Tent camping in Indiana can be both exhilarating and stressful. Here at Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake, we make it easy to enjoy your camping trip! With this guide, you will learn everything you need to know when planning your Indiana tent camping trip. From recipe recommendations to the benefits of tent camping, this guide is sure to make your tent camping experience run a little smoother and make you feel more prepared!
Benefits of Tent Camping
Tent camping is a fun and affordable way to spend time with family and friends. Not only does tent camping allow for quality time to unplug from technology and reconnect with nature, but it also helps to foster bonding and create memorable experiences with your loved ones. Whether you're working together to set up camp or gathering around the campfire to roast marshmallows, tent camping is a great way to enjoy a vacation together!
A Cheaper Alternative
Family vacations can be expensive - fortunately, tent camping tends to be cheaper than other accommodations. Tent camping at Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake allows you to save the extra cash from the site, without skimping out on the fun. With our wide range of attractions for you and your family to enjoy, you'll be able to have a blast without breaking the bank!
Connect with Nature
Another benefit of tent camping is being able to connect with nature. Tent camping at Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake offers a chance to breathe in the fresh air and sleep under the stars. Staying at our Indiana campground brings you back to enjoying the simple things - like the sound of crickets at night and birds chirping in the morning. It's time to soak in the sunshine and vitamin D, and feel refreshed during your time away from your normal routine!
Take a Break from Technology
Tent camping at Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake will also allow you to disconnect. By tent camping, you can step away from the emails and phone calls, giving you the break you need to unwind and unplug. Taking a step away from the screens and reconnecting with nature will allow you to return home feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. It's a win-win!
Choosing a Tent Site
Here at Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake, we have many different tent sites to choose from! Due to this, we are a great choice for your next Indiana tent camping adventure! Let’s take a look at each site type option to decide which one is best for you and your family.
Red Carpet Tent Site
Our Red Carpet Tent Sites are the best choice for those who want to tent camp comfortably. With these sites you get an 18 x 11 tent pad, electric and water hook-ups, a fire ring, a grill, and even a picnic table! Make the most of your tenting experience by opting for a more luxurious stay for you and your family.
Lakefront Standard Back-In/Tent Site & Standard Back-In/Tent Site
Want to bring the RV and still set up a tent? Our Lakefront Standard RV/Tent Sites allow the best of both worlds! If you bring an RV, this site type allows pets - so your furry friends can join in on the fun! Including full hook-ups for your RV, this site type has everything you may need and is located right on Barton Lake. For more information on bringing your pet with you, check out these 5 Useful Tips for Camping with Pets!
Standard Tent Site
Our Standard Tent Sites are sure to make your tent experience feel like camping used to. With a picnic table, electric and water hook-ups, and a fire ring, these sites have everything you need to make your camping trip memorable. Enjoy the great outdoors with the convenience of these spacious Indiana tent sites.
Rustic Tent Site
Want to tent camp but don’t need all of the amenities of our Red Carpet or Standard sites? Then our Rustic Tent Sites are the site type for you! These sites offer the traditional feel of camping while still being only a short walk away from our Comfort Stations. Included in these sites are a picnic table and a fire ring. Take the traditional approach and tent camp on these rustic sites!
Take Advantage of our Attractions
After you’ve chosen your tent site for the ultimate Indiana tent camping experience and have set up camp, it's time to take advantage of the numerous attractions and activities we have to offer! Our Indiana campground has many things to do for both the kids and adults alike. From our huge water attractions like the water slides and water playground, to competitive games of laser tag and mini golf, tent camping in Indiana has more to offer when you stay at Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake!
Included Attractions
While enjoying your stay, you and your family must check out the huge variety of included attractions and activities we have to offer! If you're looking to enjoy our water attractions, you can relax at our beach, splash around at the water playground, or cool off in the swimming pools. Feeling competitive? Try our mini golf course, sports courts, or scavenger hunt. If you're looking to try something a little more relaxing, our playgrounds, "Hey Hey" rides, fishing pond, and jumping pillows are for you. With so much to do, it’ll be difficult knowing where to start!
Additional Attractions
Other attractions we offer can be accessed with a small fee. Attractions that are additional, but should still be given a try, include laser tag, the arcade, Gem Mining, and select arts & crafts. To make the most out of your stay, we recommend purchasing a Fun Pass! This add-on gives you instant access to all sorts of attractions that are otherwise not included in your stay - including some additional tasty treats!
Enjoy On-Site Dining
After a long day of fun in the great outdoors, you’ll likely find yourself needing to refuel. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with our on-site dining options! We recommend checking out the Boo Boo™ Cafe - located next to our water attractions - where you'll find delicious pizzas, burgers, and so much more! Our Indiana campground also has the Tiki Hut - the perfect stop for a sweet treat like ice cream! On the other hand, if you're looking to make something homemade at your campsite, we've outlined some yummy recipes you must try. Although burgers and hot dogs are a staple camping meal, Yogi Bear™ and Friends recommend these tasty bites:
Beef Taco Skillet
With a cast iron skillet and a campfire, anything is possible! Try changing things up a bit with this Beef Taco Skillet recipe. With some beef, beans, and sweet potatoes, this recipe will take your camp food to the next level.
Campfire Mac & Cheese
Left the cast iron at home by accident? No worries, this recipe doesn’t need it! With a disposable aluminum pan, you can make this Campfire Mac & Cheese with ease. This super simple recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Campfire Donuts
Craving something sweet? Then these Campfire Donuts are for you! With a cast iron pan, some vegetable oil, biscuit dough, and sugar, these simple donuts take no time at all. For breakfast in the morning or a sweet treat to end the day, these donuts are sure to cure any sweet tooth!
Tent Camping Policies & Procedures
Tent camping takes a little more preparation than when cabin or RV camping. We've outlined a few things you should keep in mind before embarking on your Indiana tent camping trip.
On-Site Grocery Store
Regardless of the extra preparation, tent camping at Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake is as stress-free as possible with the help of our Ranger Station! The Ranger Station is always freshly stocked to ensure that any essentials you may have forgotten to pack, we have! From select grocery items and ice, to bug spray and souvenirs, your Indiana camping trip will be hassle-free and full of ease!
Pet Policy
No Outside Firewood
Another important policy to note is the prohibition of outside firewood. State regulations prohibit the use of outside firewood in order to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. But don't worry, firewood can be purchased at our Ranger Station, with the option of delivery to your campsite, ensuring that you can still enjoy a cozy campfire during your stay.
Tent camping in Indiana can be stressful, but for those who want the traditional feel of camping without the stress and hassle of truly roughing it, Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake is the campground for you. With tons of fun attractions to keep the day fun, as well as the Ranger Station and on-site dining options that will make your trip stress-free, Jellystone Park™ Barton Lake is truly the best Indiana campground for tent camping. Be sure to check out all of our tent site options before booking your stay - we hope to welcome you soon!