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Best Tent Camping near West Lafayette, IN

367 Reviews

Tent camping near West Lafayette, Indiana provides several options within driving distance for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Waveland Park, located about 45 miles south in Waveland, offers extensive primitive tent camping opportunities with dozens of sites spread across well-maintained grounds. French Post Park in Delphi, situated approximately 20 miles northeast of West Lafayette, provides a dedicated tent camping section with convenient vehicle parking nearby. Both parks accommodate tent campers specifically, with Lake Waveland featuring both walk-in tent sites and drive-in options for a range of camping preferences.

The primitive tent camping sites at Lake Waveland Park operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require reservations. Each site typically includes a picnic table, though fire rings are not guaranteed at all locations. The park is open seasonally from May 15 to October 15, with sites filling quickly during peak summer weekends. Facilities include clean bathhouses with showers and toilets. At French Post Park, tent campers need to call the town for reservations. Both locations permit fires where designated and allow pets, with trash disposal available on-site. Water access varies by location, with Lake Waveland offering drinking water at central facilities.

Lake Waveland's primitive tent sites provide a more secluded experience compared to many state parks in the region. According to reviews, "The primitive sites are very secluded and quiet but get there fast because spots are first come first serve." The park's grounds crew maintains extensive green spaces, creating ample room between sites for added privacy. French Post Park is noted as being "a beginner place to go camping" that's "easy for families with young kids." Both locations offer water recreation opportunities, with Lake Waveland popular for fishing and French Post providing boat access. Campers seeking backcountry tent camping experiences can also explore nearby Turkey Run and Shades State Parks, which are within reasonable driving distance from the West Lafayette area.

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Best Tent Sites Near West Lafayette, Indiana (4)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near West Lafayette, IN

1 Photos of 4 West Lafayette Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near West Lafayette, IN

367 Reviews of 4 West Lafayette Campgrounds

  • T
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Shades State Park Campground

    Wooded Sandstone canyon with primitive camping.

    Located north of turkey run state park shades offers all the hiking and scenic terrain with less amenities and less crowds. Sugar creek cuts through the ancient sandstone floor creating canyon walls. The park is connected to a nature preserve that dose allow backpacking but has designated camping within the park separate from the car camping sites, so you can’t set up camp on the trail. The car camping sites, labeled as family camping, are primitive only with vault toilets. There is a shower located in the campsite with flushing toilets. Campsites are close but most have trees separating them for privacy. Avoid sites next to toilets or dumpsters their practically in your site. There’s no cellular signal in the park so heads up. Ice and wood are located for sale at the entrance. If you have little ones there are a few playgrounds located in the park including one in the campsite which is located a short hike in the woods. This park is quite, shaded, rugged at times and the canyon/creek can be breathtaking. Although I would go early or late in the season to avoid Indiana’s humid muggy summer heat.

  • Mike V.
    Jul. 23, 2016

    Lake Waveland Park

    Waveland Lake and Park, near Waveland, Indiana

    Nice clean park in west-central Indiana that has a lake and a large number of camping sites along with restrooms and showers. The primitive tent camping sites don't require reservations, and each have a picnic table. There are modern campsites that have water and electrical hook-ups, and there are some small cabins that can be rented. The bath house was clean, and the grounds crew does a great job keeping the grass cut. Camp sites seem more spread out here compared to most state parks. Location is fairly close to Sugar Creek and other parks such as Turkey Run and Shades State Park. The lake is popular for fishing.

  • Terri D.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2017

    Turkey Run State Park Campground

    Nice Big Sites

    I have to say it is always nice to stay at a state park in the off season. There are a couple hundred sites in this park and we were one of about 12 occupants. Even if this park had been full, the sites offer nice space. Sites vary from full shade to wide open out in the sun. Bathrooms are clean, but they are pretty spread out. Most sites offer electricity, but no water or sewer hook-up for RV. Water spigots are pretty spread out too. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. I didn't see any camp hosts that sold firewood when office is closed. Park is located right across the street from the local high school, I thought this was sort of odd.

    We were just passing through for a nights stay, but it looked like there were some nice trails for hiking. The children playgrounds looked nice as well.

  • H
    Jun. 23, 2023

    Shades State Park Campground

    Awesome Backpack Camp!

    Took my son on his first backpacking trip this week and felt like Shades would be a perfect trial run for us together. I don’t think this camp gets enough love as it’s a relatively short hike for most seasoned backpackers. Great for trial runs and gear testing. The trail was (recently) well maintained in sections, but there are spots that are a little weedy. That’s to be expected I think with a park that doesn’t see as much traffic as another well known park in the area (that doesn’t offer a backpack camp). The camp itself was fantastic. It doesn’t boast great views or any scenic points, but it is fabulously maintained and well thought out. Several awesome sites to choose from and we had our pick as the only campers there. Every site had a fire ring and picnic table, with paths heading to the bathroom and water. The bathrooms were pretty much immaculate and the water was great. We didn’t hike in early enough to take the path to play at Sugar Creek, but I won’t make that mistake again. Next time, because there will be a next time, we’ll go earlier for more downtime around camp. So glad we’re close enough we can make this trip again soon! Park entry: $7 Camping fee: $12 With tax our total was $19.84. If you have an IN state park card you can avoid the entry fee.

  • Janet B.
    May. 9, 2023

    Vermilion County Park Forest Glen Preserve

    East Camp (backpacking site)

    First backpacking trip in the Midwest and this was a surprisingly scenic place with a great backpacking sites! We did forest glen river ridge trail; started from the staff parking lot and walked about 8 miles to the east camp. We had a big group and took sites 3 and 5 because they were on a flatter ground. All sites were well shaded and there was even an OUTHOUSE!!! The rangers told us the water from the Vermilion River was safe to drink with filtration but note that you do have to walk down to the river and up to the campsites. Both sites came with a picnic table and a fire ring. Had a lovely time even with the thunderstorm.

  • n
    Jun. 8, 2018

    Ross Camp

    Lafayette Parks and Rec

    Nice sites. Awesome shower house! close to Ross Park. A little chapel. This is a relax campground for those not into all the hiking if you just want to sit by your fire. A few primitive sites. No alcohol allowed. We rent a site here instead of hotels.

  • M
    Jul. 19, 2020

    Turkey Run State Park Campground

    Terrific campground and state park

    We stayed here this weekend and had a terrific time. The weather was very hot but there is a river to tube and canoe in to keep you cool. We stayed at site #35. It is in a very quiet, off the main road, in a circle, in full shade. It’s is very close to the restroom but a distance from the camp store and dumpster. The site was clean and well equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. The site is very uneven. It definitely sloops to the back corner. It’s was difficult to level our camper but we got it in the end. The site was huge but given the unevenness it would be difficult for tents. The campground is family friendly and was quiet at night. There is a lot to do at this state park. We hiked the #3 and #5 trails and it took us about 2 hours. It was very busy but everyone was very polite. It was a great stay all around.

  • Staci W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Turkey Run State Park Campground

    Pros and Cons you Should Know beforehand

    Turkey Run is arguably the most popular campground (and state park) in Indiana and has its pros and cons.

    It is definitely designed to accommodate RVs, as the majority of the sites are situated in an open field. There are a few dozen sites that are in “loops” that are situated in shaded areas. Some camp sites have zero privacy while others have a little. Either way, if you’re here on a weekend, you’ll definitely have neighbors close by. You can see the entire campground via google maps street view, just FYI

    This is a very family friendly campground and you will see lots of kids on bicycles flying around. I’ve stayed here a few times, and no matter the day of the week or the time of year, there are always lots of kids.

    This campground has a raccoon “problem” due to campers having poor camp etiquette and feeding them. They come out of the woods towards dusk looking for food. They will come right up to you without hesitation, so don’t be alarmed if there’s one next to you while you cook s’mores over your fire (ask me how I know, hah). They will take any food that is left out. Do not turn your back to your dinner table at any time if there’s food out.

    On my last visit to turkey run (I’ve camped here 3 or 4 times) I arrived to my campsite and someone had left dog food out for the raccoons in little piles all over the place which was super disappointing. Additionally, my neighbors didn’t put their campfire out when they packed up and left.

    Perhaps I’m just used to camping in other areas where you have to worry about bears and burning the forests down…But campers here just aren’t as mindful or respectful of the campground.

    The restrooms and showers (at least the one I use at this campground) is modernized and cleaned daily but there’s no dish pit/wash room available if you cook. Just be prepared to clean up accordingly and put trash in trash receptacles. There are a few vault toilets in the campground as well.

    You can hike from the CG into the state park (highly recommend. It’s gorgeous!) just wear shoes that youre willing to get wet.

    Overall, it’s a beautiful state park with a conveniently located campground. It’s not the best campground ever but for Indiana standards, it’s great. Even with my complaints, I always return because I enjoy visiting and hiking through the state park.

  • D
    Jan. 29, 2021

    Kickapoo State Recreation Area

    My 'home' campsite.

    I live about 30 minutes from Kickapoo SP and anytime I feel I need to camp I head over. Great little campground in Central Illinois. Some pretty trails overlooking, beside, and sometimes through water. The RV sites are great for either rv, van, or tent camping with a lot of level ground at most sites. There are some real diamonds of a campsite hidden here that you can basically be in the woods with clear ground for a level tent. I love this simple campground and have brought a handful of friends here who also enjoyed it.

Guide to West Lafayette

Tent camping near West Lafayette, Indiana offers opportunities for overnight stays in natural settings within 45 miles of the city. The region features a mix of county parks and state facilities that provide primitive and developed tent camping options. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from spring through fall, with weather typically most favorable for camping from May through September when temperatures range from 60-85°F during the day.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Waveland Park provides a popular fishing destination with a stocked lake. According to a camper, "If fishing is your way of relaxing, you should have a good time here" at Lake Waveland Park.

Visit nearby state parks: The camping locations near West Lafayette provide convenient access to additional outdoor recreation. One reviewer notes Lake Waveland's proximity advantage: "The campground is located within close proximity of both Turkey Run and Shades State Park," making it an ideal base camp for day trips.

Seasonal events: Holiday weekends feature special activities at certain campgrounds. A reviewer mentions that Lake Waveland offers "Fireworks in July and Halloween for the whole family in October," providing seasonal entertainment beyond standard camping activities.

What campers like

Well-maintained grounds: Campers consistently mention the upkeep of facilities at French Post Park. One visitor notes it has "a playground, a shelter with plenty of picnic tables to have a fairly large gathering. Pretty cool area to hang out."

Space between sites: Unlike more crowded facilities, area campgrounds offer breathing room. One camper states Lake Waveland "Camp sites seem more spread out here compared to most state parks," providing increased privacy for tent campers.

Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings support birdwatching and wildlife observation opportunities. A recent visitor to Lake Waveland mentioned, "This is a lovely space with lots of birds to observe," adding to the natural camping experience.

What you should know

Site availability systems: Most primitive tent sites in the area operate on first-come, first-served basis. A Lake Waveland camper advises to "get there fast because spots are first come first serve," particularly important during summer weekends.

Facility conditions: Campgrounds may have varying levels of infrastructure maintenance. A Lake Waveland visitor noted, "Not fancy, some updating of infrastructure is due. I would keep this on list as decent stop," setting appropriate expectations for tent campers.

Site identification challenges: At Lake Waveland Park, primitive sites may be unmarked. A camper points out "The sites aren't marked, but are indicated by picnic table and fire ring, though fire rings are not always present," which requires awareness when selecting a spot.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly options: First-time campers with children will find suitable facilities. French Post Park "Seems like a beginner place to go camping. Easy for families with young kids," according to a reviewer who appreciated the approachable setting.

Beach access: Water recreation areas provide additional activities for children. Lake Waveland includes "a beach" according to a reviewer, offering swimming options beyond the camping experience.

Site selection strategy: For families seeking quiet camping, specific areas provide more peaceful experiences. A Lake Waveland camper recommends, "drive past the shower house where road bends to the left and down hill" to find the more secluded primitive camping area.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: RV campers should note the electric and water options at campgrounds. A reviewer mentions Lake Waveland offers "sites include water and electric," providing necessary connections for RVs.

Size limitations: Larger RVs may face challenges at some campgrounds. One camper noted Lake Waveland "need[s] more spots for those long campers. lots of pop up size sites," suggesting smaller campers and trailers will have more options.

Tree management concerns: Overhead clearance may be an issue at wooded campgrounds. A Lake Waveland visitor mentioned "Trees need cut or maintained," which can affect RV parking and setup, particularly for taller vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Lafayette, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Lafayette, IN is French Post Park with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near West Lafayette, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near West Lafayette, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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