Camping near Indiana Dunes National Park

While you may not think of Indiana first when you think of nature lovers’ bucket list spots, Indiana Dunes State Park is an underrated gem. With a tandem national park, Indiana Dunes has one major campground in the state park and one in the national park.

There are a few campsites in the state and national park sections, but reservations are always a good idea. You can reserve a spot ahead of time on the state park website. Of the two, you may find the national park area is usually a bit more secluded. With more than 100 large, RV-friendly sites, RV and tent campers can enjoy this patch of Indiana. The best camping near Indiana Dunes State Park is in the national park or Dune Acres. You should be able to get a spot when you want one, but if you want more amenities, you can stay in nearby Chesterton, IN.

Best Camping Sites Near Indiana Dunes National Park (58)

    1. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    122 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer."

    "A shout out to Dune Wood campground in Indiana Dunes National Park. Big, clean sites. They are sand/dirt pads and they rake them clean between each guest. We were impressed!"

    2. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $20 - $23 / night

    "The state park is located within the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Park (formerly National Lakeshore), so don't get confused by this."

    "The most beautiful state park in Indiana IMO."

    3. Michigan City Campground

    20 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Park, IN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 872-7600

    "Less than 15 min to Indiana Dunes National Park."

    "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."

    4. Sand Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    Chesterton, IN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-7482

    $30 - $90 / night

    "We spent the weekend exploring America’s 61st National Park- Indiana Dunes National Park. The National Park campsite was full and recommended this place about 10 minutes away."

    "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."

    5. Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 426-4013

    "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."

    6. Lakeshore Camp Resort

    16 Reviews
    Portage, IN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 762-7757

    $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."

    7. Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park

    1 Review
    Beverly Shores, IN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $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."

    8. Last Resort Campground

    11 Reviews
    Hanna, IN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 797-2267

    "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."

    9. Potato Creek State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    North Liberty, IN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 656-8186

    $20 - $90 / 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."

    10. Woodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park

    1 Review
    Portage, IN
    12 miles
    +1 (219) 762-6578
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Showing results 1-10 of 58 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Indiana Dunes National Park

569 Reviews of 58 Indiana Dunes National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Indiana Dunes National Park

Camping near Indiana Dunes National Park offers a fantastic way to enjoy nature while being close to beautiful beaches and scenic trails. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of options to make your stay enjoyable.

What to do:

  • Explore the Dunes: The Indiana Dunes National Park is famous for its towering sand dunes and stunning views of Lake Michigan. Many campers enjoy hiking the trails, with one reviewer from Dunewood Campground noting, "We had good cell service but obviously the trees prevented Starlink. Our site was huge and the bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers and a dish sink."
  • Visit the Beach: Spend a day at the beach! Campers at Warren Dunes State Park Campground rave about the nearby beach access. One camper said, "The beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
  • Hiking and Biking: The area has numerous trails for hiking and biking. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "Recommend e-bike as some hills. Campground is clean and feels safe."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Potato Creek State Park Campground said, "The bathhouse was a bit dated, but pretty clean. Individual stall showers with inner and outer curtains."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have friendly hosts who make the experience better. A camper at Michigan City Campground shared, "Very well kept, safe supervision, quiet clean facilities."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space between sites. One visitor at Sand Creek Campground noted, "Some spots were out in the open, others along the tree line, and a few in the woods."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at certain campgrounds. A reviewer at Dunewood Campground warned, "The mosquitoes here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near roads or railways, which can be noisy. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busier campgrounds during weekends and holidays. A camper at Michigan City Campground said, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Amenities: Look for campgrounds that offer playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer at Potato Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Great playground on the east side of the first loop. Kids seem to play there for hours."
  • Plan for Beach Days: Make sure to schedule beach time. A camper at Weko Beach Campground said, "The campsite is pretty basic, but has electricity and water. It’s just quite dusty and there is zero privacy. But it’s right next to Weko beach."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra supplies like bug spray and sunscreen. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "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."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Bear Cave RV Campground noted, "Like many TT parks, lots of seasonal residents but unlike many other parks, the full-timers are not dismissive of the recreational and nomadic campers."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. A camper at Last Resort Campground mentioned, "The site was a little small but was pull through and full hookup."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Some areas may have poor reception. A visitor at Bear Cave RV Campground said, "The Verizon service is 1 bar at best."

Camping near Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Indiana Dunes National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Indiana Dunes National Park is Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 122 reviews.

What parks are near Indiana Dunes National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Indiana Dunes National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.