Top Tent Camping near Wakarusa, IN
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Wakarusa? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Wakarusa. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Wakarusa campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Wakarusa, IN (10)
1. Shady Point Campground
2 Reviews•5 Photos•16 Saves- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Coloma-St. Joseph KOA
13 Reviews•12 Photos•64 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
5. Lakeside Campground
Be the first to review!•1 Save- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
7. Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
1 Review•10 Photos•24 SavesOverview
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
8. Goff Lake Campground
Be the first to review!•4 Saves- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews In Wakarusa
474 Reviews of 10 Wakarusa Campgrounds
- Erin A.
Scout
Tippecanoe River Run
DO NOT CAMP HERE
Horrible owners, non functioning electric and sewer. Please see my detailed Google review for more information.
- AAlexandra S.Scout
Warren Dunes State Park
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.
Brian O.
Legend
Chain O' Lakes State Park
Idyllic small location, deserves higher review
Little four site camping area on the shore of Rivir Lake (not a typo). It can be accessed either by parking and walking in on the wide, well tended trail (#4 on maps) of by boating. The nearest boat launch is Miller lake, a mile west. Sites 3 & 4 are right on the lake with the best access, Sites 1 & 2 are across the trail which is along a raised berm with a bridge over the passage to Mud Lake.
I'd give this a higher review, but most people wouldn't appreciate the primitiveness of the sites. It's distance from most amenities could be a turn off, but also could be perfect for others- Brian O.Legend
Chain O' Lakes State Park
Can be crowded, but a good park overall
We were a bit surprised that despite having a paid reservation , we still had to pay a $20 Day usage fee to enter the park, but no matter. This is a sprawling and sometimes confusing campground to find your way in. But the sites are generally shady if a bit close together. There are five facilities with showers and running water and six pit toilets. drinking water is accessible throughout the park.
The majority of sites have six person tables, though some, especially in the new 385-416 loop have little four person tables. These are also the least shaded.
Campground and facilities are clean and well maintained.
The General Store is one of the most impressively well stocked I have ever seen. Equipment, toys, tools, food souvenirs, you name it. Good dry firewood is $6.50 a bundle in the store, $7 on the honor system after hours. It burns fast, so you might want to buy more than you think. The store is open until 9:00 Friday & Saturday, but only 2;PM on Sunday and never on Monday. Keep that in mind if you're doing a 3-day weekend as we did. When checking out, look up to see the beautiful wooden canoe with wildlife inlaid wood.
Fire pits are mostly round iron with non-adjustable swing-away grills. Booking is through Indiana DNR/ Reserve America so you can see photos of the site you pick.
This was our second experience with an Indiana state park, and like our first (Pokagon, in the winter) we were impressed with the clear marking of the hiking trails (and canoe trail for that matter) there was a map and guidepost at every junction.
There's a beach, concession stand and boat rentals on Sand lake, the Park's largest. Lastly, there's a fish cleaning shed with running water outside the campground entrance that anyone in the park can use, something I wish more parks would provide. 
KrisScout
Blue Lake Campground
Great place
Blue Lake Resort is a hidden gem for campers! The serene atmosphere and beautiful lake views make it a perfect getaway. The amenities are well-maintained, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. I particularly enjoyed the fishing opportunities and the peaceful nature trails nearby. I actually recently wrote an essay about the natural beauty of Indiana for my geography class, and it was really great to have the helpfull resource https://stateofwriting.com/uk/geography-writing-service. They have some great guides and tips for geography essays.
Definitely a place I’d recommend for families and nature lovers!
- CCliff F.Scout
Chain O'lakes State Park Dispersed Campsite
Hidden Gem
Great camping level site.
MickandKarla W.Legend
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.
Skip C.
Traveler
Shamrock Park
The river
Not much to do in surrounding area, but a local get away for us
- Michelle A.Scout
Stickley Family Farms
Down load of map went great
I'm going soon I will update as I go.
Wendy F.
Guide
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
- MMelanie M.Traveler
Warren Dunes State Park
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.Guide
Tippecanoe River State Park
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.
Rebekah J.GuideWarren Dunes State Park
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.Scout
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.GuideTippecanoe 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.GuideWarren Dunes State Park
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.
- JJ L.Guide
Warren Dunes State Park
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.
- BBethGuide
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.
- BBethGuide
Warren Dunes State Park
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
MargieScoutTippecanoe River Run
wonderful peacful camping
we love this campground! very peaceful friendly campground!
- kkayla D.Scout
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.
- SScott B.Guide
Chain O' Lakes State Park
Nice but older
Our site was 21 inches unloved from front to back and 7 inches down on the passenger side! With poison oak all over the back of our site so bring a lot of leveling block and no kids! Other that that it was a decent park with lots of activities but a very hard campsite to navigate and a busy weekend forget about dumping lol your gonna be there a while. Also no Verizon signal but our friend had T-Mobile and he was ok signal.
- ffred F.Traveler
Crooked Creek Campground and Cabins
Nice first experience
We reserved a spot roughly a month in advance and really enjoyed our spot. Had partial shade and picnic table at our site. The bathrooms/showers were large and private (one occupant at a time). River access at this campground so you can kayak about 5 hours to the public access and drive back. Or you can also rent kayaks near the public access and they will transport for you.
Joel K.GuideTippecanoe River State Park
Very good state park and cabin campground
We visited this park twice (once in Sept 2020 and again in June 2021). Both times we stayed in the cabin campground and both times had very good experiences. Each time we went mid-week so there was hardly anyone else there, and that was great. The cabins are small but perfectly fine for our group with two bunk beds, a small loft, and a small table inside. They have electricity so charging phones and devices is not a problem. Cabins 4 and 5 are up this small driveway and are slightly separated and I would recommend those if you can. We never had to go to "town" so not sure how far it is to any stores.
Each time we rented a canoe and did a paddle/float trip on the river that ended at the canoe rental location. Would not hesitate to stay here again.
ssarahkat999ScoutFullers Resort and Campground on Clear Lake
Peaceful lake camping
It's set on a beautiful man made lake. There is no big waves to worry about on clear lake. Kiddos can catch minnows in calf deep water at the beach. The campsites are beautiful. I suggest the ones up the hill on your right when you enter. The ones that you drive down the hill to have more mosquitos. Karaoke every Saturday in the barn is fun for everyone. There not the most dog friendly though all around the campground. You allowed to have you dogs on only a small part of the beach. I assumed the dog friendly area included the boat laund area but I was wrong. We were talking to another family of campers by the boats with our dog and the owner came down with rage written all over his face and told us we can't be 10 feet away from what I know know is the 10 feet of gravel beach dogs are allowed on. He literally raised his voice and yelled at us and said we were disturbing the family that was happily standing there talking to us about our shihtzu and the kids were petting them. That's my one complaint about fullers is if that man doesn't like what your doing even if it's not a posted rule hell yell at you. He's made my sister with social anxiety cry a few times over the years with his anger. It's a beautiful peaceful camp ground though. I've been going there every summer sence I was a toddler. All the girls who work in the camp store are bubbly and nice. They have the best ice cream! The lake is beautiful with no waves and the waters allot warmer then the bigger lakes. They play some really nice relaxing vibe music from the store balcony. They also have hay rides!
- Katie A.Traveler
Warren Dunes State Park
Nice spot for hiking
Small campsites, but great hiking trails. Found lots of pawpaw fruit and loved playing on the beach after a nice hike. Lots of road noise at night and the sites aren’t very private.
Brad J.GuideWarren Dunes State Park
Very busy and overall facilities are a bit tired
Dunes are gorgeous but honestly I'd rather have gone for a day trip and camped elsewhere for the price. Breakers and outlet on the power pole in the site were falling into the box, showers and bathrooms are a bit worn out etc. Campsites are side by side and it was more packed than a Walmart parking lot. Make sure you bring supplies or treats, the "camp store" was charging $9 for a bag of Doritos...
Guide to Wakarusa
Camping near Wakarusa, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed riding ebikes on the trails," highlighting the great biking opportunities.
- Beach Access: At Warren Dunes State Park Campground, you can enjoy the beach after a day of climbing dunes. A reviewer said, "The beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
- Fishing and Kayaking: Tippecanoe River State Park Campground is perfect for fishing and canoeing. One camper shared, "We rented a canoe and did a paddle/float trip on the river."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Potato Creek State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The sites are large and private," which adds to the overall experience.
- Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpful staff at Michigan City Campground. One review stated, "The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your campsite."
- Spacious Sites: Campers at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground love the spaciousness. A reviewer mentioned, "Our site was HUGE! Plenty of space to play bags."
What you should know:
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground. One camper warned, "The mosquitoes are prolific and abundant!"
- Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get crowded, like Van Buren State Park Campground. A visitor said, "Definitely too crowded and loud way past quiet hours."
- Limited Privacy: Many sites are close together, particularly at Warren Dunes State Park Campground. A camper noted, "Most sites have some shade, but little privacy in between."
Tips for camping with families:
- Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Van Buren State Park Campground. One review mentioned, "Family-oriented campground with 2 playgrounds."
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Choose a campground with activities for kids, such as Potato Creek State Park Campground. A visitor said, "Kids seem to play there for hours and enjoy riding bikes around the loops."
- Plan for Noise: Be ready for noise from other campers, especially at family-friendly spots. A camper at Michigan City Campground noted, "The Pool full of children."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites, especially at Pokagon State Park Campground. A reviewer advised, "Some sites can accommodate larger rigs, most can't."
- Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with convenient dump stations, like Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The dump station was very well maintained."
- Electric Hookups: Ensure your campground has electric hookups if needed. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers electric-only sites, which can be a plus for RVers.
Camping near Wakarusa, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wakarusa, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wakarusa, IN is Shady Point Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Wakarusa, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Wakarusa, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.