Dunewood Campground within Indiana Dunes National Park accommodates pets on a 6-foot leash at all campsites, offering tent, RV, and glamping options. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground also welcomes dogs with similar leash restrictions while providing electric hookups, fifty-amp service, and full amenities including showers and toilets. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. The campgrounds fill quickly during summer months, with reservations strongly recommended. Many campers note the Dunewood sites offer more privacy and shade compared to the more developed state park facilities.
Sand Creek Campground provides a quieter alternative for pet owners, located just 15 minutes from Lake Michigan beaches and dunes. The campground features full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections, along with pet-friendly cabins for those without camping equipment. Leashed pets must be supervised at all times, and waste stations are positioned throughout the grounds. A dedicated dog walking area allows pets to stretch their legs after travel. Visitors praise the clean, well-maintained campground as a convenient base for exploring nearby Indiana Dunes National Park's dog-friendly trails. While some reviewers mentioned barking dogs from longer-term residents, most found the campground sufficiently quiet for weekend stays with their four-legged companions.
$25 / night
"There’s tons of trails to do along the lakeshore and none are really far from one another. I grew up in NWI so I didn’t camp in Indiana often but I did here and loved it!"
"There is so much to do her, wineries and breweries nearby. The beaches are not too crowded. Pet friendly and lots to do for children. This is one of our favorite vacation spots."
$43 / night
"The most beautiful state park in Indiana IMO."
"The campground although nearly full was relatively calm and quiet. Unlike the craziness of other Indiana state parks I have visited."
$49 - $57 / night
"A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."
"We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."
$30 - $90 / night
"First time to Indiana with a quick trip to the Dunes. We were disappointed the state park was full but found this campground close by."
"Privately-owned and just a short distance from Indiana Dunes. The owner was very nice and helpful at check-in."
"We stayed in the off season in a site close to the laundry facility and office. Great campground for families. Our site was smaller however, no one was around us so it seemed bigger."
"Clean bathrooms, laundry, dog friendly, pool, office is friendly and has a store with game room. Nice dog park. We are in a 40ft with tow and did not need to unhook."
$45 - $55 / night
"There was a nice big field for the dog to run. Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly."
"You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open."
"We wanted a place close to my elderly parents house and Last Resort fit the bill. Overall it is a pleasant campground with a pool, a pond, and some weekend activities."
"We were super close to fellow campers.On the other side of the grounds around the pond (electric only) sites were much bigger and secluded. Despite the tight space, the kids loved it here."
"The walk to the beach access is a beautiful one, and the beach is astounding! Pet friendly!"
"Happened upon this Gem when driving the coast of Lake Michigan. Watched the solar eclipse from the beach. The DBR had a viewing area setup for adults and kids. "
GuideCompared to the other popular campground in the state park this is way less crowded. There’s tons of trails to do along the lakeshore and none are really far from one another. I grew up in NWI so I didn’t camp in Indiana often but I did here and loved it! There are a bunch of raccoons that can come steal food so beware of that! Overall nice though!
TravelerSmall campground but very friendly. A plus was the full hookups. The sights are very close together. Management is not over bearing and very friendly. Dog friendly lots of dogs this weekend nice size dog park! You overall great weekend
TravelerWe stayed in the off season in a site close to the laundry facility and office. Great campground for families. Our site was smaller however, no one was around us so it seemed bigger. They do have nice premium sites in the front. Loved that it is gated and and key card access after hours. Has a dog park and a playground for the kids.
ScoutWe’ve been staying at this resort for several months now, and wanted to share some feedback based on our experience.
The pool only opened mid-summer.
Water quality has been very bad. On one occasion, our pet had stomach issues after drinking tap water, which was concerning. The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day, and we’ve had to install a five-stage filtration system just to make it usable.
We’ve also noticed that rules aren’t enforced consistently, and it sometimes feels like certain guests are treated unfairly. For example, while we were told that personal kiddie pools aren’t allowed, we’ve counted at least six others set up around the park.
Package delivery is only permitted under special circumstances, and only if pre-approved by staff.
Had an incident where a staff member criticized my swimsuit at the pool, despite it being modest and similar to what others were wearing. I wore this swimsuit to many pools for many years. Additionally, the beach area is often closed even during posted open hours, and pool hours or updates aren’t clearly communicated—you have to inquire to get any information.
The storm shelter is typically locked, making it inaccessible in emergencies, which is a major concern.
We’ve also had to fix the swing set at the playground ourselves multiple times, as it’s been broken for a while. Many of the park’s facilities and amenities are showing their age and could benefit from updates and maintenance.
That said, there are aspects we’ve truly enjoyed, and they’re the main reasons we’ve continued our stay: the spacious layout of the RV park, a nice lake, beach, pool, gym, and a dog park.
GuidePros - playground, pool, well kept grounds, helpful staff, gated/swipe card access, ponds, close to area attractions, decent campground WiFi, small fire ring, small dog park
Cons - tight spaces, BYO grill, bad showers, dirty/tight bathroom area
The mens room is just gross. Water in the stalls because showers don’t drain. Water in the shower never gets hot. Missing shower heads with pressure that almost tears your skin. Can barely squeeze into the tiny stall. Toilets are gross.
TravelerMany very nice permanent sites. We loved the dog park along with the many activities available. We come here at least once a year. Check out their information on their website.
If you want a quick local get away this is the place.
GuideWe used it as an over night stop right off of 94. It was perfect for that. It would also be perfect spot to stay longer if wanted to be in the area. Grounds were nice. Clean bathrooms, laundry, dog friendly, pool, office is friendly and has a store with game room. Nice dog park. We are in a 40ft with tow and did not need to unhook.
ScoutGreat stop for the night, It's new, gated and has basic amenities like a General store, Dog park and basketball court and tennis ball court for some activities if you have kids. Plenty of space and Convenient. We reserved and checked in online. The only complaint I had is the site we were at showed a ground fault on the 50amp Circuit so I had to use the 30 amp circuit but it's Nov so no need to run dual ACs minor issue but still make sure your using your EPM devices.
TravelerFriendly staff who were quick to respond to any issues. Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant. No wi-fi found except at hotel. Good phone connection. Garbage cans throughout park. Minutes from I & M Canal entrance on Houbolt and from JJC and I-80.
Campgrounds near Hobart, Indiana connect visitors to a transitional landscape where the southern Lake Michigan shoreline meets the northern reaches of Midwestern farmland. The area sits between 585-650 feet above sea level within the Great Lakes Plains region. Summer temperatures average 80-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping periods often experience temperature swings of 30-40 degrees within 24 hours.
Hike the trails: Indiana Dunes National Park offers multiple hiking options where dogs can accompany their owners. "Lots of nature, chill vibe. Great experience!" notes Veronica S. about Dunewood Campground.
Beach swimming: Lake Michigan beaches provide cooling relief from summer heat. "The beach and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype," reports Greg S. from Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. "The lake and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds for visitor use. "We did fish in it and caught a bunch!" explains Rino S. about the lake at Lakeshore Camp Resort, noting that while the swimming might be questionable, the fishing is productive.
Winter cross-country skiing: For off-season visitors, some trails convert to winter use. Anna G. mentions, "The state park has many well maintained hiking trails and cross country skiing trails in the winter."
Shower facilities: Clean bathroom and shower access ranks high among camper priorities. "The showers were nice with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," Katherine T. reports about Sand Creek Campground.
Security features: Gated entrances provide peace of mind for families. "Love the secure entrance and key card access," Beth B. comments about Michigan City Campground, adding that "Pool and bathrooms were clean, although the bathroom could use a slight update."
Dog-friendly policies: Pets receive welcome treatment throughout the region. Stefanie Z. notes about Sand Creek Campground, "It's a pretty big campground and there's a nice mixture of grassy, tree lined tent spots and more secluded wooded spots in the woods by the creek."
Swimming options: Pools and lake access provide relief from summer heat. "We camped here on our way to Minnesota. The campground was clean and it was quiet," Katrin M. states about Dunewood Campground.
Train noise: Railroad tracks cross the region, creating unavoidable noise issues. "Definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town with good cell service," Katherine T. remarks about Dunewood Campground.
Weekend crowding: Summer weekends see heavy visitation, especially at beach areas. "Always a great time. Indiana Dunes State Park campground is one of our favorites. Well the weekend traffic can be a bummer," warns Kirk B.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly in wooded sites. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," cautions Katrin M. about her Dunewood Campground experience.
Seasonal variations: Shoulder seasons offer more solitude but unpredictable conditions. "We were disappointed the state park was full but found this campground close by. The tent sites were very private as we were the only ones there for the night," shares Danielle C. about Sand Creek Campground.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer child-focused recreation areas. "There is a nice playground and game room, and a small store with the essentials, and propane," Craig C. mentions about Michigan City Campground.
Organized activities: Some private campgrounds schedule regular family programming. "Lots of activities- pool, playground, pond, camp store with a variety of ice creams (kids love this) they had some chickens & goats the kids loved playing with," reports Heather G. from Last Resort Campground.
Water safety awareness: Lake Michigan presents specific dangers for young swimmers. "Be careful in the lake, because rip current often take young visitors out too far and into dangerous waters," Anna G. cautions about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Tent site selection: When tent camping with children, prioritize sites away from traffic. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads," Katherine T. explains about Dunewood Campground, making it suitable for family camping.
Hookup availability: Electric-only sites predominate at public campgrounds while private parks offer full hookups. "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," Greg S. advises about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Site dimensions: Limited large rig accommodations exist within the region. "We have a 37' motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around," Chris M. shares about Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park.
Dump station timing: Plan for busy weekend departures if using central dump facilities. "Two dump stations made wait minimal," Jeffrey S. notes about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Site leveling concerns: Ask about site conditions when booking. "Sites are full hookup up," holly S. states about Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, adding that "sites are full hookup up, there's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hobart, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hobart, IN is Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 125 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hobart, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 54 dog-friendly camping locations near Hobart, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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