivers and other popular attractions. The parklike setting features mature trees with a canopy of trees, paved roads and well maintained grounds with a peaceful atmosphere that makes this the best place to be. The attentive, friendly team will meet and exceed your expectations, whether you stay in a tent, an RV or one of the 20 lodging options including Camping Cabins, Deluxe Cabins and Glamping tents. Enjoy the heated pool, Jumping Pillow, fishing pond, bike rentals, mini golf, playground, Gem mining, cable TV, Wi-Fi, wooded nature trail, general store and Campfire Café serving Hunt Brothers pizza. Planned activities and themed weekends held throughout the summer.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $60 - $120 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

    2. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

    17 Reviews
    77 Photos
    97 Saves
    Covert, Michigan

    Vacation close to the shore of the Great Lakes when you stay at our campground in Covert, Michigan. Make memories lounging on the sandy shores, exploring downtown attractions, touring lighthouses and splashing in the ocean waves. Covert / South Haven KOA Holiday is also near Silver Beach County Park, named one of the top 10 beaches in the United States.

    Our RV Sites offer peaceful locations to gather for family activities around the campfire and enjoy a delicious BBQ and s'mores, take part in a card game or watch the activities on the lake. Traditional tent camping provides an outdoorsy experience with stargazing and falling asleep to the sound of nature. The luxury of Deluxe Cabins offers a glamping experience with cozy beds, air conditioning, restrooms and kitchen options. Our RV SitesTent SitesDeluxe Cabins, Glamping Tents, and Camping Cabins also all include Wi-Fi access, so you can stay connected with faraway friends and share your fantastic trip photos with them. Tents are not allowed on RV sites, shade canopy is okay.

    Ready to plan your trip camping in South Haven, Michigan? Call 269-764-0818 or reserve your site online today! Your adventure awaits.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Point Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Point Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Point Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Point Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Point Campground

    3. Shady Point Campground

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    16 Saves
    Vandalia, Michigan
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park

    4. Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park

    1 Review
    10 Photos
    26 Saves
    Beverly Shores, Indiana

    Overview

    Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres (6070 ha) will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles (80 km) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.

    Recreation

    There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes.__ As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.

    Facilities

    There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes.__ As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.

    Natural Features

    Indiana Dunes National Park is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national park features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology. In addition, four National Natural Landmarks (including Pinhook Bog and Cowles Bog ) and one National Historical Landmark (the Bailly Homestead) are located within its boundaries.____ The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource.__ For more information on our natural features visit the Nature and Science page on the park website.

    Nearby Attractions

    Central Avenue Beach on Lake Michigan is located nearby, less than 5,000 feet (1524 m) from the campground. Several other national park beaches are within easy driving distance. A gas station / convenience store is located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of the campground on U.S. Highway 12. The Beverly Shores South Shore Railroad station with passenger service to Chicago and South Bend is located on Broadway Avenue. Indiana Dunes Tourism and LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau have lists of other activities in the area.

    Charges & Cancellations

    A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (camping reservations cancelled the day before or day of arrival) incur a $10 cancellation fee plus a forfeiture of the first night's use fee.__ For more information please review Recreation.gov's Rules and Reservations Policies.__

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Toilets

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Cherry Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Cherry Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Cherry Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Sweet Cherry Resort

    5. Sweet Cherry Resort

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    41 Saves
    Watervliet, Michigan
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $20 / night

    • No image available
      • No image available

        7. Goff Lake Campground

        Be the first to review!
        4 Saves
        Marcellus, Michigan
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • No image available
          • No image available
            Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower Farm Camping
            Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower Farm Camping
            Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower Farm Camping
            Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower Farm Camping
            Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower Farm Camping
            Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower Farm Camping

            10. Sunflower Farm Camping

            Be the first to review!
            23 Photos
            2 Saves
            South Haven, Michigan

            Nestled in our 8 acres of heavily wooded trails are our four beautiful campsites. Pet friendly, secured for safety and parking for your vehicle with security camera. We offer additional amenities such as firewood, cooked breakfast, ice, and much more. Start a fire and let's relax! Just 3 miles from the beach and downtown South Haven. Flushing toilet. Each site has its own fire pit.

            • Pets
            • Fires
            • Phone Service
            • Reservable
            • ADA Access
            • Tents

            $20 - $30 / night

          Show More
          Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

          Recent Tent Reviews in South Bend

          689 Reviews of 10 South Bend Campgrounds


          • Erin A.
            Camper-submitted photo from Tippecanoe River Run
            Nov. 3, 2024

            Tippecanoe River Run

            DO NOT CAMP HERE

            Horrible owners, non functioning electric and sewer. Please see my detailed Google review for more information.

          • A
            Camper-submitted photo from Warren Dunes State Park Campground
            Oct. 22, 2024

            Warren Dunes State Park Campground

            Great for short stay

            I’m very familiar with Warren Dunes but this was my first time camping here. Great walks and hikes and the short drive to the beach is a plus. The sites aren’t too private and can fill up quickly. The bathrooms were clean and stocked. I read lots of reviews about the noise from the road and nearby highway and I didn’t think it would bother me, but I was wrong. I wish I had some ear plugs because I had difficulty falling asleep. Overall great place, especially for beginner campers as there is a small onsite store for camp basics. Three stars due to noise and not much privacy.

          • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Elkhart County Fairgrounds
            Oct. 6, 2024

            Elkhart County Fairgrounds

            Worked for What We Needed

            You use Gate 2 to get to the registration office. Check-in was quick and we proceeded to back-in site 444 with FHUs. Our back-in should have been smooth but we were out of practice. The utilities are at the far end of the sites. In most areas, the sites back up to each other and share a utility post(separate outlets for each site) and share the water spigot. As we had come out of the Brinkley Service Center, we did not need to dump. If we had hooked up sewer, we would have needed about 25’ of hose to reach a hole in the ground(no screw in adapter). Water pressure was okay depending on if both rigs are pulling water. They have wifi(4H Public) that was pretty good but there were not many rigs in the fairgrounds. We have 4 bars on Verizon. If you are allergic to train noise, this is not your place as trains run all day, all night, at regular intervals, and the tracks are adjacent to the FHU campground(CG) areas. Sites are quite close together but far enough that you can get your awnings out. As this CG was near the Brinkley Service Center and they had to come back out to us to finish repairs, this place worked for us. We would stay here again if we come back for service center work. They are very flexible with cancellations/reservation changes as they realize the majority of people are here for RV service.

          • Amy S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
            Oct. 5, 2024

            Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

            Safe and comfortable campground

            Convenient to Indiana dunes, each site is easily accessible and spacious. The facilities are fairly clean and showers are available though we didn’t use them. Would recommend as a stop over. As a solo female traveler I felt safe.

          • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Elkhart County Fairgrounds
            Sep. 25, 2024

            Elkhart County Fairgrounds

            Area Convenient and Clean

            Elkhart County 4-h Fairgrounds: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

            (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

            Overall Rating: 4 for access to the area, very clean facilities, and not too many campers thus time of year.
            Price 2024: $35 for water/electric only. Security: No Usage during visit: Very light Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: none Site Spacing: very close Pad surface: our area was grass Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet except for one day of motorcycle raises at the nearby track.
            Outside Road Noise: Not most sites Through Traffic in campground: Some for activities at the fairground Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: some sites Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At sites Bathroom: Very nice flush toilets Showers: yes Pull Throughs: Yes Cell Service (AT&T): Varied throughout campground Setting: open grass fields around very well manicured county fairground. Recent Weather: 70s and rain. Insects:None Host: I am not sure.
            Rig Size: Large Sites: full hookups and water/electric only

          • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Shipshewana Campground South Park
            Sep. 4, 2024

            Shipshewana Campground South Park

            Okay Stay

            We took I-80 all the way to near Shipshewana where the roads took us about 7 miles into the campground (CG). Check-in was quick and easy because we had paid ahead online. We proceeded to pull through site 37 with FHUs. The utilities were in the center, which made it nice to dump our two black tanks in order to go to the Brinkley Service Center the next morning. Water pressure was good at about 50 psi. It was nice that the utilities were on the center of the pad. We got 4 bars on Verizon. If we wanted to put out satellite, we could have as there are not many trees in the central area to block the signal. We tried to sign into the free Wifi with no luck. The website wanted us to sign up for paid internet, which we did not do. The sites in the CG are for the most part very close together. We were here overnight to take our rig into Goshen for warranty work. Coming from the West, stay on I-80 to IN-13(exit 107) as it makes for an easier route than on the local roads versus following your GPS or Waze which may have you exit off in Elkhart. Check out the great selections at Yoder's Meat& Cheese just down the road. This CG was okay for an overnighter or short stay.

          • Wendy F.
            Camper-submitted photo from Eden Springs Park Campground
            Aug. 6, 2024

            Eden Springs Park Campground

            Shady level sites, plenty of space

            Great place for a few days, nice location and close to everything you'll need. Sites were shady, grass and gravel, level and plenty of space in between you and your neighbors. Lots to check out, historical area with lots to learn and see. Train rides on the weekends. Dog stations everywhere, super clean and well kept bathrooms and grounds. Great stay

          • M
            Camper-submitted photo from Warren Dunes State Park Campground
            Jul. 23, 2024

            Warren Dunes State Park Campground

            Great place to stay for a few days!

            Stayed for 3 days/2 nights. Place was a little crowded, but once it got dark it was quiet and peaceful. Most spots were fairly out in the open, but we had a nice spot with a few trees hiding us on 3 sides and not too far from water or bathroom trail. Bathrooms were decent and we liked the private showers, warm water!

            Overall, great walking paths, hiking and the beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!

            The only major downfall was the price of everything at the little store. $6 for an ice cream sandwich!?! No thanks! However, be sure to visit The Beach Bucket for your ice cream cravings on those hot days!! They also have firewood which burned so much better than what the camp store offered.

          • Kenda A.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Tippecanoe River State Park Campground
            Jul. 22, 2024

            Tippecanoe River State Park Campground

            Friendly park security

            We arrived late, and the friendly park security directed us to the campground.

            The vault toilets were acceptably clean. Spots were close to the river. The campground has cabins, trails for hiking and horseback riding.

            As other reviews have stated….the mosquitoes are prolific and abundant! We left early.

          • JThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Covert Park Beach & Campground
            Jul. 18, 2024

            Covert Park Beach & Campground

            Great experience

            The camp is under new management and they are friendly and welcoming. I had no issues during my 1 night stay. The camp store is well stocked, and has firewood at a good price.

          • c
            Camper-submitted photo from Covert Park Beach & Campground
            Jul. 11, 2024

            Covert Park Beach & Campground

            Really nice

            Saw that prior new mgmt wasn’t great but I had never been here before and read reviews—-there is now new New mgmt in 2024 and I thought they were great hosts! I will be back for some beach yoga.

          • Rebekah J.
            Camper-submitted photo from Warren Dunes State Park Campground
            Jul. 11, 2024

            Warren Dunes State Park Campground

            Lots of road noise and LOTS of mosquitoes

            Stayed at site 201 at the Hildebrandt campground. Sites are smallish. Most sites have some shade, but little privacy in between. The scenery wasnt that great, mostly vine like trees you'd see in a flood plain. The water pump was out during our stay and needed to go to the station near the modern campground.

            We were scheduled to stay for 3d/2n but plans changed due to weather from hurricane beryl. It started to rain in the first evening and we had a mini creek running through our site. With the amount of rain projected to be on its way we could only imagine it being completely flooded.

            Mosquitoes were awful even before the rain. Vault toilets were well taken care of.

            If you want quite or the sound of nature, this campground is not for you. You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night. The general store near the campground entrance is a nice convenience if you forgot something or need ice/fire wood.

            It is wonderful though how close the Campground are to Lake Michigan/warren dunes, which is why we stayed.

          • Joe A.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ruperts Resort Campground
            Jul. 7, 2024

            Ruperts Resort Campground

            Very nice and enjoyable place keep things simple and fun cheap too easy on the money 💰

            Nobody complaining it's big enough if you want to be loud late you can the people that have a rv all year round are all nice and cool I ran in to just about every one all nice I recommend Ruperts resort in Indiana Plymouth 😉 they have showers and restrooms too if it's raining they have huge spots to go out of the rain you can bring corn hole or any game you like to bring plus more than I can say 4th July was grrreeat!

          • j S.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Tippecanoe River Run
            Jun. 29, 2024

            Tippecanoe River Run

            Very quiet, nice place, stargazing was better than expected

            Online reservations is a bit confusing. Map designated tent sites with numbers. When you book campsites they have letters with no map or site pics. You have to book a site but it says first come first serve. Good place for fishing from bank and launching kayak, canoes.

          • D G.
            Camper-submitted photo from Warren Dunes State Park Campground
            Jun. 24, 2024

            Warren Dunes State Park Campground

            Better for a Day Trip

            Went with my in laws who have a camper (I typically camp rustic). The site we were at was smaller and narrow. There was also a lot of noise from the I-94 freeway nearby while trying to sleep.

            While the hiking was good and the beach beautiful, they don’t allow alcohol which is my favorite post hike/beach activity.

            Overall I’d do a day trip for the hiking and beach, but stay elsewhere.

          • JThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Warren Dunes State Park Campground
            Jun. 13, 2024

            Warren Dunes State Park Campground

            Excellent park

            While, this state park seems relatively small. The spaces are very big. They have a great little general store. The beach is just down the drive. Mood is mellow and relaxing place. Small con-a little bit of flooding. Despite other reviews online no radiation from the nuclear power plant.

          • BThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Weko Beach Campground
            Jun. 12, 2024

            Weko Beach Campground

            Campground review

            The sites are randomly laid out and on top of each other. The bathhouse looked bad. You could hike the wooden walkway trails over the dunes easily. Pay to park public beach was very close.the beach area was very nice. Campground was not.

          • BThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Warren Dunes State Park Campground
            Jun. 12, 2024

            Warren Dunes State Park Campground

            Near the dunes and a nice public beach

            This campground is a place to stay while you visit the huge dunes. Developed sites are very small and close together. Sand/grass pads that are not defined. Undeveloped or tent area was almost empty and bigger but no electric. Cabin area has best sites. Cabins are small. Limited toilets. Public beach was nice...quite a few people. Separate area for dogs to play on the beach. Hike the dunes for a great workout

          • k
            Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hills Campground at Bass Lake
            Jun. 1, 2024

            Hickory Hills Campground at Bass Lake

            AWFUL!

            We just went there last night and woke up came home immediately! There was nothing to do at all! A run down park, lake and sites. There was boards with nails just laying all around the park. Not to mention the park was falling apart. It was more of a trailer park than a camping site. The garbage can was overflowing all over the ground. We payed for 2 nights and owner never got back to me to get our money back for tonight! Would not recommend one bit.

          • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Shipshewana North Park Campground
            May. 30, 2024

            Shipshewana North Park Campground

            North Shipshewana

            This is a nice campground for visiting Shipshewana, the restrooms and showers are just inside a “sitting room “ and they’re clean and modern. You can listen to the clopping of horse hooves as the Amish buggies go by, unfortunately there is also some traffic noise. The other reviewer must have been at the campground next to the flea market because this campground has trees and no way resembles a fairground site.


          Drive Time


          Guide to South Bend

          Tent camping near South Bend, Indiana offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. With well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

          Tent campers appreciate these amenities

          • Shady Point Campground provides essential amenities like drinking water, showers, and sanitary dump stations, making it a convenient choice for families.
          • Lakeside Campground features electric hookups and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay for tent campers.
          • Sweet Cherry Resort offers clean showers and a market on-site, perfect for stocking up on supplies during your camping trip.

          Tips for tent camping near South Bend

          Tent campers should check out family-friendly activities

          • Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday offers a range of activities for kids, including movie nights and crafts, making it a great choice for families.
          • At Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, enjoy amenities like a splash pad and jumping pillow, ensuring fun for the whole family.
          • American Campground features a welcoming atmosphere and is perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy nature with loved ones.

          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular tent campsite near South Bend, IN?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near South Bend, IN is Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.

          • What is the best site to find tent camping near South Bend, IN?

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