Camping sites near Crown Point, Indiana are primarily situated within a one-hour drive radius, with options ranging from established state park facilities to private family-owned campgrounds. The region sits at elevations between 660-700 feet above sea level and experiences average summer temperatures of 75-85°F with moderate humidity levels. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping available at select locations.
What to do
Beach activities at Indiana Dunes: Just a 30-minute drive from Crown Point, visitors can access Lake Michigan's shoreline. "The closest beach within the national park is Kimmel Beach which is beautiful. There are some biting horseflies at the beach, but not at the campground," notes a camper at Dunewood Campground.
Trail exploration: Many campgrounds connect to hiking trails of varying difficulty. "We enjoyed hiking the Long Lake Trail through dunes and woods... The campsite was large and beautiful. The restroom area was clean and had soap and dryers," according to a visitor at Dunewood Campground.
Sand dune climbing: For more adventurous campers, the dunes offer unique hiking opportunities. "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," reports a camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Fishing and water sports: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities in small lakes or ponds. At Oak Lake RV Resort, campers mention "a large pond to fish or paddle boat" and note the campground is "very relaxing, and very quiet" with "great shade from tall trees."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. A visitor to Michigan City Campground reported, "The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing."
Site privacy and shade: Tree coverage is important to campers in this region. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," notes a review for Dunewood Campground.
Security features: Some private campgrounds offer added security. Michigan City Campground gets praise for its "secure entrance and key card access. Pool and bathrooms were clean, although the bathroom could use a slight update."
Convenient location: Several camping options provide easy access to attractions. "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," notes a camper at Michigan City Campground, adding, "You are close to Indiana Dunes and the downtown area of Michigan city. Good food, shops are close by."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise. "Could hear Trains throughout the night. Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink. Great shading from trees and very green!" mentions a Dunewood Campground visitor.
Advance reservations required: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "When we arrived we were the only tent campers, so we could pick our spot. Non of the tent sites have electricity or water. Only a few have a picnic table and/or a fire pit," notes a visitor at Sand Creek Campground.
Insects can be problematic: Mosquitoes are mentioned in several reviews. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening. Overall, it was a nice campground with spacious sites. It was not a long car ride at all to Lake Michigan," reports a camper at Dunewood Campground.
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense. One camper described their stay at Dunewood as "Brutally hot but otherwise nice" and noted, "Loved the proximity of this campground to Lake Michigan!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with children, campgrounds with play areas are valuable. At Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, "There's a playground as well. You have access to the perks of the conference grounds including access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open."
Swimming options: Pools provide recreation when Lake Michigan is too rough. "This campground was very clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. It was a short drive to Lake Michigan," notes a visitor to Michigan City Campground, which also offers a swimming pool.
Secluded beach access: Finding less crowded beaches can improve the family experience. "We camped here on our way to Minnesota. The campsite had the typical amenities like a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground was clean and it was quiet," reports a Dunewood Campground visitor.
Site selection: Families should consider site location. "Our site was right between the playground and beach trailhead, but still private. The best sites are the ones on the outside from the beach trail to the nature center," advises an Indiana Dunes State Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: RVers should check utility connections before booking. "We stayed in a 90 ft premium pull through spot. Nice campground that is maintained. There is a pool, fishing pond, and playground for kids," reports a visitor to Michigan City Campground.
Site size considerations: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "We have a 37' motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around. The sight also had a wood picnic table and fire ring for a wood fire pit," notes a camper at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Year-round options: For off-season camping, Michigan City Campground is "open year round. They also have many monthly sites available with winter water, as well as seasonal and overnight spots."
Overnight convenience: For those just passing through, Love's RV Stop in Demotte offers "clean full hookups, pull through and back in sites" and is described as a "nice new quiet place to get off the highway."
