Cabin camping near Hanna, Indiana offers access to woodland areas and Lake Michigan beaches within 20-30 miles of town. The climate features warm summers averaging 82°F and cold winters with temperatures frequently below freezing. Most cabin facilities remain open year-round, though amenities like swimming pools operate seasonally from May through September.
What to do
Lake activities at Potato Creek State Park: The 327-acre Worster Lake provides fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities from May through October. Visitors can rent rowboats, canoes, and kayaks during summer months. "Hiking, biking swimming, fishing, what more could you ask for. We love it here," notes one camper at Potato Creek State Park Campground.
Explore the sand dunes: Located about 30 miles from Hanna, Warren Dunes State Park features 260-foot sand dunes and 3 miles of shoreline. "Mt. Randall is the high dune to climb but not for the faint of heart! And beware, the sand does get HOT midday," reports a visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Tippecanoe River State Park offers multiple woodland trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "There's a firetower, which is fun for the kids and the hike to get there is short," mentions one visitor who enjoyed the park's observation point that provides views of the surrounding landscape.
What campers like
Security features: Gated entrances and controlled access make certain campgrounds especially appealing to families and those concerned about safety. "Love the secure entrance and key card access. Pool and bathrooms were clean, although the bathroom could use a slight update," notes a visitor at Michigan City Campground.
Well-maintained washrooms: Clean facilities consistently rank high among visitor priorities. At Maple Ridge Campground, one camper remarked, "The shower and bathroom was the best I ever saw at a campground." The newly remodeled bathhouse facilities include laundry options.
Wooded privacy: Many cabins and camping sites offer natural separation through strategic placement. "Sites were smooth and level and well taken care of. Lots of nice walking and biking trails and a big electric motor only fishing lake and nice beach," a camper at Potato Creek State Park noted about the overall setting.
What you should know
Seasonal mosquito concerns: Wetland areas around Tippecanoe River become mosquito-heavy during summer months. "Natural wetlands abound, so definitely bring the mosquito spray," advises one visitor, highlighting the need for adequate insect protection particularly from June through August.
Train noise at some locations: Several campgrounds report railway proximity that can disrupt sleep. "The train is so loud that it's bound to wake you up numerous times in the middle of the night," reports one camper at Lakeshore Camp Resort.
Alcohol policies vary: Some parks strictly prohibit alcohol while others allow it. "If you go, definitely hike up to the top. One setback was that you can't bring alcohol into the park. I wasn't planning on getting tanked or anything, but it would've been nice to drink a beer around the fire. And if you think the rangers don't enforce that rule, you're wrong," notes a Warren Dunes visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When booking cabin sites with children, check proximity to play areas. At Sand Creek Campground, "The tent sites were nice and located around the perimeter. My boys did like that there was a very nice pool." Some cabin locations offer direct playground views for easier supervision.
Weekend activities: Several campgrounds organize regular programming for children during peak season. "Owner operator campground where the family knows how to cater to the kids. Multiple activities on Saturday included tractor ride, kids bingo, and elephant ears," notes a visitor to Maple Ridge Campground.
Beach preparation: For cabins near Lake Michigan, pack appropriate footwear for hot sand. A Warren Dunes visitor advised, "Wonderful campground! Lots of shade and plenty of privacy between sites." Consider driving rather than walking to beaches as distances can be considerable from cabin areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup distances: At some parks, electrical connections require extended cords. "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," notes an RVer at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground, where cabin campers face similar challenges.
Premium site options: For those seeking more amenities with their cabin rental, some campgrounds offer upgraded areas. "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. The cement patio was large with a picnic table and an adjacent fire pit," reports a visitor to Michigan City Campground.
Arrival planning: When visiting on summer weekends, early check-in is advised. "We arrived late, they got us in, we left early. I paid more than I wanted but they've got a sweet deal with their proximity to the solidly booked national park," mentions a Michigan City Campground visitor regarding timing considerations.
