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Best Tent Camping in Indiana

2,332 Reviews

From the sandy bluffs and hundreds of lakes in the north to the limestone caverns in the south, Indiana’s parks are popular with outdoor lovers. In a state defined by its love for automobiles, peaceful afternoons on the river and hundreds of miles of remote hiking are just a short trip away. You don’t have to look far to find your getaway, so come and discover camping in Indiana!

With over 30 state parks and a national forest, it’s not hard to find the perfect place to spend the night. Campers love finding the best place to visit in the fall for the perfect autumn colors, and tranquil summer evenings are a great time to get family together outside for a weekend away.

Find your escape on Indiana’s White River, which meanders for over 200 miles through sandstone bluffs that rise from the river banks. Excellent fishing opportunities and an abundance of wildlife make the White River a hit with locals and tourists alike. With over 12 unique sections of the river to explore, it’s a perfect excuse to call in from work and go camping in Indiana.

Nature lovers camping in Indiana will love the bird watching and serene landscapes of Indiana’s riverways. Call ahead and get set up with an outfitter to guide you through the best fishing holes in the river. Adventure lovers might prefer heading out on their own, thanks to a detailed river guide available online.

Indiana’s Knobstone Trail is a must for hikers and backpackers. Link up with the Tecumseh Trail in the north and the 140-mile trail puts to rest the myths that the state is all-flat. Start within a stone’s throw of Louisville for a hike that winds through hardwood forests, tree-top panoramas, and Southern Indiana’s unglaciated and surprisingly hilly terrain.

Trying to escape the summer heat? Head south to the limestone region–famous for its hidden caverns–and go camping at Hoosier National Forest. Spend your days off hiking and horseback riding in the park’s 200,000+ acres. With the Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Indiana no matter where the roads take you.

Map showing campgrounds in IndianaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites in Indiana (35)

    1. Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Freetown, IN
    Website
    +1 (812) 275-5987

    "If you are into boondocking at all defiantly check out berry ridge it’s just south of brown county Indiana beautiful country mostly hills tons of camp spots sometimes half mile or more apart haven’t seen"

    "Decent sized space to park for 2-3 vehicles."

    2. Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    9 Reviews
    Heltonville, IN

    "Being in a national forest dispersed camping is allowed if you follow leave no trace principals, but I stayed in a couple of the official sites."

    "The sites are primitive with no amenities. Tent camping only although there are both hike in and drive up sites in the wilderness area. Great place to get away from it all."

    3. Oak Ridge Camping Area — Morgan-Monroe State Forest

    9 Reviews
    Martinsville, IN
    Website
    +1 (765) 342-4026

    $25 - $55 / night

    "When tent camping and want something quiet and a place with great trails, this is a good place to go. Even though it’s hot outside today, there’s lots of shade and a breeze."

    "Site 13 has a little trail that goes down to a large flooded sinkhole behind the campsite. There were lots of tree frogs singing because of the proximity to water."

    4. Lake Waveland Park

    8 Reviews
    Waveland, IN
    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."

    5. Happy Hollow Homestead

    5 Reviews
    English, IN
    Website

    $40 - $65 / night

    "He has firewood for purchase and will set up your fire for free with his propane torch, which was very helpful for us after a rainstorm."

    "We were nervous about bottoming in the dry creek bed on way to Walnut Grove area, but no problem. Great stay. 20' Ford Transit ModVan. One bar with cell booster."

    6. Ransburg Scout Reservation

    4 Reviews
    Harrodsburg, IN
    Website

    "Located on Monroe lake, they have canoeing, row boats, sailboats, motor boats, and skiing.
    Lots of fun activities to do, and great hiking trails. Their mess hall is top notch."

    "Our Boy Scout troop enjoyed visiting this location. It was well maintained and the staff was helpful."

    7. Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN

    "This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities."

    8. Old Mill Tent And Hammock Camping

    3 Reviews
    English, IN
    Website
    +1 (812) 472-3140

    $20 / night

    "Sites are relatively close but you still have plenty of your own space. Each site comes with a fire pit and picnic table. Plenty of trees to hang up a hammock and empty space to pitch a tent."

    "Nice size site with fire ring and picnic table. Lots of trees- so great tree canopy and plenty of hammock. Nice size pieces of wood and large bundles."

    9. Quakertown State Rec Area

    2 Reviews
    Brookville, IN
    Website

    "A'll sites gave fire rings. Some of the picnic tables are small. Nice clean bathrooms. Site was a little pricey at $30. A shooting range nearby is a little annoying."

    10. Circle B RV Park and Cabins

    1 Review
    Angola, IN
    Website
    +1 (260) 665-5353
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Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

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Recent Tent Camping Photos in Indiana

28 Photos of 35 Indiana Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Indiana

2332 Reviews of 35 Indiana Campgrounds

  • Jim L.
    Aug. 31, 2017

    Hardin Ridge

    Hospitable Woods Experience

    This campground is nestled on a ridge above Indiana's Lake Monroe. The wooded sites include a fire-ring, a pole for your lantern and generous flat graveled areas to pitch your tent, as well as a couple of picnic tables per site. There are pleanty of RV sites with electric hookup available as well. Each area of the campground has a knowlegeable courteous full time host, and ice is available at the main gate. Foraging for wood is allowed which is a definite bonus in this era of emerald ash-borer awareness and wood import restrictions. The plentiful raccoons seem almost tame, yet keep a safe distance from campers if you allow them to. There is a small beach to beat the summer heat, and nearby showerhouses (even in the non-electric sites) are kept clean with adequately warm water. There is a small interpretive hike with approximately 300 feet of elevation change situated near the ampitheater that can be completed in a couple of hours.

  • E
    Jul. 14, 2022

    Lieber State Recreation Area Campground

    Great pool; rough sites and campers

    Pros: Very nice large-size pool with slide, attached playground, green space, and sand-filled soccer pitch all included on the pool grounds. These amenities are great as the pool takes a 15 minute clear-out break about once per hour. There is a concession stand with limited selection, but the benefit is that it takes credit card (and cash). 

    The camp store is not the best we've visited. Very limited supply, but they did keep a stock of bacon in their refrigerator and that made my wife happy. 

    Cons: Typical Indiana State campground. We visited for a weekend and landed in a terrible spot. The grade was severe and despite using all the travel trailer tricks to level my site, I could not get level. We dealt with it, but I noticed 4 or 5 quality spots that sat vacant through the weekend, however, were allegedly reserved. I had terrible anxiety for the entire weekend that we would roll backward into a ravine. 

    We were on an electric side of the park, and the pull-through site across from us was occupied by a tent with a minivan. No judgment here, but they were watching highly taboo movies on a wide screen projector with loud speakers around midnight, well after quiet hours had expired. 

    Verizon and AT&T cell phone service were nil, even with a booster and WiFi pack. Our site was littered with cellophane wrappers and cigarette butts. Clearly the previous campers did not adhere to the "leave no trace" doctrine. 

    DNR was very, very present at the campground, but at many sightings it seemed like they were watching for rule infractions as opposed to upholding the integrity of the park. I know that seems conflicting, but if you visit this park you will understand. 

    Bathrooms were mostly clean. Vault toilets were disgusting, but that's expected for concrete topped port-a-potties.

  • H
    May. 26, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Great stay, come ready

    We stayed two nights in mid-May, at site number 72. Area was gorgeous, well maintained, shady and quiet. Tons of hiking trails in very close proximity to the campground! There is electricity on site, but no water or sewage at each site. However there is a water fill station and a dump station. So just come prepared. Also, they have a very strict no alcohol policy. Not that that stopped people, but don't go walking around with a beer bottle! We would definitely return.

  • Jennifer T.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Fowler County Park

    Wonderful Family Campgrounds

    Shaded campground sites at lake's edge on east side of park, 53 electrical hookups including 1 pull-thru, 14 primitive/tent sites. Fire ring and picnic table at each site. Water hydrants nearby. Modern shower houses with rest rooms. Handicapped accessible. Dump station. Pets are welcome but must be kept on leash. Must provide own firewood. Firewood must be purchased from within state. Fishing from campsite. In park, swimming beach (Memorial Day-weekend before school opens in fall), boat ramp, trails, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, pioneer village.

    Campground open May 1 - October 15. Park open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. No reservations. Must check-in between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Night guard on duty. Electrical sites - $20 a night, weekly rate - $120, 2 weeks rate - $200. Primitive sites - $12 a night, weekly rate - $60, 2 weeks rate - $100. Price includes Indiana Sales Tax.

    From I-70, go south on U.S. 41 for 7.2 miles. Turn left onto Oregon Church Road and go .8 mile east to park entrance on left. After entering park, turn right to go to campground.

    Personal Thoughts and Experience: We had a wonderful time. We absolutely loved the pioneer village. it is a must go especially when they are having pioneer days in the fall. There is a mountain bike park close to the campground that is a premier facility. Beginner to advance trails with a practice course. Amazing! My husband competes in the Dyno series and loves to train at the facility then camp at Fowler Park!

  • 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.

  • D
    Jul. 17, 2019

    Charles C. Deam Wilderness

    A couple nights on the sycamore trail

    Wonderful place. Excellent trail following a nice little stream along the one side. Being in a national forest dispersed camping is allowed if you follow leave no trace principals, but I stayed in a couple of the official sites. The official sites all had rock fire rings and bushcraft furniture.

    The one negative was I did have to pack out previous campers trash along with my own. Being close to the college there was evidence that less than mature campers may frequent the area. That being said once on trail I didn’t see another soul past a couple hundred feet of the trail head and only heard a pair of hikers on the trail pass my camp site as I ate my breakfast the one morning.

    A wonderful backpacking area!

  • Randy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2023

    Happy Campers Campground

    Off the beaten path by a lake

    See all 3

    Approx $35 / day

    Happy Campers Campground

    5.0 (1 reviews)

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    Roam with care

    Remember to enjoy these campgrounds in a sustainable, respectful way. Clean up after yourself, be friendly with others, and don't overstay your welcome :)

    Read more

    Got it

    Details

    Call 812-239-6263 for reservation. Plan to arrive before dark.

    5 full hook-up sites, 1 primitive site, and one primitive cabin. On a lake stocked with fish. Port-a-potty and shower house available.

    Location

    Contact

    39.4931, -87.0188

    https://happycamperscampgroundinc.com

    Cell signal

    Verizon LTE

    AT&T LTE

    T-Mobile LTE

    Sprint LTE

    Weather

    Averages

    Forecast

    Jan

    2.57"

    34.6°

    16.8°

    Feb

    2.48"

    39.6°

    20°

    Mar

    3.39"

    50.5°

    28.6°

    Apr

    3.99"

    62.9°

    39.4°

    May

    5.41"

    72.4°

    49.3°

    Jun

    4.67"

    81.1°

    58.7°

    Jul

    5.19"

    84.2°

    61.7°

    Aug

    3.37"

    83.2°

    60.2°

    Sep

    3.73"

    77.3°

    52.3°

    Oct

    3.49"

    65°

    41.2°

    Nov

    3.98"

    52°

    31.8°

    Dec

    3.26"

    38.3°

    20.7°

    Seasonal scales

    Spring

    Summer

    Fall

    Winter

    Crowdedness

    Others between 10 and 50 feet away

    Fullness

    Almost full

    Noise

    Occasional man-made noise (trains, cars, etc...)

    Shade

    Mostly shaded, but still some spots with sunlight

    Cleanliness

    Pristine, no trash at all

    Safety

    Very safe

    Road difficulty

    No problems with any vehicle

    Features and amenities

    Water hookup

    Sewer hookup

    50A Electric

    Showers

    Picnic tables

    Toilets

    Pets allowed

    Wifi

    Fire pits

    randyorsusan

    Great place to stop overnight or for a few days. Can hear the highway; but it's not very loud or intrusive. Camp host/owner is very friendly. Plenty of room for kids or pets to roam and play. Very clean and safe.

  • Elizabeth G.
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Pleasant and quiet

    Stayed in site 43 of the Douglas loop. Douglas loop is all non electric.

    Our site was big enough for our tents, a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms/showers are really close by which is nice but you do get the lights from the bathroom facing site 43. Not a big deal but if you’re looking for more darkness then definitely choose one of the other sites around 43.

    All parking sites are paved for camper vans/trailers but no water or power hookups. All sites have nice huge tent pads that are nice and level. Only noise we heard was the train every now and then.

    The showers are individual rooms separate from the bathrooms. And there’s a gas station and liquor store near the entrance of the campground for fire wood and beer.

    I didn’t get to stay in the walk in campsites but they are very nice and close-ish to the showers.

  • Sofia A.
    Oct. 24, 2020

    Marengo Cave Campgrounds

    Near Caves

    I stayed on late October and I was the only one there, except for a family on the cabins. The spots are just near and walking distance from the caves and other attractions. They have two potable water spots (so no water on each spot), picnic tables, fire rings, grills and every spot faces the little river. restrooms and showers too. You can bring small pets inside the cave if you carry them all time. I have a small zuchon and carry her in a doggy backpack 🎒 she loved it!

Guide to Indiana

Tent camping in Indiana offers a diverse range of experiences, from serene lakeside spots to bustling campgrounds filled with activities. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, there's a perfect site waiting for you.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Lake Monroe

  • [Paynetown Campground][https://thedyrt.com/camping/indiana/indiana-paynetown-state-recreation-area] is a popular choice, known for its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to boating and fishing activities.
  • The campground features basic amenities like pit toilets and a large dump station, making it convenient for campers.
  • Expect a lively environment, especially on summer weekends, so plan your visit during the week for a quieter experience.

Local Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

  • At Deam Lake State Rec Area, you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and fishing, with friendly staff and clean facilities enhancing your visit.
  • The Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers numerous hiking trails, perfect for those looking to explore the natural beauty of Indiana while camping.
  • Lake Waveland Park provides ample opportunities for fishing and boating, along with spacious grounds for picnicking and relaxation.

Some Prices for Tent Camping Range from $0 to $30

  • Berry Ridge Road - Dispersed Camping is a free option for those looking to enjoy nature without the frills, perfect for a more rugged experience.
  • Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed offers a unique camping experience with no amenities, ideal for those who want to truly rough it in the great outdoors.
  • Gobbler's Run Campground in Lincoln State Park provides a primitive camping experience with access to hiking trails and a lake, typically priced around $20 per night.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best family-friendly tent camping areas in Indiana?

Families looking for tent camping in Indiana will appreciate Lake Waveland Park with its clean facilities, picnic tables at each site, and a lake for recreation. The park offers both primitive tent sites and modern sites with hookups, giving families options based on their comfort level. Quakertown State Rec Area is another family-friendly option with clean bathrooms, fire rings at each site, and good shade coverage from trees. The picnic tables, though some are small, provide a convenient spot for family meals. Both parks maintain well-kept grounds that are ideal for children to explore safely.

Where can I find tent-only campgrounds in Indiana?

Charles C. Deam Wilderness offers an authentic wilderness experience with tent-only sites. This area features both hike-in and drive-up primitive sites with no amenities except for rock fire rings at official sites. It's perfect for those wanting to truly disconnect, as the wilderness designation ensures a focus on primitive camping. Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed provides roadside pull-offs for tent camping on public land in Hoosier National Forest. While there are no facilities (no restrooms, fire rings, or picnic tables), these secluded spots offer quiet camping in a beautiful natural setting for those prepared for self-contained camping.

What are the best tent camping sites in Indiana state parks?

Indiana state parks offer excellent tent camping options with varying amenities. Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is a standout location with multiple loops including walk-in and drive-up sites, plenty of shade, and access to Monroe Lake with a swimming beach. Morgan-Monroe State Forest provides a quieter experience with primitive sites perfect for tent campers seeking trails and nature. The Oak Ridge Camping Area features shaded sites with pit toilets and proximity to hiking trails. Both locations offer an authentic forest camping experience with the basic amenities tent campers need.

Are there tent camping sites with water and electricity in Indiana?

Yes, Indiana offers tent sites with water and electricity for campers seeking some modern conveniences. Lake Waveland Park provides modern campsites with water and electrical hookups, in addition to their primitive tent sites. These serviced sites give tent campers the option to have access to power while still enjoying the tent camping experience. Rattlesnake Campground in Owen-Putnam State Forest also offers some sites with electric hookups suitable for tent campers. When reserving, be sure to specify that you're tent camping with electrical needs, as some electric sites may be primarily designed for RVs.

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