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Best Tent Camping near Westfield, IN

351 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Public lands surrounding Westfield, Indiana offer several tent camping options within an hour's drive. Lake Waveland Park, located about 60 miles southwest in Waveland, provides extensive primitive tent camping opportunities with dozens of first-come, first-served sites. Closer to Westfield, Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort in Pendleton accommodates tent campers with walk-in sites year-round. Clovis Creek, with its 20 tent-only sites, offers another option for backcountry tent camping enthusiasts seeking more seclusion. French Post Park in Delphi provides family-friendly tent camping with dedicated tent areas separate from other camping types.

Most primitive tent sites in the region include basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though fire rings aren't guaranteed at all locations. Lake Waveland's primitive tent camping sites don't require reservations, making them accessible for spontaneous weekend trips. Sites are typically indicated by the presence of a picnic table rather than formal markings. The grounds at most campgrounds are well-maintained with regular mowing, creating clear tent pads on grassy surfaces. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some primitive tent areas lacking potable water. Campers should verify seasonal availability, as Lake Waveland operates from May 15 to October 15, while Pine Lake offers year-round tent camping options.

Tent campers frequently note the spaciousness of sites compared to more developed campgrounds. According to reviews, "Camp sites seem more spread out here compared to most state parks," making Lake Waveland particularly appealing for those seeking more privacy. The primitive sites at Lake Waveland are described as "very secluded and quiet," though campers advise arriving early as these first-come, first-served spots fill quickly, especially on weekends. Bird watching opportunities abound at several locations, with one visitor noting Lake Waveland is "a lovely space with lots of birds to observe." French Post Park offers a dedicated tent camping section with space to leave vehicles nearby, making it suitable for families with young children new to tent camping. Most tent campgrounds in the region provide access to fishing and water activities as additional recreational options.

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Best Tent Sites Near Westfield, Indiana (4)

    1. Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort

    2 Reviews
    Pendleton, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 778-2697

    "This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children’s museum. The lake is fabulous, but there didn’t seem to be too many fish available for catching!!"

    2. Clovis Creek

    Be the first to review!
    Cicero, IN
    14 miles
    +1 (317) 385-0820

    $25 - $45 / night

    3. Lake Waveland Park

    8 Reviews
    Waveland, IN
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (765) 435-2073

    $25 - $40 / night

    "Nice clean park in west-central Indiana that has a lake and a large number of camping sites along with restrooms and showers."

    "There are dozens of sites here, drive past the shower house where road bends to the left and down hill."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    4. French Post Park

    1 Review
    Yeoman, IN
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 652-3114

    "They have a tent camping section in one area with rooms to leave cars. A boat camp right into the water. A playground. A shelter with plenty of picnic tables to have a fairly large gathering."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Westfield, IN

1 Photos of 4 Westfield Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Westfield, IN

351 Reviews of 4 Westfield 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.

  • Michelle M.
    Nov. 16, 2020

    Mounds State Park Campground

    A nice park. Electric only.

    It’s a nice park for kids. Has a nice swimming pool. Easy trails. Nice playground. $5 firewood bundles. Mostly a weekender park. It is right next to a small craft airfield do it can get noisy at times and there is little wind protection.

  • 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.

  • j
    May. 24, 2023

    Timberline Family Campground

    Potato Creek State Patk

    Specious sites a bit on the awkward side regarding lay-out. The vehicle separated the tent from the picnic table and fire ring. Less than ideal. I’m told that they’ve planted additional trees. They are relatively non existent at this point. Hence, a lack of privacy . Combined with awkward site layout we seemed to be right on top of our neighbors. No place to hang hammocks, tree swings or clothesline. Just sort of a open Praire. We were visiting by staff shortly after getting settled and told to put my highly trained border-jack on a leash even though she was at the time laying on my bed inside the tent which was zipped closed. The restrooms are kept up twice per day and are extremely clean and well cared for. The fishing was great! Lots of areas to explore even just to fish off shore or bridge. Everything was a good distended away from the campground so unfortunately my grandson could not bike alone to the lake to fish.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • A
    Jul. 20, 2021

    White River Campground

    Quick getaway

    Nice camp ground along the white river with several sites along the waterway. Clean, well maintained, knowledgeable and friendly staff. Paved road with level concrete sites, could be a little more spacious, but all n all laid out nicely with aluminum picnic tables, and fire ring, 50 and 30 amp hook ups along with H20, and several full hook ups. Tent camping also available. Well stocked camp store. The facilities up front by the office are very clean and have showers with hot water. They could use a bench in the shower stall for your clothing and a space To get dressed discreetly. The facility at the end of the campground dosent have showers and are adequate but not quite as nice. Campground is in a good location close to many amenities

  • J
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Glo Wood Campground

    Simple but good

    Definitely a little dated. Picnic tables cracked plastic. My site was missing fire ring but many had them. Most sites really wet but gravel pads were close to level, needed to raise one side 1”.

  • N
    Jul. 20, 2016

    Mississinewa Lake Campground

    Short but fun stay

    Campsites have a gravel parking pad, picnic table, fire-ring, electrical hookups, and thick health grass which is awesome if you're staying in a tent! The have public wifi that isn't really working that often. There was a truck delivering firewood making rounds through the campground which was very convenient. Stuff to do - disc golf, beach, beach volleyball, hiking & biking trails, boating/fishing. Unfortunately we didn't get to stay here for long, so we're planning on coming back soon.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2019

    Heritage Farm Alpaca Experience

    A truly wonderful experience!

    I learned of this place through the Dyrt (thank you!) and knew I wanted to stay here! There are several options available: tent camping (including a tree tent!), RV camping (two with electric hookups), and a 170-year-old log cabin. If you are RV camping, there are two very clean, private, and fully stocked "outhouses" (see photo below)

    We originally planned to camp in our van but with below-freezing temperatures and a forecasted snowstorm, we decided to take refuge in the log cabin. To call this a log cabin is a disservice; yes, it is made from logs(and is 170 years old) but I was expecting a tiny one-room cabin; instead it is a two-story cozy home that can sleep up to six people, all in one upstairs room (two full-size beds and two twin beds; would be great for families). It was cozy and warm, heated by a gas stove. The bathroom (with a shower) is accessed from just outside the back door but is heated. The kitchen is an outdoor grill and picnic table, but we did not use this. 

    Tim and Beth were very welcoming, as was Juno, their dog. We enjoyed helping to feed the Alpacas– they have over 50. The rooster crowed gustily at dawn (but dawn was after 7 am and we were already awake). Also on the farm is Stormy, the horse, chickens, and some barn cats. There is a shop that sells goods made from Alpaca wool and we made sure to visit before departing. 

    Staying here was truly special and we hope to return to camp in one of the RV spots or the tree tent in the future.

Guide to Westfield

Tent campsites near Westfield, Indiana range from primitive locations to more developed sites with basic amenities. Most camping areas are within 30-60 minutes of Westfield, with seasonal availability varying throughout the year. The terrain typically consists of grassy, wooded areas surrounding small lakes or water features that provide fishing opportunities.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort in Pendleton offers lakefront access where families can enjoy fishing, though some visitors note mixed results. "This was really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum. The lake is fabulous, but there didn't seem to be too many fish available for catching," reports camper Debbie S.

Visit nearby state parks: Lake Waveland Park makes an excellent base camp for exploring the region. "The campground is located within close proximity of both Turkey Run and Shades State Park," writes reviewer Sydni T. Many campers use Lake Waveland as a convenient hub for day trips.

Water recreation: Several camping areas include lake access for swimming or boating. Lake Waveland Park features a beach area for swimming during summer months. According to Randy A., "If fishing is your way of relaxing, you should have a good time here."

What campers like

Spacious sites: Many tent campsites in the area provide more room than typical campgrounds. Randy A. notes that at Lake Waveland Park, "Lake Waveland's grounds crew does a very good job keeping the property in order... and that's no small task, there is a TON of green space on this property!"

Quiet environment: Douglas W. describes Lake Waveland as a "Small but peaceful campground. Well worth the time spent here." This sentiment is echoed across several primitive camping areas in the region where campers appreciate the tranquility.

Wildlife viewing: Bird watching is particularly good at several locations. William David S. mentions, "This is a lovely space with lots of birds to observe." Tent campers often report wildlife sightings as a highlight of their stay.

What you should know

Reservation systems vary: Many primitive sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Kevin T. advises about Lake Waveland, "The site fills up pretty fast so come early. No need to pay because it is first come first serve."

Amenities can be limited: While most locations offer basic facilities, amenities vary significantly. At Clovis Creek, tent campers have access to picnic tables and fire rings, but no drinking water, showers, or flush toilets are available. Plan to bring your own water supply.

Seasonal considerations: Operating seasons differ between campgrounds. Lake Waveland runs from May 15 to October 15, while Pine Lake offers year-round camping options. Always check current operating dates before planning a trip.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly options: French Post Park caters well to families new to tent camping. Sammii D. notes, "Seems like a beginner place to go camping. Easy for families with young kids. They have a tent camping section in one area with rooms to leave cars."

Playgrounds and recreation: Some campgrounds feature playgrounds and shelters for family gatherings. French Post Park includes "A playground. A shelter with plenty of picnic tables to have a fairly large gathering," according to Sammii D.

Special events: Seasonal activities can enhance family camping experiences. Nicole B. mentions that Lake Waveland hosts "Fireworks in July and Halloween for the whole family in October."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: At Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort, RV campers often suggest the camping areas are better suited for shorter stays. Debbie S. advises, "Pretty place and fun for a laid back place to stay. I wouldn't recommend it for long term."

Limited big rig access: Most tent camping areas near Westfield have limited big rig access. At Lake Waveland, Nicole B. points out they "need more spots for those long campers. Lots of pop up size sites."

Electric and water hookups: While primitive tent sites typically lack utilities, some campgrounds offer mixed areas. Nicole B. notes that at Lake Waveland, "the best part is sites include water and electric."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Westfield, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Westfield, IN is Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

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

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