Indiana Dunes National Park offers tent, RV, and glamping accommodations within 30-40 miles of Lansing, Illinois. The park features forested campgrounds with accessibility to Lake Michigan's shoreline. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with frequent evening thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping brings temperatures between 45-65°F with less crowded conditions.
What to do
Beach access at Dunewood Campground: Located approximately 35 miles from Lansing in the Indiana Dunes National Park, this campground provides direct access to Lake Michigan beaches. "Right near the beach, everything you need is close, staff is nice, and it's affordable," notes Rachael M., while Manuel T. adds, "there's trails and sand dunes to climb clean beach really clean camp ground with newer clean bathrooms."
Rock climbing wall activities: Camp Sullivan offers indoor activities beyond standard camping recreation. "The camp sites are well kept as are the grounds. There are trails to walk. There is an activities barn with a rock climbing wall," shares Megan R., who notes that "the closeness, expensive fire wood, and lack of extensive hiking trails means we probably will not return."
Water recreation opportunities: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides kayaking opportunities on their small lake. "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," explains Layla P. Josh M. also highlights the "access to the miles and mile of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers secluded camping spaces with natural surroundings. Greg S. notes, "The best sites are the ones on the outside from the beach trail to the nature center. These are up against the dunes and have some shade." Katherine T. from Dunewood Campground adds, "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water."
Clean facilities: Michigan City Campground maintains well-kept shower and bathroom facilities. "This is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter," writes Craig C., who adds, "the cement patio was large with a picnic table and an adjacent fire pit. There is swimming pool and a game room, and a small store with the essentials."
Lake views and swimming: Campers enjoy the lake access at multiple locations for swimming and recreation. "We stayed here for two nights recently... Sites #4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad," notes Tim K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake, while Josh M. describes it as having "free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits."
What you should know
Train noise affects sleep quality: Many campgrounds in the area experience significant railroad noise. Kaley A. warns about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground: "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long." Similarly, Katherine T. mentions at Dunewood, "Definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town with good cell service."
Varying shower conditions: Bathroom facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. Bruce K. shares about Camp Bullfrog Lake: "I gave it a 2 star just for the free hot shower," while Lawrence B. notes, "Bathrooms were warm and clean. There's also a little store on site that was open until 10:00 PM."
Weather considerations: Oak Lake RV Resort and other area campgrounds experience significant seasonal changes. "We camped here on our way to Minnesota. The campsite had the typical amenities like a picnic table and a fire pit," shares Katrin M., adding "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's play areas. Sadie H. from Oak Lake RV Resort shares, "Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a looong day of driving. Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp."
Swimming options for children: Lakeshore Camp Resort provides multiple water recreation opportunities. According to Rino S., "There's a beach to the lake, but there's some garbage on the shore. I would not swim in it, although we did fish in it can caught a bunch! The camp store is large an stocked pretty well."
Weekday visits recommended: Kankakee South KOA and other popular campgrounds are less crowded mid-week. "Had a great time this weekend camping with my wife and two boys. We camp in an Hybrid trailer and really appreciated the price point with full hookups," shares Marc W., who adds they have "plastic picnic tables which where light to move and easy to clean. Decently quiet camp site with a pool for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Electric-only hookups at state parks: Indiana Dunes State Park provides limited utility connections. "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us - we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves," advises Greg S. Jeffrey S. concurs: "as is with most IN state parks there is no water hookup so you need to fill you tank up but it was set up really nice."
Premium sites available: Michigan City Campground provides deluxe RV accommodations. Craig C. recommends, "We stayed in the premium sites which were 90ft pull thought with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite." Similarly, Tim K. notes about Camp Bullfrog Lake, "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad."
Advance reservations crucial: Glamping in Lansing, Illinois area requires planning ahead. Kaitlin M. shares about Camp Bullfrog Lake: "Really nice campground. No water hooks up. Water on site but not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors."
