Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$25 / night
"You gotta love Indiana dunes national lakeshore! A quick drive from chicago this campsite is a real good place to get away from the city and enjoy the outdoors."
"Conveniently located for the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore which I used as a scenic layover point in a long drive."
$30 / 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."
"This is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter."
"It's easy access, clean spacious sites, and how quiet it was considering it proximity to S.R. 421 brought us back again this year. We visited Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park."
$30 - $90 / night
"I stayed here for my first trip to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore area in early June '18. It was clearly recently renovated and very nice."
"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."
$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."
"There is a path to the beach for walking but it is a long walk. We tried walking a wagon to the beach via the road but regretted it. A kind family drove us half the distance."
"There are sand dunes in the park just walking distance from some campsites. You can climb these dunes to the beach ( a farther walk) or take a short drive. They have restrooms/showers."
$25 / night
"It’s far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long. Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail."
"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."
$20 - $100 / night
"I feel this is one of the best state parks in Indiana. Come with your own water as they don’t have water hookups at your campsite but there are some nearby. The sites are very spacious and clean."
"Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust. Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up."
Traveler6 people, 1 pup & a 44.4' Keystone Sprinter... Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever! From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless. Where else does that??
We originally booked August 22–25, extended to the 29th & then lucked into staying through Labor Day weekend. We canceled our other plans because Oak Lake had everything we wanted & more!!Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s’mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!
Rebecca deserves a huge shoutout for going above & beyond! Tom & Marianne, the owners, are amazing hosts who clearly pour their hearts into making Oak Lake special. Even the coin operated laundry was a lifesaver & convinced us we need a washer/dryer in our camper for future impromptu stays 😂.
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. Oak Lake RV Resort is Newton County’s hidden gem!!! If you’re searching for fun, hospitality & true family camping memories... THIS is the place!! Hands down, every time.
GuideThis is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.
The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.
The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.
Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.
Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.
Overall I’d definitely stay here again.
ScoutNice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there
GuideStayed the weekend. Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background. They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can’t keep your vehicle close to your campsite. The good the bathroom are in good shape and the staff was friendly.
TravelerStaying here started off as a last minute thing as we’re driving through and made no arrangements for overnight lodging. With our rooftop tent, staying here was no problem! There was water hookups and electricity if desired, although we didn’t use them.
The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing.
I do recommend this place, however, few things to know: the campground space is tight. You will be pretty close to people around you, many with kids. It seems kind of like a family retreat type of location and honestly? It’s a whole vibe and if that’s for you, then this place is too!
#GoAnyway
TravelerWe stayed on site 27, sites are full hookup up, there's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering. Theres a playground as well. 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. Close to a grocery store and not far from US 41.
ScoutCampground was clean, with trails leading directly to Weko beach with gorgeous walking paths. Highly recommend, definitely a hidden gem.
GuideThe grounds were well kept and clean. Even though it was pretty booked when we were there it didn’t feel crowded. Overall pleasant experience.
ScoutReally nice campground. No water hooks up. Water on site but, not ideal. Really nice views. Very quiet. Super friendly staff and neighbors. I made a reservation for the wrong campground and meant to book this one and the staff helped me switch my reservation and make a new one. Really great!
Camping near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, relax by the beach, or enjoy some family time, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, relaxing at the beach, or enjoying family time, there's something for every camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds located in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?
The primary campground within Indiana Dunes National Park (formerly National Lakeshore) is Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park, conveniently located within the park boundaries and about an hour's drive from Chicago. For those seeking alternative options, Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park offers a more primitive camping experience near Beverly Shores. The park itself stretches for many miles along the southern coast of Lake Michigan in northern Indiana, with the campgrounds situated in wooded areas that provide convenient access to the park's trail systems and beaches.
What are the differences between Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park camping?
Indiana Dunes National Park (formerly National Lakeshore) and Indiana Dunes State Park offer distinct camping experiences despite their proximity. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground features recently renovated campsites and modern facilities in what many consider the most beautiful state park in Indiana, established in 1925. The state park tends to be more crowded than the national park campgrounds. In contrast, Lakeshore Camp Resort near the national park offers a mix of permanent and transient sites with plenty of trees, though it has stricter rules. The state park requires separate entrance fees, while the national park has its own fee structure, with each maintaining different reservation systems.
What amenities are available at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore campsites?
Campsites at Indiana Dunes National Park offer a solid range of amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park provides modern bathrooms with showers and running water. The campground has fairly spacious sites, though they can be somewhat close together. For those looking for more amenities outside the national park, Sand Creek Campground offers additional facilities including a pool and recently renovated, clean bathrooms. The tent sites there are private and spacious, nestled among trees. Most campsites throughout the area include standard features like picnic tables and fire rings.
Can you camp on the beach at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?
No, beach camping is not permitted at Indiana Dunes National Park. All camping must be done at designated campgrounds like Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park, which is located in a wooded area away from the shoreline. For those wanting to stay close to the water, Michigan City Campground is located just outside Michigan City and offers beautifully maintained facilities near the lake, including premium 90-foot pull-through sites with full hookups for RVs. While you can't camp directly on the beach, most campgrounds in the area provide relatively easy access to the lakeshore beaches for daytime activities.
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