Camping near Indiana Dunes National Park provides access to more than 15,000 acres of beaches, marshes, prairies, and forests along Lake Michigan's southern shore. The area features camping options situated about 180 feet above sea level with sandy campsites due to the region's unique geological history. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F while spring and fall camping offers more moderate conditions with fewer crowds.
What to do
Tackle the 3 Dune Challenge: Located in Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, this popular hiking trail covers the three tallest dunes in the park. One visitor notes, "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot."
Enjoy water recreation: Many campgrounds offer water activities beyond the main beach areas. At Bear Cave RV Campground, visitors appreciate the riverside location. "Great kayaking and fishing campground! Beautiful area and really nice campsites," reports one camper. The St. Joseph River access includes boat launches and docks.
Explore nature trails: The region features numerous hiking paths through diverse ecosystems. A visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park noted, "The state park has many well maintained hiking trails and cross country skiing trails in the winter." Many trails connect camping areas to the beach and dunes, allowing for car-free exploration during your stay.
What campers like
Secure, family-oriented environments: Michigan City Campground receives consistent praise for its safety features. As one camper mentioned, "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool." The security measures include key card access at the entrance.
Swimming options beyond Lake Michigan: While the national park beaches draw crowds, many campgrounds offer alternative swimming. Oak Lake RV Resort features a swimming pond with an obstacle course that keeps families entertained. A recent visitor noted, "Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s'mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: The rv campgrounds near Indiana Dunes National Park generally maintain high cleanliness standards. A camper at Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park observed, "Nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering." Many campgrounds feature updated shower facilities and regular maintenance.
What you should know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Sites near rail lines may experience disruptions. One camper at Indiana Dunes State Park reported, "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. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine but us tent camping there was nothing to block the sound."
Limited or no cell service at some locations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the area. At Thousand Trails Bear Cave, one camper noted, "No internet, pool needs repaired, no cell service." Some campgrounds offer paid WiFi options to compensate for poor cellular coverage.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Indiana Dunes operate seasonally. Thousand Trails Bear Cave runs from May 1 to October 31, while Oak Lake RV Resort operates from April 15 to October 15. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park has a slightly longer season from April 1 to October 21. Winter camping options are limited in this region.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreational amenities: Oak Lake RV Resort offers family-friendly features. One visitor shared, "Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a looong day of driving. Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp." The resort also offers seasonal activities and events.
Consider lake safety measures: When swimming at Lake Michigan beaches, be aware of potential hazards. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park advised, "The beach was well maintained, and had lifeguards during certain hours, which gave me a little bit of extra comfort in bringing my kids to the lake." Not all beach areas have lifeguards, so plan accordingly.
Take advantage of educational opportunities: The Indiana Dunes area offers numerous nature programs. A visitor noted, "The visitor center is nice, fairly large and the workers were very friendly. They had one of the nicer programs that I have been to in the state." These programs often include kid-friendly activities about local ecology.
Tips from RVers
Choose sites based on size compatibility: RV sites vary considerably across campgrounds. At Michigan City Campground, a visitor recommended, "We stayed in a 90 ft premium pull through spot. Nice campground that is maintained." Always confirm specific site dimensions when booking.
Consider overnight travel stops: For those passing through, Love's RV Stop provides convenient access. A reviewer noted, "Found this on Dyrt and stopped for one night. Easy on and off I 65 yet barely any traffic noise. It just opened and it is well designed." These dedicated RV stops offer basic amenities for overnight stays.
Check hookup options carefully: Water and sewer connections aren't universal at all rv campgrounds in Indiana Dunes National Park. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park mentioned, "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." Plan your water usage accordingly.
