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 $43 / 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 - $90 / 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."
"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!"
TravelerClean facilities, great camp hosts, and can’t beat the location. Campsites have a fire pit and table. One of the few spots to stay in the area.
Bring bug spray
TravelerBeautiful location, a mile from beach on Lake Michigan
GuideLots to do here. Swim, bike, trails, kids parks, good camp store. Towns near the park. You can rent bikes and canoes. Our site #55 was big but 3”dip drivers side and 12” dip back to front.
ScoutVery nice place , very clean. Good for family
TravelerI have seen a lot of discrimination on TV and people talk about discrimination a lot never did I think I would actually see it in my lifetime against myself. The owner of the campground is very disrespectful even when you're being very polite and I'm confrontational he doesn't like to be asked questions he doesn't like to answer questions. All they asked was the year of my camper asked that a bunch of times insinuating that I was lying to him about that age of my camper. He talked down to me he made it very apparent that the problem was not my camper and that it was my family and that my family wasn't good enough to be in his five-star campground that we would bring down his aesthetic when I took plenty of pictures of what his aesthetic is his home looks like it was built by hillbillies there's trash everywhere a bunch of Ford camper that look like trash it has the nerve to charge $1,200 a mouth to keep ppl like us off his property. When obviously we had the money to pay. I am a well educated woman I had finished college and I'm actually working on my second degree in psychology a bachelor's degree. I have ran billion dollar businesses at one point in my life I ran the number one Taco Bell in the nation in cedar falls Iowa. I was the GM of an Arby's I actually signed paychecks controlled accounts had more money moved to my hands than that man will ever see in his sorry life. I have never felt more sorry for a person I think he probably should go back to his own country if he wants to talk to people like that and I get f***** up he's lucky I changed my life and found Jesus but I hope it's five stars they find bury that full very thoughtful since there's no customer service. He claims people have been going to live campground for 30 years but when I went around and talk to the people most of them there was their first time being there they were from other places so stop the cap and I made sure to let everybody know the type of man he was. He had the audacity to act as though I was begging him to stay in his horrible campground when I was not when I was just simply asking him what the problem was with my camper and why he was telling me I could not stay he has every right to refuse my service but he does not have the right to discriminate against me or my family it is against the law and I actually got it underestimate in me and assume I was just an ignorant person who didn't know how to do anything all right doesn't have plenty of money but I think everything is a little lesson in life and he will definitely learn his definitely when he receives the papers in the mail.
GuideJust finished a week at this campground and overall had a great stay.
The campground is a short walk or bike ride to the public beach, and just east along the lake is the preserve area where we were able to take our dogs swimming, which was a huge plus.
The campground itself was nice. The East Loop felt a little older, with large mature trees providing shade over most sites, a centralized bathhouse, and a few pit toilets spread throughout. The West Loop had a similar feel.
There are also a few playgrounds throughout the campground, which our kids really enjoyed. They spent a lot of time bouncing back and forth between them and meeting new kids along the way, which ended up being one of their favorite parts of the trip.
The bathhouses were acceptable, though the campground was busy during our stay and it definitely showed.
We stayed in Site 8, which I wouldn’t personally recommend. There was very little usable space, and the fire pit felt like an afterthought—placed against overgrowth on sloping sand to the point that we couldn’t realistically set chairs around it.
One thing worth mentioning: we had some pretty severe weather come through during our stay, and the on-site tornado siren alerted everyone in the campground. Thankfully the storms missed us, but while the alarms were sounding, sheriff’s deputies were driving the loops and checking on campers, which was reassuring to see.
We’ll definitely be back—just not to Site 8.
RangerThursday, June 4-8th, 2026. site M1&2 M1 and M2 are end sites with Check in was easy, pass/card left at gate 20/30/50amp, good source, share with M2 4 water spigots to share with 4 sites Waste cap at site, did not use. The site had thick green grass and well maintained. Fire pits are small, but worked well for the six of us. picnic table for 6.
Great sites if you are camping with friends/family as you are back to back and close together.
The view of the lake from the site changes as more campers arrive. The majority of the CG are seasonal campers, most of the lots are well maintained and the campground has plenty of shade and the birds are active. Huge old growth maples and walnuts throughout the campground provided a decent amount of shade during our stay.
The restrooms are decent and very clean, 3 stalls and urinals with 5 showers in the men’s bathroom. The water was hot and a decent amount of room to change clothes and keep them dry during the shower.
The pool looks very nice, we floated in the lake. The south end of the CG has a nice beach area with boat ramp.
Prompt service from the owners when we had a few questions and the seasonal campers were extremely nice when talking to them!
ScoutSwimming, boating, fishing…this was a perfect weekend. The campground and park were easy to navigate and the DNR staff was very helpful and friendly. Highly recommend.
ScoutWe got in late, grabbed an empty lot and after realizing I ran off and forgot my plug adapter, we called it a night. Generator powered lights and that was enough. The owner and campers around us were very friendly!
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.
Keep Exploring
