Best Tent Camping near Gary, IN
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Best Tent Sites Near Gary, IN (8)
1. Camp Shabbona Woods
Calumet City, Illinois1 Review•37 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$30 - $80 / night
2. Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
Beverly Shores, Indiana1 Review•10 Photos•25 SavesOverview
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres (6070 ha) will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles (80 km) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.
Recreation
There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes.__ As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.
Facilities
There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes.__ As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.
Natural Features
Indiana Dunes National Park is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national park features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology. In addition, four National Natural Landmarks (including Pinhook Bog and Cowles Bog ) and one National Historical Landmark (the Bailly Homestead) are located within its boundaries.____ The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource.__ For more information on our natural features visit the Nature and Science page on the park website.
Nearby Attractions
Central Avenue Beach on Lake Michigan is located nearby, less than 5,000 feet (1524 m) from the campground. Several other national park beaches are within easy driving distance. A gas station / convenience store is located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of the campground on U.S. Highway 12. The Beverly Shores South Shore Railroad station with passenger service to Chicago and South Bend is located on Broadway Avenue. Indiana Dunes Tourism and LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau have lists of other activities in the area.
Charges & Cancellations
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (camping reservations cancelled the day before or day of arrival) incur a $10 cancellation fee plus a forfeiture of the first night's use fee.__ For more information please review Recreation.gov's Rules and Reservations Policies.__
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Toilets
$25 / night
3. Davis Creek Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Bourbonnais, Illinois2 Reviews•2 Photos•12 SavesDavis Creek Campground is available by reservation for chaperoned youth and church groups. All areas require camping permits, available at the park office or from park personnel in state vehicles. Groups of 25 or more are required to obtain a free activity permit from the park office.
Tent Camping Only Must park in lot and walk to campsite Reservations can be made at ExploreMoreIL.com Open Year Round Reservations accepted for March through October
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
4. Mac Finn's Landing
Aroma Park, Illinois1 Review•16 Photos•25 SavesTent camping fishmermen's retreat.
Parking Available for guests.
Boat friendly. (Kayak rental Available.)
Season ending December 1st, 2022.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$35 - $50 / night
5. McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove
Channahon, Illinois3 Reviews•17 Photos•39 SavesFrederick's Grove offers four primitive campsites for family or group rental, with a permit capacity of six people per site. The campsites are on flat terrain in full shade to full sun and provide access to grills, fire pits and latrines. Two of the campsites are on natural surface terrain and two are on concrete pads and are ADA accessible. The campsites are unavailable for rental from November 1 through April 15 each year for safety and maintenance.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$15 - $30 / night
6. Channahon State Park Campground
Channahon, Illinois1 Review•7 Photos•29 SavesChannahon State Park is the official trailhead for the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail. Channahon is an Indian word meaning "the meeting of the waters" and signifies the joining of the DuPage, Des Plaines and Kankakee rivers.
Today, Channahon State Park is under the management of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and provides park visitors a look back at a historic waterway that transformed a state. Locks 6 & 7 and the original locktenders house at Lock 6 located at the Channahon State Park enable visitors to daydream of a time when one of the loudest noises heard came from a blacksmith pounding out a new set of horse shoes.
Only primitive tent camping is available and gear must be walked to the campsite. Fire rings, picnic tables, and grills are located in the camping area. A drinking fountain and pit toilets are located within a short distance from the camping area. A camping permit must be obtained from the information center.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
7. Illinois and Michigan Canal
Be the first to review!Joliet, Illinois•4 SavesBackpack carry-in is allowed at designated sites along the 61 mile trail. Tent and youth group camping are also available at Channahon and Gebhard Woods. Open fires are permitted in camp stoves and fire pits provided at the sites. Permits must be obtained from the park offices prior to camping.
Call the park office for location of these sites. Class D sites are for tent camping or primitive sites (walk-in or backpack) with no vehicular access.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
$6 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Gary
471 Reviews of 8 Gary Campgrounds
- P
Preston H.
Scout
Oak Lake RV Resort
Quiet, nice place.
Staff was extremely helpful as this was our first trip with the new camper. Was very quiet. Clean shower and bathroom.
- AAlexandra S.Scout
Warren Dunes State Park Campground
Great for short stay
I’m very familiar with Warren Dunes but this was my first time camping here. Great walks and hikes and the short drive to the beach is a plus. The sites aren’t too private and can fill up quickly. The bathrooms were clean and stocked. I read lots of reviews about the noise from the road and nearby highway and I didn’t think it would bother me, but I was wrong. I wish I had some ear plugs because I had difficulty falling asleep. Overall great place, especially for beginner campers as there is a small onsite store for camp basics. Three stars due to noise and not much privacy.
- TThomas C.
Guide
Camp Sullivan
Urban Camping near Chicago
Camp Sullivan offers a charming and well-maintained space for campers of all kinds, from tent enthusiasts to RV travelers like us. All the RV sites here are back in, and while they are tight, they are certainly manageable. We brought our 36-foot RV, the Badger, and although it barely fit, we were able to position it close enough to the power box by choosing not to extend the slide. This turned out to be a smart decision, considering the timbers that line the gravel surface of the site. These timbers add a bit of a challenge when maneuvering a larger rig, and in our case, (note to staff) removing the timber closest to the road would have made things much easier.
Each RV site is equipped with 15, 30, and 50-amp electrical connections, though it’s worth noting that there’s no water or sewer available at individual sites. As a result, water conservation becomes essential. The bathrooms here, however, are clean and well-kept, which is always appreciated, especially after a few days without on-site water. There is also a stainless steel sink for use in front of the RV area's bathroom where you can do dishes.
Security at Camp Sullivan feels solid, and while there is some noise, it wasn’t disruptive. We stayed over a weekend, and though there was a lively group in the group campsite Saturday night, they respectfully wrapped up their activities by quiet hours, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep.
The roads throughout the campground are in good condition, and the trees aren’t a concern for your RV clearance. In addition to RV sites, Camp Sullivan offers a range of accommodations for all kinds of campers. There are small rental cabins, large bunkhouses for group camping, and plenty of tent sites spread across the grounds. We didn’t have the chance to check out the"Barn" yet, but it’s a major feature here, housing a climbing wall and concessions.
We also noticed staff busy cleaning the bunkhouse areas and taking care of trash removal, even on a quiet Sunday. Everyone we encountered was friendly and added to the overall positive vibe of the place. Camp Sullivan is an excellent spot for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, (up to six days allowed) with plenty of amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where we feel comfortable and cared for, with just the right balance of adventure and relaxation.
Iryna R.ScoutLeisure Lake Resort
Good resort very bad water
We booked a month stay but weren’t able to stay over 2 weeks because water is so horrible. Our cat got diarrhea, clothes got ruined, you can’t even make tea with that water. But everything else was good. Nice helpful staff, clean, quiet rv park.
Aly E.Guide
Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Great area
Lovely area and there’s so many beach areas nearby. Not on the lake but close! Best hike nearby is Mount Baldy! It’s short and you have the beach to yourself!
Amy S.ScoutDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Safe and comfortable campground
Convenient to Indiana dunes, each site is easily accessible and spacious. The facilities are fairly clean and showers are available though we didn’t use them. Would recommend as a stop over. As a solo female traveler I felt safe.
SomadNomad M.
Traveler
Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Alright
Can get a little crowded ar times
Cathy E.TravelerDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
$50 ($25 for the site, $25 for park pass)
Advertised as $25 a night, but you must have an Indiana Dunes park pass, which is only good for this specific park. Site was fine, facilities were decent.
Jennifer K.
Ranger
Camp Bullfrog Lake
Pretty great!
I somehow booked a different campground- website was confusing apparently. However the worker was so helpful and found me a spot anyway. Sites are kind of small so not a lot of space for big big campers. Cute lake and relatively quiet. Odd though that when I asked questions like where can we fill water and if they had a park map I got looked at like I had 3 heads.
Jim L.Traveler
Martin’s Camping Ground
Parking lot
Sites are very close. You can watch the traffic on the highway from your camper.No picnic table, no firing, bathroom and showers were clean. Thought it strange that you needed a combination to get in the bathroom.Seems like most people live there. With a few sites for People passing through. If you’re looking for a place to park for the night and take a shower this is all I would recommend this place for
- CColleen L.Scout
Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
So many bugs!!
This is a nice national park campground and has all that you would expect from that, but the mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on. I honestly couldn’t wait to leave!
- MMelanie M.Traveler
Warren Dunes State Park Campground
Great place to stay for a few days!
Stayed for 3 days/2 nights. Place was a little crowded, but once it got dark it was quiet and peaceful. Most spots were fairly out in the open, but we had a nice spot with a few trees hiding us on 3 sides and not too far from water or bathroom trail. Bathrooms were decent and we liked the private showers, warm water!
Overall, great walking paths, hiking and the beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!
The only major downfall was the price of everything at the little store. $6 for an ice cream sandwich!?! No thanks! However, be sure to visit The Beach Bucket for your ice cream cravings on those hot days!! They also have firewood which burned so much better than what the camp store offered.
- RRobert C.Scout
Martin’s Camping Ground
Not bad
Sites are ok. Very close together. Traffic from I-80 is loud. Staff is very nice. Cleanest campground bathrooms I’ve ever seen.
Rose S.TravelerDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
very nice campground close to the NP
This was a very nicely managed site. All services you might want, even showers. Our spot wasn’t very closed off from other sites, and you’re not likely to get much privacy here
Rebekah J.GuideWarren Dunes State Park Campground
Lots of road noise and LOTS of mosquitoes
Stayed at site 201 at the Hildebrandt campground. Sites are smallish. Most sites have some shade, but little privacy in between. The scenery wasnt that great, mostly vine like trees you'd see in a flood plain. The water pump was out during our stay and needed to go to the station near the modern campground.
We were scheduled to stay for 3d/2n but plans changed due to weather from hurricane beryl. It started to rain in the first evening and we had a mini creek running through our site. With the amount of rain projected to be on its way we could only imagine it being completely flooded.
Mosquitoes were awful even before the rain. Vault toilets were well taken care of.
If you want quite or the sound of nature, this campground is not for you. You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night. The general store near the campground entrance is a nice convenience if you forgot something or need ice/fire wood.
It is wonderful though how close the Campground are to Lake Michigan/warren dunes, which is why we stayed.
D G.GuideWarren Dunes State Park Campground
Better for a Day Trip
Went with my in laws who have a camper (I typically camp rustic). The site we were at was smaller and narrow. There was also a lot of noise from the I-94 freeway nearby while trying to sleep.
While the hiking was good and the beach beautiful, they don’t allow alcohol which is my favorite post hike/beach activity.
Overall I’d do a day trip for the hiking and beach, but stay elsewhere.
- JJ L.Guide
Warren Dunes State Park Campground
Excellent park
While, this state park seems relatively small. The spaces are very big. They have a great little general store. The beach is just down the drive. Mood is mellow and relaxing place. Small con-a little bit of flooding. Despite other reviews online no radiation from the nuclear power plant.
- BBethGuide
Weko Beach Campground
Campground review
The sites are randomly laid out and on top of each other. The bathhouse looked bad. You could hike the wooden walkway trails over the dunes easily. Pay to park public beach was very close.the beach area was very nice. Campground was not.
- BBethGuide
Warren Dunes State Park Campground
Near the dunes and a nice public beach
This campground is a place to stay while you visit the huge dunes. Developed sites are very small and close together. Sand/grass pads that are not defined. Undeveloped or tent area was almost empty and bigger but no electric. Cabin area has best sites. Cabins are small. Limited toilets. Public beach was nice...quite a few people. Separate area for dogs to play on the beach. Hike the dunes for a great workout
Linda N.Traveler
Blackwell Family Campground
Great little getaway
This was our first time camping tryout and we had a blast. It is deep enough in the forest preserve to feel like camping but is not far from our home, which allows for a quick getaway. The campsite was very clean and the staff/ranger nice and knowledgeable. The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos and during our stay, blew gigantic bubbles for the kids to chase around.
The toilets on the loops are vault and the ones by the main entrance are flush. Didn't use the showers on this trip but both facilities were well maintained and clean.
As other reviewers said, since it is in the forest preserve, the gates close an hour after sunset and reopen at sunrise. The ranger did cruise through the sites to make a formal announcement so that visitors could leave. It is also close to a main road and you could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night. We will definitely be revisiting as a quick getaway spot.
- kkayla D.Scout
Hickory Hills Campground at Bass Lake
AWFUL!
We just went there last night and woke up came home immediately! There was nothing to do at all! A run down park, lake and sites. There was boards with nails just laying all around the park. Not to mention the park was falling apart. It was more of a trailer park than a camping site. The garbage can was overflowing all over the ground. We payed for 2 nights and owner never got back to me to get our money back for tonight! Would not recommend one bit.
Siegfried M.GuideDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Shady Camp Spot
Nice Privat Spot and lots of Shade, Train is on Duty all Night Paid $12.50 with my Senior Discount 👍
- CChad A.Scout
Leisure Lake Membership Resort
"Easter Week at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park"
"Our family had an incredible stay at Leisure Lake Resort RV Park over Easter week. The location was perfect for a peaceful retreat, and the amenities provided everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable visit. The kids had a blast with the available activities, and it was the ideal setting for our family to come together and create lasting memories. The staff was exceptionally friendly and went above and beyond to ensure our stay was pleasant. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a family-friendly getaway!"
- EEric Y.Traveler
Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
Close by taste of nature
This is actually our second visit here. It’s only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times. It’s a unique location about .5 miles from the actual beach and there’s a path/boardwalk that takes you right there. This is one of the few state parks that has a year-round heated bathroom with shower, so even with our popup camper we were able to take advantage of the decent weather for our first trip of the year. Sites are decent sized and have asphalt driveways with concrete pads. Sites are electric only, but there’s several water fills, even in winter. Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season. Be aware that because it shares an entrance to the state park beach, entering on a summer Saturday or summer Sunday can take upwards of 45 minutes or more.
- Katie A.Traveler
Warren Dunes State Park Campground
Nice spot for hiking
Small campsites, but great hiking trails. Found lots of pawpaw fruit and loved playing on the beach after a nice hike. Lots of road noise at night and the sites aren’t very private.
Brad J.GuideWarren Dunes State Park Campground
Very busy and overall facilities are a bit tired
Dunes are gorgeous but honestly I'd rather have gone for a day trip and camped elsewhere for the price. Breakers and outlet on the power pole in the site were falling into the box, showers and bathrooms are a bit worn out etc. Campsites are side by side and it was more packed than a Walmart parking lot. Make sure you bring supplies or treats, the "camp store" was charging $9 for a bag of Doritos...
Katherine T.GuideChippewa Campground at Kankakee River State Park Campground
Ok for an overnight
The sites here are pretty close together and not particularly private. The good thing is it wasn't particularly booked up the night I stayed there. No showers and the pit toilets exist. (I've seen worse, I've seen better, clean but doors are a bit hard to shut the door, no handwashing readily available). I'd recommend this for folks bringing a camper more so than planning to pitch a tent if you want to stay more than one night. It's a good spot for a quick overnight just outside Chicago.
Guide to Gary
Tent camping near Gary, Indiana offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the urban hustle and enjoy nature. With well-maintained sites and a range of amenities, campers can find the perfect spot to pitch their tents.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- At Camp Shabbona Woods, you'll find essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and showers, making it a comfortable choice for first-time campers.
- The Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park offers a unique experience with no drinking water or electric hookups, perfect for those seeking a more rustic adventure.
- Davis Creek Campground — Kankakee River State Park features clean facilities and access to drinking water, ensuring a pleasant stay in a scenic environment.
Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $30
- Camping at Mac Finn's Landing typically falls within this price range, making it an affordable option for fishing enthusiasts looking to enjoy the Kankakee River.
- The Illinois and Michigan Canal offers a budget-friendly experience, with no reservation fees, allowing campers to enjoy the natural beauty without breaking the bank.
- Channahon State Park Campground provides a well-reviewed camping experience at a reasonable price, ideal for those biking along the canal trail.
Tips for tent camping near Gary
- When visiting McKinley Woods: Frederick's Grove, be prepared for potential flooding, especially during rainy seasons, and check the weather forecast before your trip.
- At Hammel Woods, consider arriving early to secure a good spot, as the campground can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
- For a more secluded experience, the Illinois and Michigan Canal offers hike-in sites that provide privacy away from the more crowded areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gary, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gary, IN is Camp Shabbona Woods with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Gary, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Gary, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.