Indiana Dunes National Park borders Lake Michigan, offering glamping options near Gary, Indiana with sand dunes that reach heights of 192 feet. The park contains over 15,000 acres of beaches, prairies, and marshlands. Winter temperatures typically range from 15-30°F, while summer brings 70-85°F weather with high humidity.
What to do
Hike the dunes: At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, the 3 Dunes Challenge provides an adventurous hiking experience. "It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list. The nature center is right next to the campground," notes Jackie H. The soft sand creates a unique hiking surface, with some visitors preferring to go barefoot.
Beach activities: Lake Michigan's shoreline offers swimming and sunbathing opportunities from May through September. According to Manuel T. at Dunewood Campground, there are "trails and sand dunes to climb, clean beach, really clean camp ground with newer clean bathrooms." Water temperatures typically reach the mid-70s by July.
Fishing: Several campgrounds near Gary provide fishing access. The lakes at Oak Lake RV Resort and Lakeshore Camp Resort stock fish for guests. "We did fish in it and caught a bunch!" reports Rino S., though he cautions about swimming in some of the smaller lakes due to water quality.
Mountain biking: The trail systems around Gary offer extensive riding options. Josh M. from Camp Bullfrog Lake notes, "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite." Trails range from beginner-friendly to technical single-track.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many glamping sites near Gary maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. At Michigan City Campground, Craig C. reports, "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, and propane." Bathroom cleanliness stands out in multiple reviews.
Security features: Several campgrounds implement security measures. Shane M. appreciates that Michigan City Campground is a "gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool." This added security gives glampers peace of mind when leaving their site to explore nearby attractions.
Proximity to Chicago: Glamping near Gary provides access to city amenities while maintaining a nature experience. Robert B. from Indiana Dunes State Park mentions, "We arrived on a fall night, after the sun had set and we were thrilled to wake up to such an amazing display of Northern Indiana fall foliage." The South Shore commuter train connects to Chicago from Michigan City without dealing with city traffic.
Lake views: Sunset views over Lake Michigan rank highly among visitor experiences. "On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake," shares Anna G. about Indiana Dunes State Park, highlighting the unique perspective available from the shoreline.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad lines near several glamping locations create noise disruptions. According to Truly W. at Dunewood Campground, you "could hear Trains throughout the night." Kaley A. adds that at Indiana Dunes, "trains going through and blasting their horns all night long" affected sleep quality, particularly for tent campers.
Site spacing varies significantly: Some glamping locations offer spacious sites while others place units close together. Jeffrey S. noted that at Indiana Dunes State Park, the campground was "very clean, well spread out, had a bathhouse, firewood and basics for sale," while at Lakeshore Camp Resort, Carol W. described the experience as "cramped camping."
Seasonal popularity: Most glamping sites near Gary become extremely busy from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Greg S. shares that even when Indiana Dunes "was pretty full, it still had a nice communal family feel to it." Weekends often book months in advance, particularly for cabin and glamping accommodations.
Weather considerations: Lake effect weather patterns can create sudden changes. Wind off Lake Michigan often intensifies in the evening, making fires challenging. Richard E. notes that "the thick cloud of campfire smoke that lingers at bedtime when the land breeze shifts in" can affect the camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When glamping with children, sites near play areas provide convenience. At Oak Lake RV Resort, Sadie H. shares, "Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp." Request these sites when booking for easier supervision.
Beach safety awareness: Lake Michigan can develop dangerous rip currents. Anna G. cautions, "Be careful in the lake, because rip current often take young visitors out too far and into dangerous waters." Beaches with lifeguards provide added safety during summer months.
Evening activities: Many glamping sites near Gary offer organized weekend entertainment. Dane S. reports about Camp Sullivan, "We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites." Some campgrounds feature movie nights, themed weekends, and ranger programs throughout summer.
Off-season benefits: For families seeking quieter experiences, consider mid-week or shoulder season visits. Peter C. notes that at Warren Dunes State Park, "The campground was fully booked, but not everyone showed, meaning that it didn't really feel crowded there."
Tips from RVers
Hook-up variations: Electric-only sites predominate at several glamping locations. Greg S. explains, "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." Water fill stations and dump stations are typically available but may involve waiting during busy periods.
Site selection strategy: End sites or outer loop locations generally provide more privacy. Jon S. suggests at Indiana Dunes, "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. The middle sites are more exposed and much less private."
Parking challenges: Some RV sites have limited space for additional vehicles. "We have a 37' motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around," shares Chris M. about Indiana Dunes, though this varies significantly between glamping locations near Gary.
Seasonal site options: For frequent visitors, seasonal arrangements offer value. Nadiehsda B. enthuses about Oak Lake RV Resort, "We're already talking about being put on the list for a seasonal site for next year bc we know we'll be back again & again." Seasonal glamping accommodations typically require early booking, sometimes a year in advance.
