67 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near La Porte, Indiana range from state parks to private facilities, with most concentrated around the Indiana Dunes National Park area. Michigan City Campground and Dunewood Campground provide options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals within 20 miles of La Porte. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers electric hookups for RVs while Dunewood Campground provides more primitive camping experiences with no hookups but access to modern restrooms and shower facilities. Several private campgrounds like Sand Creek and Last Resort supplement the public options with additional amenities.
Reservations are essential during the summer months when campgrounds frequently reach capacity, especially at Indiana Dunes State Park and Dunewood Campground. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with only a few remaining open year-round. A camper noted, "The Indiana Dunes area is beautiful and this campground is a great location for exploring both the state and national park." Road access is generally good throughout the region with paved roads leading to most established campgrounds. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with hot, humid summers and cold winters that can bring lake effect snow from Lake Michigan. Cell service is reliable at most campgrounds, though coverage may be spotty in more remote areas.
Campers consistently highlight the unique dune landscapes and Lake Michigan shoreline as major draws to the area. The proximity to Chicago (about an hour's drive) makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations, resulting in crowded conditions during summer weekends and holidays. Several visitors mentioned the ability to use public transportation to access Chicago from campgrounds in Michigan City. A recent review noted, "We jumped on the South Shoreline commuter train that took us into downtown Chicago for a day trip." Wildlife viewing opportunities include various bird species in the wetland areas, particularly at Potato Creek State Park. Noise from nearby highways and train tracks is mentioned in multiple reviews of campgrounds near the Indiana Dunes, with some campers reporting that it "breaks the immersion" of the outdoor experience.
"There’s tons of trails to do along the lakeshore and none are really far from one another. I grew up in NWI so I didn’t camp in Indiana often but I did here and loved it!"
"General: Dunewood campground is located within Indiana Dunes National Park, established in 2019 (The national seashore was established in the 1960s)."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Privately-owned and just a short distance from Indiana Dunes. The owner was very nice and helpful at check-in."
from $30 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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."
"There are ample hiking trails and activities for all ages. The swimming pool is awesome and a great plus when camping with kids. The woods are very thick and filled with amazing trees."
"Our site was in the RV section next to the beach. The sites were open and dirt/sand--ours was up on a bit of a hill. Worked great for exploring the area."
"you can drive right up!"
from $50 - $30 / night
Check Availability"The owner and campers around us were very friendly!"
ScoutLots of wooded lots, little lake for kiddos to play in and a small playground. most sites are easy to pull into, the tall trees stop most of the wind. Mosquitos can be bad at times recommended a bug tent. Small Lake Michigan beach within a quick drive about 5-10 min. U- pick them blueberry patch’s are around when in season. Overall great stay and a good place just to relax and unwind.
ScoutBobbie and Tony thank u so much guys are amazing! If ur planning on camping everyone's so welcoming u can tell they really care about the grounds eveything is kept very clean with friendly camp ground neighbors my bf and I were traveling with our dog and found this camp ground randomly and we are so glad we found it we will absolutely be back
TravelerThe campground is right off of US-30 and IN-23 so pretty convent other than due to construction on 30 right now. But being right off of a major US highway it can be a little noisy. Short term sites are just grass but pretty close to level side to side. Think I had to raise door side like an inch. Water pressure was okay but drops during the day. At about 600 PM I was struggling to get more than 40psi even with regulator all the way open. I don’t think it is worth $65 a night but there are more expensive options closer to Plymouth
TravelerSuper great here, some bugs, people were quiet
TravelerTrailer was nice plenty to do. A lot of seasonal sites. was a pleasant enough stay. Looks like a converted Yogi Bear campground. A lot of storm damage around the campground. Pools were clean, bathrooms and shower houses are a bit dated but clean. They are about every 5 rows/streets. You can rent golf carts which seems the main mode of transportation. Nice rowboat lake with a beach for swimming. Small fast food restaurant small menu weird hours and more expensive that your normal fast food places. All in all it was a nice place and activities are plenty close to Chicago and one of the closest, also very close to the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan.
TravelerThe sites were easy to park, the staff were friendly and helpful. Loved the mushrooms we found in May. We plan to go back some day. Nice town area close by for shopping.
ScoutWe stayed a Thursday and Friday night in July 2026 on site 1. We did need to head to the Welcome Center for a piece of paper to display on your dash so that we can park in the parking lot. There isn't a National Park entrance to access the site, you just park in a parking lot that a park ranger at the visitors center told us was owned and operated by the town and not the park service. There was an area of reserved parking for those camping at the walk-in sites.
There is a decent sandy hill that you need to go up to access the site, which really wasn't bad. The site itself was heavily wooded and secluded. It is fairly sandy, but there was a nice spot to set up the tent that was grassy. The mosquitos were aggressive, but a little Deep Woods Off and they left us along mostly. We got to the site and there was trash and cigarette butts scattered around that we had to clean up. I discovered the first night that a contributing factor to some of the trash is most likely a sizeable and bold raccoon that was not afraid of us, and both nights came wandering into our campsite looking for food while we were sitting there.
Additionally, the fire pit has probably not been cleaned out in years, since it was filled to the top with ash. With this being a wooded site, this could increase the risk of a fire getting out of the pit.
We were at site 1, so heading to the port-o-potty was fine and it was well kept. The beach was about 3-5 minutes walking. However, the bathrooms and outdoor shower were all "Closed for the Season". There were a couple port-o-pottys there, but they were not in as good of shape as the one near the campground. There was also a ton of trash in that bathroom building area, which was disappointing to see.
ScoutOverall best camping experience I have ever had. Easy check in. Peaceful. Good "neighbors". Cleanest bathroom houses. Great beach!
TravelerWe booked a last minute spot and are so glad we did! The campground wonderfully maintained by perhaps the nicest hosts we have met! We pulled in early Friday evening and were greeted by Ken and Chris, who helped us pull into our site (which was VERY appreciated since the sites are pretty tight!). There are a lot of seasonal sites, four cabins, and a guest house that is tucked behind a privacy fence. Bathrooms were extremely clean and looked newly renovated. They even had a basket of toiletries and a stack of clean towels. Though we didn’t use it, there was a cool open air “game barn” that had a pool table, foosball, seating area, etc…it would be a great hangout for older kids or teenagers. Probably the best part was the walkability. There is lake access directly across the street down a set of concrete stairs. It’s a grassy area, not a “beach” and a lot of goose poop so we brought our chairs down. You can enter the lake to cool off, which was great because it was a hot day. Also walkable are two restaurant/breweries. “The Strand” is literally next door to the campground with a great outdoor seating area with a view of the lake. About a 5 minute walk is Sister Lakes Brewing Company. Both places had excellent cocktails and cool lake vibes. Full hookups at all sites. We look forward to coming back!!!
Camping spots near La Porte, Indiana offer a mix of wooded tent sites and full-service RV accommodations within 25 miles of the city. The terrain varies from sandy dunes along Lake Michigan to more forested inland areas with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Train noise affects multiple campgrounds in the region due to the numerous rail lines connecting Chicago to points east.
Beach activities at Dunewood Campground: Campers have direct access to Kimmel Beach within Indiana Dunes National Park. Management keeps the campground atmosphere "quiet and calm," according to one visitor. "Loved the proximity of this campground to Lake Michigan! The closest beach within the national park is Kimmel Beach which is beautiful. There are some biting horseflies at the beach, but not at the campground," notes Katie O. from Dunewood Campground.
Dune climbing challenges: The Three Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers a moderately difficult hike with significant elevation changes. "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," reports Greg S.
Fishing at multiple locations: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities in stocked ponds. Last Resort Campground provides fishing alongside other family activities. "There is a fishing pond and in ground pool," notes one camper, while another mentions they "had a great site that allowed us to fish and be right across the street from the site!"
Privacy levels: Many campgrounds offer a range of site privacy options. At Michigan City Campground, "the sites were decently private with good tent pads." Another camper at Dunewood noted, "The campsite was large and beautiful... Lots of nature, chill vibe."
Bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds near La Porte have recently upgraded their shower and restroom facilities. "The shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," describes Katherine T. about Dunewood. At Warren Dunes State Park Campground, a camper reports, "The bathroom seemed newer (South modern loop) with clean bathrooms (cleaned at least twice a day) and private shower stalls."
Sunset views: Lake Michigan sunsets are consistently mentioned in reviews. "On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake," notes a visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park. Another camper at Weko Beach Campground says "Nightly sunsets here will knock your sandals off."
Reservation essentials: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. A camper at Sand Creek Campground notes, "When we arrived we were the only tent campers, so we could pick our spot," but this was at the end of the season. For peak times, book well in advance.
Noise considerations: Train noise affects many campgrounds in the region. "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," explains one camper at Indiana Dunes State Park. Another visitor at Sand Creek Campground mentioned, "The noise is quite jarring for a campground that seems like it would be pretty quiet - constant train traffic, airplane noise, and if it's windy and you're near the trees that really adds to it."
Beach access considerations: Distance to beaches varies significantly. At Weko Beach, "The campground is very close to the beach just a short walk," while other campgrounds require driving. Note that some beaches charge additional fees: "The beach parking lot costs $15 but completely worth it!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and kid-friendly amenities. At Michigan City Campground, one visitor enjoyed "the pool, playground, clubhouse, store. Very close quarters camping. Friendly."
Kid-friendly beach options: Some Lake Michigan beaches have more family-friendly conditions than others. At Weko Beach, "Sand is soft and the water is shallow far out into the surf," making it safer for children. Warren Dunes State Park has "huge, beautiful dunes on the beach" that children enjoy climbing.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled activities for families. At Last Resort Campground, a visitor mentioned, "They had laser tag, candy parade, crafts etc..." Another camper noted the "Saturday night golf cart parade. After dark the campers with golf carts do a parade around the campground and toss candy."
Hookup limitations: Electric-only sites are common at state parks while private campgrounds typically offer full hookups. At Potato Creek State Park Campground, "Some sites require 75 ft to hook up," so come prepared with extension cords. Indiana Dunes State Park 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."
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven sites requiring levelers. At Weko Beach Campground, "The only challenge is that most of the camp spots are not level so bring your levelers!" The campground "is not paved since it is in and amongst the dunes. Therefore, the soil is sandy and often soft. We got our airstream stuck using our 2 wheel drive truck and needed the help of a 4x4 to get us out."
Premium site options: For RVers seeking more space, several campgrounds offer premium sites. Michigan City Campground has "90ft pull through with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite. The cement patio was large with a picnic table and an adjacent fire pit."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there cabin accommodations at La Porte campgrounds?
Cabin accommodations near La Porte are limited at traditional campgrounds. Michigan City Campground offers premium RV sites but doesn't specifically mention cabins in the reviews. For cabin options, check Lakeshore Camp Resort, which has a mix of permanent and transient accommodations that may include cabin rentals. The resort features a small lake for swimming and fishing. Many visitors to the La Porte area primarily find tent and RV sites rather than cabins. If cabins are a must-have, consider calling campgrounds directly to inquire about seasonal cabin availability or check private rentals near the lakes in the region.
What lakes in La Porte offer camping facilities?
La Porte County is known for its lakes with camping opportunities nearby. Sand Creek Campground offers private tent sites tucked among trees with clean, newer bathrooms, and is conveniently located for lake access. For water-based recreation with camping facilities, consider Lakeside RV Resort near New Carlisle, which provides water access for campers. The La Porte area is part of the "Lakes of La Porte County" region, which includes Pine Lake, Stone Lake, Clear Lake, and others. While many of these lakes have public access points, dedicated campgrounds on their immediate shorelines are limited, so booking in advance is recommended during peak summer months.
What are the best campgrounds in La Porte, Indiana for families with kids?
Families with kids will enjoy Indiana Dunes State Park Campground for its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and recently renovated campsites with modern bathrooms. The park offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and amenities that children will love. Another excellent option is Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park, which is less crowded than other area campgrounds and features numerous family-friendly trails along the lakeshore. The campground provides modern bathrooms, showers, and running water, making it comfortable for families while still offering an authentic outdoor experience within easy driving distance from La Porte.
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