Campgrounds near La Porte, Indiana offer year-round options with varying seasonal availability across the region. The area features a mix of private RV parks and family campgrounds within a 20-mile radius of La Porte, with sites situated on relatively flat Midwestern terrain around 800 feet above sea level. Winter camping remains available at select locations like Michigan City Campground, though many regional campgrounds close from November through April.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Bear Cave RV Campground provides access to the St. Joseph River. "There is a boat launch and a few docks that can be used. The sites are a bit on the smaller side," notes Jerry S. The campground includes a waterfall and creek that adds scenic value.
Swimming options: Oak Lake RV Resort offers a swimming pond with features for families. "Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s'mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories," shares one camper who extended their stay significantly.
Cave exploration: At Bear Cave, visitors can explore a natural cave formation. "Very nice campground. They have a naturally formed cave that you can go down into for a small fee. A variety of things to do from fishing to the game room," writes Ryan H., though another reviewer noted the cave was temporarily closed with no plans to reopen until 2025.
What campers like
Secure camping environments: Michigan City Campground offers controlled access for safety. "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool," reports Shane M. Another camper appreciated the "secure entrance and key card access" that enhanced their camping experience.
Clean facilities: Maple Ridge Campground receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "The shower and bathroom was the best I ever saw at a campground," according to one reviewer. The campground also features a newly remodeled bathhouse with laundry facilities.
Family activities: Several rv parks near La Porte, Indiana prioritize children's entertainment. "Owner operator campground where the family knows how to cater to the kids. Multiple activities on Saturday included tractor ride, kids bingo, and elephant ears," notes Tony G. about Maple Ridge. Many campgrounds schedule regular weekend activities particularly during summer months.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Some La Porte area RV parks experience railroad disruptions. At South Bend Elkhart North KOA, one camper reported: "There is an active railroad nearby this campground. 4 Trains woke us up during the night. I won't stay here again."
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and internet access vary significantly between campgrounds. At Bear Cave RV Campground, "No internet, pool needs repaired, no cell service" according to Dawn T., though other campgrounds offer reliable connections. "The WiFi was very reliable if you have to work," reported a business traveler at South Bend Elkhart North KOA.
Reservation policies: Campgrounds maintain different booking systems. Love's RV Stop-Demotte offers an easy online process: "We reserved and checked in online," while others like Last Resort operate on first-come, first-served basis during slower periods. Some parks don't accept advance reservations for certain site types.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas for convenience. "Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a looong day of driving. Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp," shares Sadie H. about Last Resort Campground.
Weekend activity schedules: Many La Porte area RV parks organize family events on weekends. "One highlight, especially for kids is the Saturday night golf cart parade. After dark the campers with golf carts do a parade around the campground and toss candy," notes Ron L. about Last Resort Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Family-oriented amenities typically operate from late spring through early fall. "Lots of activities- pool, playground, pond, camp store with a variety of ice creams (kids love this) they had some chickens & goats the kids loved playing with," reports Heather G. about Last Resort, highlighting the variety of warm-weather activities available.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At rv parks in La Porte, Indiana area, site types vary significantly. "Spaces are TIGHT on the full hook up side. We have a 21' and hardly got in. 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," advises Heather G. about Last Resort.
Electrical system precautions: Test electrical connections upon arrival. "The only complaint I had is the site we were at showed a ground fault on the 50amp Circuit so I had to use the 30 amp circuit but it's Nov so no need to run dual ACs minor issue but still make sure your using your EPM devices," cautions Steven C. about Love's RV Stop-Demotte.
Seasonal availability: Winter camping options remain limited but available. "RV park opened this may 2023. It's open all year. Clean full hookups, pull through and back in sites," notes Mark S. about Love's RV Stop-Demotte, one of the few year-round options in the region.