Camping near 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!