Glamping near Indiana Dunes National Park provides elevated outdoor accommodations within a short drive of Lake Michigan's shoreline. The park sits at a moderate elevation of 600-700 feet along the southern shore of Lake Michigan where the remnants of ancient glacial activity created the unique dune formations. Winter glamping options remain available when temperatures drop to an average low of 18°F in January, with cabins providing necessary shelter from lake effect snow.
What to do
Beach exploration and swimming: During summer months, access Lake Michigan's shoreline where water temperatures reach up to 75°F by August. One camper at Dunewood Campground noted, "Kimmel Beach is beautiful. There are some biting horseflies at the beach, but not at the campground."
Hiking dune formations: The park's unique ecosystem includes several trail systems connecting through forested areas and open dunes. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground shared, "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."
Winter cross-country skiing: Seasonal activities continue when snow covers the dunes. According to one visitor, "The state park has many well maintained hiking trails and cross country skiing trails in the winter."
Cave exploration: For a unique underground experience, visit Bear Cave. A reviewer at Thousand Trails Bear Cave mentioned, "There is actually a cave in the campground that you can take a tour of while you are here. The campground is on the banks of the St. Joseph River in southwest Michigan. There is also a waterfall right next to the cave."
What campers like
Nature observation spots: Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the park's diverse ecosystems. A visitor at Dunewood Campground commented, "Lots of nature, chill vibe. Great experience!"
Fishing access: Multiple locations offer fishing opportunities in both lake and river settings. A visitor at Michigan City Campground noted, "There is a fishing pond" while another at Thousand Trails Bear Cave mentioned, "The resort sits on the St. Joseph river & this park has a boat ramp & dock for fishing."
Bike-friendly paths: Paved and unpaved trails accommodate cycling throughout the area. A camper at Potato Creek State Park Campground shared, "Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, what more could you ask for. We love it here."
Playgrounds for children: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. One family at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site was right between the playground and beach trailhead, but still private."
What you should know
Train noise disruption: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds, creating periodic noise. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground 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."
Limited water hookups: Several campgrounds offer electric-only sites requiring arrival with filled water tanks. One RVer noted, "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."
Seasonal insect activity: Mosquitoes and biting flies can be prevalent in warmer months. According to a camper at Dunewood Campground, "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening."
Weekend crowding: Summer weekends bring significantly higher visitor numbers. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground observed, "Check in was easy but you might have to wait on a busy day. General store by entrance has mostly everything you need at slightly inflated prices."
Tips for camping with families
Bring beach toys and chairs: The sandy lakeshore offers natural play opportunities. A camper at Warren Dunes State Park Campground shared, "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."
Select sites near playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. One family at Michigan City Campground stated, "Great getaway spot for family fun with pool and playground for the kiddos."
Pack insect protection: Mosquitoes can be intense during summer evenings. A visitor mentioned, "Definitely bring the mosquito spray" for comfort during outdoor activities.
Consider cabin rentals: For luxury camping with children, climate-controlled options offer comfort in extreme weather. A visitor at Lakeshore Camp Resort noted, "This was a fun campground. 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."
Tips from RVers
Reserve premium pull-through sites: Larger RV accommodations often fill quickly during peak season. A camper at Michigan City Campground shared, "We stayed in a 90 ft premium pull through spot. Nice campground that is maintained."
Check power and tank requirements: Many sites offer electric without water hookups. One RVer 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."
Dump station availability: Check operating hours for sanitation facilities. A camper noted, "Two dump stations made wait minimal" during busy checkout times.
Site dimensions vary significantly: Some campgrounds have tight spacing between units. A visitor to Warren Dunes State Park Campground observed, "Lots of big RVs when we were there. You can hike or about a 5 to 10 minute drive to the beach."
