The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Fort Wayne, Indiana

Looking for a camping experience near Fort Wayne, Indiana with a river? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 270 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your river adventure. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone. Looking for recommendations? Check out the top campsites like Marick Acres (253 reviews), Walnut Valley Realm (230 reviews), and Heritage Farm Stay Adventure (196 reviews). Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and pet-friendly sites. Plus, you can indulge in activities like off-roading, wind sports, and fishing. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience by the river!

97% (285)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping experience near Fort Wayne, Indiana with a river? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 270 options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your river adventure. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, there's something for everyone. Looking for recommendations? Check out the top campsites like Marick Acres (253 reviews), Walnut Valley Realm (230 reviews), and Heritage Farm Stay Adventure (196 reviews). Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, trash disposal, and pet-friendly sites. Plus, you can indulge in activities like off-roading, wind sports, and fishing. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience by the river!

97% (285)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. River Camp Fort Wayne

98%

(216)

5.6mi from Fort Wayne · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fort Wayne, IN

Each site is in a wooded, shaded area with a flat area on the ground to place a single large tent. Each site has its own fire ring and a small wooden table. There is wood on the ground you may use for firewood, and ample twigs etc on the ground for kindling (do not cut any trees or branches off trees). There is a covered firewood shed with dry firewood as well. There are maintained trails with river access for kayaks. There are 2 porta potties near the campsites with a handwashing station, that is open year round. There is a single bathroom with flush toilet and sink with running water that is a short walk away (open May-Oct depending on weather) There is an outdoor on-demand hot-water shower at bathroom, with a water hose available as well. On-demand hot water heaters provide hotter water at a low water pressure, and cooler water at full blast. We do provide a large trash bin near the porta potties for trash disposal. DO NOT throw trash into fire pits or burn barrels in the woods. Campsites are a short walk (100-200 feet) away from parking area (you CANNOT drive directly to or park at your campsite). Foster Park is a short bike ride away where you will find greenway trails that run throughout Fort Wayne (ride your bike to downtown!!) Our property backs up to the St Mary's River, bring you kayaks and fishing poles! (We reserve the right to assign you to a different (but equally beautiful) campsite in the case of property maintenance concerns, recent rain or weather conditions etc). All guests must be part of a registered group! Link to Trails Maps fwtrails.org Need to rent a bike or kayak: (we do not rent or provide kayaks, canoes or bikes onsite) fwoutfitters.com/#

2. Mirror Lake Bunkhouse llc

97%

(58)

34mi from Fort Wayne · 4 sites · Lodging · Rome City, IN

You talk about social distancing Mirror Lake is the place for you. All of the Mirror Lake properties are private. There is 175 acres here at mirror lake and the lake is approximately 12 acres. With Amish farms and families all around. The Mirror Lake Bunkhouse has all amenities. You are welcome to cook over an open fire, use the grill or the small kitchen accessories provided. don’t forget the option is always available to go out to dinner with a restaurant only 4 miles away. Although we are located in the middle of the country. You can wake up to beautiful sunrises or take in breath taking sunset in the evening. The lake is a private lake owned by three property owners. Our Cabin # 2 “Old Phil” Is located on the west side of the lake in a 15 acre woods. About 1-1/2 miles away is Our cabin # 1 “Little Elk” Is located near the little Elkhart River. Nestled in its own 10 acre woods. Both of these properties are primitive ( no running water in an out house for a bathroom). Firewood is provided and there are trails in the woods to walk. The Mirror lake property has been a family farm for over 185 years. There is a family cemetery that dates to 1832. If you want to be around a lot of people in the fast track this is not the place for you. If you’re looking for peace, quiet, tranquil, social distance but still enjoyed this is the place for you!

3. Blue Water Lake

94%

(58)

37mi from Fort Wayne · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · Montpelier, IN

Blue Water Lake is located next to the Salamonie River with fishing access in the lake or the river. Blue Water Lake was previously Baltes Stone Quarry deepest point 30 ft. Lime stone edged with a straight drop off in most places. Beach area available for swimming access. No lifeguards on duty, swim at your own risk. Primitive camping available. Out house available. Less than a mile from Montpelier, a golf cart community. Small town still host Montpelier Speedway one of the last dirt tracks in Indiana. Races on most Saturday nights. You can also get a round of golf in at Bluewater Golf course 9 hole course located across the road from the lake. The land now covered by Montpelier used to be a part of the Native American Miami Nation's Godfroy Reserve. Giant Indian statue at our town center featured on Parks and Reaction TV Show.

4. Creekside Acres / N. Manchester

96%

(39)

32mi from Fort Wayne · 1 site · Lodging · North Manchester, IN

We moved to our 3 1/2 acre property in 2012 to escape town life and to enjoy a more simple family life. Nestled among the trees, our home is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy what God created - singing birds, fragrant flowers, colorful sunsets, gigantic ancient sycamores, and rushing creek waters. We're excited to share this beautiful area, especially the adorable shed and gardens we created for others to experience the peace of God. It's our hope that many will discover the tranquility we have come to appreciate here.Learn more about this land:The Shed Retreat is a sacred space for anyone looking to shed their worries, fears, and busy schedules. Once a home for goats located in a secluded area on our property, it is now a peaceful garden oasis among the trees for those seeking a break from the norm. Inside, you can enjoy a cozy and relaxing place to lounge or rest. Outside, you can spend time around the fire pit, collect fresh eggs for breakfast, kayak on a nearby river, bike to local ice cream shops, or take a nap in a hammock.

5. StarCountryAcres Wildlife Hab

100%

(5)

40mi from Fort Wayne · 12 sites · Tents · Lafontaine, IN

Moved to Indiana from San Antonio Texas, This land has been occupied by my family for over 32 yrs. It's situated out in the country on 3 county line roads, access to StarCountryAcres by State Road 15 and State Road 9 3 country line roads,Grant,Wabash, Huntington Turn on 700 N 1200 S We have built this up to become a Wildlife Habitat Certified by the National Wildlife Federation. Learn more about this land: Bring your own tent (This is a tent only campground and Primitive) and enjoy the 5 acres of land that is Certified by the National Wildlife Federation. There are two Nearby Lakes, there is the Mississinewa Reservoir and the Salamone Reservoir, there are beaches to lay at and swimming allowed, both of these places are not far from StarCountryAcres Wildlife Habitat. Less than 25 miles. Bring a GPS to find these two lakes. If you love watching birds then this is the place to see them, bring your binoculars,scopes and camera's. In the summer you can enjoy the two big Montmorency Cherry Trees, pick and eat all you want.The cherries are all gone but its Blackberry time pick all you want Free.. There are also Raspberry Blackberry Bushes you can pick in mid July. Blackberry Season is over Campers can enjoy the Apple Trees and the Grapes when in season. Apple & Grape season is over Pear season is here, Pick all you want FREE. The pears are ready to eat as they are dropping to the ground What more can a camper want than Fresh berries to pick with your pancakes in the morning! Summer/Fall time only. There is now a 24x8 Screen house, it has a table and chairs and also a bench, on the other end of the screenhouse there is a POTTY. The screen house is for campers who want to eat and not have to worry about bugs buzzing around their food. We have tables and chairs in the screen house. WE ARE OPEN FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND.

Public campgrounds near Fort Wayne

Ouabache Campground

25mi from Fort Wayne · 124 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ouabache State Park

Salamonie River Campground

33mi from Fort Wayne · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in Salamonie River State Forest

Stories from the community

Peter

November 2025

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at Blue Water Lake

I had no problem finding the entrance to the property. I pulled in and contacted Amanda as was asked for in the sites posting for the reservation. I waited and didn't get a reply after about 25 minutes or so I explored and I found my site. It was numbered and found it quite easily on the edge of the large pond which I found out later was once a dolomite quarry. Setup and while I was doing so Amadas parents pulled up and greeted me. View was great of the water and site was level with a large area to turn around my for vehicle and trailer to leave the next morning. No electric or potable water which I knew beforehand but the porta potti was appreciated. Would definitely use Amandas property again.

T

Theodore

November 2025

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

Wonderful! This location is an amazing place to unwind and relax.

T

Theodore

November 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

Loved staying at this location! Nice lodging, beautiful area, a truly wonderful place to unwind!

N

Nick

October 2025

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

I enjoyed exploring the property and the cabin was adequate for my needs.

J

Jennifer

October 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

This was my first camping experience and I couldn't have picked a better place. The property is absolutely stunning! I can't wait to return in the summer, but I'm so glad we got to see the fall colors. Such a short walk to the river, which is just gorgeous. The cabin was perfect for us. The wood stove and water system were super easy to use and having a TV was a cherry on top! Lol. There were little touches everywhere of things that were either helpful or just plain charming. My main concern, being a first-timer was safety and that box was definitely checked. It's a perfect spot for a couple, a family with children or a group of college kids. We just left and I can't say enough. Thanks, Marla, for an amazing time!

I

Israel

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Mirror Lake Bunkhouse llc

We loved Kathy's place, the small cabin is surrounded by trees. The lake is close and had a very nice view, there are trails for hiking. Our stay was quiet and relaxed and that was exactly what we were looking for. Thank you.

A

Aidan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

Very nice woods and Marla and her husband were extremely nice. The Disc Golf is pretty fun too! Would defintly come back again.

K

Kydeem

October 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

I loved the cabin at Marla's. It also has nice views, cool little trails and a nice place by the water to relax.

H

Haylea

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

We stayed in campsite one. It was really nice and not too far from the parking spots. The bathroom was also nice and not too far of a walk from the campsite. We will definitely be back again. We loved that they provided firewood! Just be prepared to carry your camping stuff to your site, they do have wagons but when we went everyone else had taken them already and kept them at their sites so we had nothing to use to haul our stuff to our site.

D

Deanna

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

Great time with our young kids! The river is beautiful

M

Mark

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

Even though it's in Fort Wayne. It was nice and secluded and peaceful.

K

Katy

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Blue Water Lake

Had a wonderful time. Great fishing spot. Very quiet and peaceful.

N

Neil

September 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

The cabin had convenient access and parking, good amenities, and above all was cozy!

M

Martin

September 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

This is the second time I have stayed at the cabin and both times have been an amazing experience! The amenities offered are amazing! I felt connected to the outdoors while still being able to enjoy the comforts of a clean and well supplied facility! A great way to get away for the weekend without all the hassles of traditional tent camping. A great way to dip your toe into camping before going all out into a tent.

S

Steve

September 2025

Tent

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

Great place. The owners are very nice people. I recommend going there.

T

Tyler

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

The campgrounds were clean and maintained. It was easy to get to and quite. I only stayed for one night, but I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I'd recommend for anyone to give it a chance. Being so close to the river was delightful and I'll be returning again in the future.

Abagail

September 2025

With kids

1 night at River Camp Fort Wayne

Kids loved the lofts and spacious areas to explore

D

Dylan

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Blue Water Lake

Beautiful site with salamonie and lake access very private! Have been twice already and will for sure come back!

A

Alex

August 2025

Weekend Trip to River Camp Fort Wayne

The cabin was clean and comfortable. Everything worked properly and we enjoyed our stay.

An outside view of our little cabin on the river> And you can see the outhouse (potty) too.

A

Adventures of

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mirror Lake Bunkhouse llc

This was a perfect, quiet place to catch up on some rest. The cabin is absolutely primitive, no power, no water (there is a nice outhouse). It is also beautiful, well maintained, and super clean. The host is amazing too. They gave super clear directions and were incredibly sweet and thoughtful. I would 100% recommend!