Dunewood Campground at Indiana Dunes National Park offers rustic camping with limited amenities 5 miles from Lake Michigan's shoreline. Sites provide tent pads in wooded areas with restrooms featuring dishwashing sinks. Railroad noise affects the camping experience, with multiple reviewers noting audible trains throughout the night. The National Park setting connects campers to trail systems leading to dune formations and beach access points.
What to do
Climbing the dunes: At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, campers can attempt the 3-Dune Challenge trail. "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 one visitor. The trail connects three major dune formations with scenic views of Lake Michigan.
Mountain biking: Trails near La Porte provide varied terrain for cyclists. "We spent 2 nights here and went mountain biking at Imagination Glen Park in Portage just a few miles down the road which was awesome," notes a camper who stayed at Warren Dunes. The interconnected trail systems link multiple parks through the Dunes-Kankakee bike trail network.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds and lake access. "There is a boat launch and a few docks that can be used," mentions one visitor to Bear Cave RV Campground, where campers can fish along the St. Joseph River. The campground provides direct river access with spots suitable for shore fishing.
Winter yurt options: Yurt camping near La Porte, Indiana remains available during cooler months at select locations. "Michigan City Campground is open year round. They also have many monthly sites available with winter water," notes a camper, highlighting the extended season for those seeking yurt-style accommodations when temperatures drop.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Restrooms and shower buildings receive consistent praise at many campgrounds. At Potato Creek State Park Campground, visitors appreciate "clean showers, maintained trails for hike or bike." Another camper at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted it "had one of the nicer programs that I have been to in the state" and "the nicest showers that I've been to to date."
Beach access: Proximity to Lake Michigan draws many campers. "The beach and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype," writes one visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park. Another adds that "on clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake." Beaches have designated swimming areas, often with lifeguards during summer months.
Security features: Gated entrances provide peace of mind at several campgrounds. "Michigan City Campground is gated so not just anyone can come in," notes a camper. This security feature requires access codes or check-in procedures before entering camping areas.
Varied accommodation types: Beyond traditional campsites, several locations offer yurt camping near La Porte, Indiana. Warren Dunes provides yurt options with permanent structures that include beds and basic amenities. One camper described the setup as "wonderful accommodations with comfortable sleeping arrangements."
What you should know
Train noise impacts sleep: Railroad proximity affects multiple 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," cautions a visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park. Similarly, at Michigan City Campground, a camper mentioned "the fireworks being set off until after midnight (outside of the campground so out of campgrounds control)."
Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary widely across the region. "The best sites are the ones on the outside from the beach trail to the nature center. These are up against the dunes and have some shade. The middle sites are more exposed and much less private," advises a camper at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "We arrived late, they got us in, we left early. I paid more than I wanted but they've got a sweet deal with their proximity to the solidly booked national park," notes a Michigan City camper who visited during July.
Beach conditions vary: Water quality and sand conditions fluctuate. "The beach showed heavy use with sand that was just a bit grittier than shores we visited in the northern mitten," reports a visitor to Warren Dunes State Park. At Indiana Dunes, "there was a café, but I did not go into that."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Maple Ridge Campground receives praise for its "nice pool and playground" where "the owners are very nice & plan activities every weekend for the kids." One visitor highlighted that it's the "perfect family spot" with regular scheduled events.
Water activities: Swimming options range from pools to beaches. "Swimming pools, fishing ponds and playgrounds create resort-style camping environments suitable for families," notes one visitor to Michigan City Campground. Another camper adds that "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."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be prevalent in wetland areas. One Potato Creek visitor advises to "be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up. With dog friendly beaches, beginner MTB trails and paved bike paths, this checks all our boxes. Natural wetlands abound, so definitely bring the mosquito spray."
Beach safety awareness: Rip currents present hazards on Lake Michigan. "Be careful in the lake, because rip current often take young visitors out too far and into dangerous waters," cautions a visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park. Designated swimming areas with lifeguards offer safer options.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer only partial connections. At Indiana Dunes State Park, "the sight had 50 amp electric hook ups but no water or sewer connections, and we knew that going in. We had a back in sight #69. There was plenty of space on all sides. We have a 37' motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it." Another camper advises to "just show up with the water tank full and other tanks empty."
Premium site options: For those seeking full hookups, specific campgrounds offer enhanced amenities. At Fuller's Resort and Campground, "we stay at a full hookup site down by the lake entrance." Michigan City Campground provides "90ft premium pull thought with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite."
Seasonal restrictions: While some campgrounds operate year-round, others have limited schedules. Potato Creek State Park remains open during winter months, allowing four-season RV camping including specialized yurt camping near La Porte, Indiana during colder periods when other facilities close.
