Central Indiana offers several tent camping options near Cicero, ranging from rustic walk-in tent campsites to year-round drive-in sites with lakefront access. French Post Park in Delphi features dedicated tent camping sections with designated areas to park vehicles nearby. Clovis Creek maintains 20 tent-specific sites with walk-in access options, while Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort in Pendleton, about 30 minutes south of Cicero, accommodates tent campers year-round with both drive-in and walk-in tent sites.
Tent-only camping areas at these locations typically include basic amenities suited for primitive tent camping experiences. French Post Park provides fire rings, picnic tables, and toilet facilities, making it appropriate for families new to tent camping. Reservations are required and must be made by contacting the town office. Clovis Creek offers more rustic tent campsites with picnic tables and allows fires, but campers should note that firewood is not provided free of charge. Most tent campgrounds in the region maintain pet-friendly policies, though leash requirements vary by location.
According to reviews, French Post Park is particularly well-suited for beginner tent campers and families with young children. One visitor noted the park has "a tent camping section in one area with rooms to leave cars," making it convenient for those who prefer walk-in tent sites but don't want to carry gear long distances. Pine Lake offers a lakefront setting that campers describe as "convenient and close to Indy," providing a peaceful environment for short-term stays. French Post Park also offers boat-in access and Pine Lake provides lakeside recreation. Most tent campgrounds in the area remain relatively quiet even during peak season, offering a genuine outdoor experience without the noise and congestion found at larger facilities.
"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!!"
"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."
TravelerIt’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.
TravelerSpecious 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.
GuideNice 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
ScoutDefinitely 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”.
GuideCampsites 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.
ScoutLoved our 2 night stay, the camp store was great. Glad they had extra firewood. Cicero the town close by is a cute one with a nice water scene. Only 2 other tents set up in the whole campground. Most of the rv/camper spots were taken though.
LegendI 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.
GuideNo alcohol, unfriendly, staff, nice swimming area
TravelerProphetstown State Park is located between Lafayette and Battleground, IN. It proved to be a lovely place to stay. We parked in Spruce Loop which had spacious sites and full hookups. I especially appreciated the fact that all the sites were, at the least, partially shaded and at a distance from neighboring sites. We were also within easy walking distance of a spacious and clean vault toilet. A little further walk brings you to a large restroom/shower facility. It also was very clean. The full hookup sites are in Spruce Loop. Electric only sites are in Savanna Loop. They are fairly new so not offering much shade as yet, although plenty of young trees are sprouting. They park offers much in the way of hiking, biking, playgrounds, basketball court, spacious shelters, a farm and nature center to visit, plus a large fun, water park. We plan to return with our bikes and also with a grandchild soon.
Tent camping near Cicero, Indiana offers opportunities for outdoor recreation within an hour's drive of Indianapolis. The area features a mix of glacial lakes, hardwood forests, and open grasslands with elevations ranging from 800-900 feet above sea level. Most local tent campgrounds remain open from April through October, with temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak summer months.
Fishing access: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort provides lakefront camping with fishing opportunities, though one camper noted that "the lake is fabulous, but there didn't seem to be too many fish available for catching."
Playgrounds for children: French Post Park includes playground facilities near the tent camping area. According to a visitor, the park has "a playground. A shelter with plenty of picnic tables to have a fairly large gathering."
Water-based recreation: Clovis Creek offers boat-in access options for campers arriving by water. The 20 tent-specific sites accommodate various camping styles including walk-in options for those seeking more privacy.
Convenience to urban attractions: Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort earns praise for its strategic location. One camper mentioned it was "really convenient and close to Indy, where we took the grandkids to the children's museum."
Beginner-friendly environment: French Post Park provides an accessible introduction to tent camping. A reviewer described it as "a beginner place to go camping. Easy for families with young kids."
Multiple site configurations: Campers appreciate the flexibility at French Post Park where they "have a tent camping section in one area with rooms to leave cars. A boat camp right into the water."
Reservation requirements: French Post Park requires advance planning as "you need to call to make reservations from the town" rather than offering online booking.
Short-stay recommendations: For Pine Lake, one camper suggests limiting your stay duration: "Pretty place and fun for a laid back place to stay. I wouldn't recommend it for long term."
Site amenities: Clovis Creek provides picnic tables at its tent sites and allows fires, though campers should verify current fire restrictions before arrival.
Proximity to vehicles: When tent camping with children at French Post Park, utilize the designated tent area that includes nearby parking. A visitor noted this setup is "quick and easy" and specifically "seems like a beginner place to go camping."
Day trip potential: Pine Lake's location makes it ideal for families planning museum visits or other attractions. One camper shared they stayed there while taking "the grandkids to the children's museum" in Indianapolis.
Group gathering spaces: For family reunions or larger gatherings, French Post Park offers "a shelter with plenty of picnic tables to have a fairly large gathering," allowing extended families to congregate while maintaining individual tent sites.
Mixed-use considerations: Though primarily known for tent camping, Pine Lake Fishing & Camping Resort accommodates both RVs and tent campers. The rating of 3 out of 5 suggests basic rather than premium facilities for RV users.
Seasonal flexibility: Unlike some tent-only facilities, Pine Lake remains open "all year" according to their listing, providing options for cold-weather camping when properly equipped.
Alternative accommodation options: Beyond traditional tent sites, Pine Lake offers cabin accommodations for those transitioning between tent and RV camping or seeking more weather protection during variable conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cicero, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cicero, 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 Cicero, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Cicero, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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