Camping spots near Hebron, Indiana range from full-service RV resorts to tent-friendly areas within 30-45 minutes of town. Northern Indiana's terrain features a mix of agricultural flatlands and sandy soil near Lake Michigan, with elevations ranging from 600-700 feet. Weather patterns include significant summer thunderstorm activity from June through August, with fall camping season often extending into late October when overnight temperatures dip into the 30s.
What to do
Climb the sand dunes challenge: At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, the 3 Dune Challenge attracts visitors seeking moderate hiking. "The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot. The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic!" notes Greg S.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing ponds as alternatives to lake swimming. At Last Resort Campground, campers can secure waterfront sites. "We had a great site that allowed us to fish and be right across the street from the site!" says Darlene W., who made return reservations before leaving.
Beach activities beyond swimming: Many campers visit for lake access but discover additional activities. When beach swimming isn't possible, walking the shoreline offers wildlife viewing. "In the fall, the park is less crowded with bike routes and stopping points to look at birds and marshlands," mentioned one visitor at Indiana Dunes.
What campers like
Shower facilities: Bathroom amenities vary significantly between campgrounds. Sand Creek Campground offers "bathrooms with showers and outlets and places to put your stuff" according to Emily C., who found it "clean and quiet" despite the $32 tent site fee. Michigan City Campground received praise for "good hot water" while Dunewood's facilities include "a camp sink for dishwashing" as a "nice bonus."
Secured camping areas: Several campgrounds offer controlled access. Michigan City Campground implements "secure entrance and key card access" which Beth B. specifically mentioned appreciating. Love's RV Stop features gated entry with online check-in procedures.
Well-maintained paths: Trail conditions around Hebron receive consistent positive feedback. "There are many well maintained hiking trails and cross country skiing trails in the winter," notes Anna G. about Indiana Dunes State Park. Manuel T. observed Dunewood has "trails and sand dunes to climb, clean beach, really clean campground with newer clean bathrooms."
What you should know
Train noise impacts sleep: Railroad proximity affects multiple campgrounds. "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," reports Kaley A. about Indiana Dunes State Park. At Dunewood Campground, Truly W. mentions "Could hear Trains throughout the night" despite giving the campground 5 stars for its "great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink."
Site privacy varies significantly: Campground layouts offer different privacy levels. Holly M. notes Dunewood "campsite is pretty open & not much privacy from neighboring campers!" At Last Resort, campers report "spaces are TIGHT on the full hook up side" while "around the pond (electric only) sites were much bigger and secluded."
Seasonal capacity issues: The region faces heavy visitor traffic, particularly during summer weekends. "The weekend traffic can be a bummer," states Kirk B. about Indiana Dunes State Park. During peak season, many campers find successful reservations at private campgrounds when park campgrounds fill up.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Oak Lake RV Resort offers structured programs for children. Nadiehsda B. describes "pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades," noting her family extended their stay from a weekend to nearly two weeks. Sadie H. mentions their site was "right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp."
Swimming options beyond Lake Michigan: Multiple campgrounds maintain pools as alternatives when beaches are crowded or closed. Last Resort provides "a pool, a pond, and some weekend activities" according to Ron L., who also mentioned "Saturday night golf cart parade" where "campers with golf carts do a parade around the campground and toss candy."
Bathhouse cleanliness: Family campers consistently mention bathroom facilities. Katherine T. at Dunewood notes "Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus." Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park features "a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering," according to holly S.
Tips from RVers
Reservation timing strategies: RVers recommend booking weekday arrivals when possible. Craig C. reports Michigan City Campground offers "90ft pull through 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."
Hookup variations: Electric service levels vary between campgrounds. At Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, sites are full hookup with shower facilities. For those needing just overnight accommodations, Love's RV Stop provides "clean full hookups, pull through and back in sites" that are "open all year."
Level sites: RVers mention ground conditions matter for larger rigs. Chris M. at Indiana Dunes State Park reports "The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites...We had a back in sight #69. There was plenty of space on all sides. We have a 37' motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around."
