Campsite options near Lowell, Indiana include several camping areas within a one-hour drive radius. Located in northwest Indiana, the region features flat terrain with scattered woods and small lakes, with elevations around 700 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with higher humidity in July and August, while spring camping can encounter occasional thunderstorms and variable conditions.
What to do
Water activities on the Kankakee River: Lake Alexander RV Park provides direct access to the river for swimming and fishing during summer months. As one camper noted, "There's a river that's a 5 min walk from the campground that we swam in and it kept us cool from the heat."
Sand dune exploration: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers unique hiking experiences on massive sand formations. A visitor mentioned, "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."
Family recreation facilities: Oak Lake RV Resort provides playground access and swimming opportunities for families. A recent visitor shared, "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."
Lake Michigan beach access: Campsites at Dunewood Campground offer proximity to swimming beaches with lifeguards during summer. According to one review, "Loved the proximity of this campground to Lake Michigan! The closest beach within the national park is Kimmel Beach which is beautiful."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park receives positive feedback for cleanliness and security. A camper noted, "There's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering."
Private beach access: Cedar Lake Ministries provides lake recreation opportunities unavailable to the general public. A reviewer mentioned, "You have access to the perks of the conference grounds including access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open."
Spacious tent sites: Pioneer Family Campground offers generous space for tent campers. According to one visitor, "We tent camped with 8 small kiddos. One of the largest tent sites I've been on."
Nature immersion: Dunewood Campground provides wooded sites with natural surroundings. A visitor mentioned, "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus."
What you should know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Several camping areas near Lowell experience railroad disruptions. At Indiana Dunes State Park, a camper 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."
Adult-only camping option: Sun Aura offers a clothing-optional experience for adults seeking a different camping atmosphere. A visitor noted, "The events were great for Labor Day weekend. This was our first time at an adult only resort or clothing optional. The people were friendly and helpful to others."
Overnight convenience stops: Love's RV Stop provides basic overnight accommodations for travelers passing through. A reviewer mentioned, "Fueled up here and realized it was a loves rv overnight. Easy in and out with all the basics plus a nice convenient store and fuel."
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds near Lowell operate from April to October, with limited winter camping options. Lake Alexander RV Park typically runs from April 15 to October 15, with rates around $35-42 per night depending on hookup needs.
Tips for camping with families
Pack beach supplies: When staying at Dunewood Campground, bring beach gear for Lake Michigan. A visitor advised, "There are some biting horseflies at the beach, but not at the campground," suggesting bug spray is essential for comfort.
Consider proximity to amenities: Oak Lake RV Resort offers family-friendly activities on-site. One family shared their experience: "We came for a weekend... Stayed nearly 2 weeks! Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s'mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories."
Verify bathroom facilities: Pioneer Family Campground has basic facilities that may not meet all family needs. A camper reported, "Their two flushing toilets and two showers (free) are very outdated with some rusty nails sticking out, and we didn't see anyone clean anything in the bathrooms for the few days that we were there."
Check for playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Lakeshore Camp Resort, a visitor noted, "The playground was nice for kids," though they cautioned about the campground's overall density and noise levels.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Oak Lake RV Resort accommodates larger rigs with specialized sites. An RVer reported, "We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless."
Electrical service options: When planning a camping trip near Lowell, check specific electrical hookup types. At Love's RV Stop, one camper cautioned, "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."
Big rig accessibility: Indiana Dunes State Park can accommodate larger RVs despite being primarily known for tent camping. A visitor confirmed, "We have a 37' motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around."
Security considerations: Gated campgrounds offer additional safety for overnight stays. A Love's RV Stop visitor mentioned, "Great stop for the night, It's new, gated and has basic amenities like a General store, Dog park and basketball court and tennis ball court for some activities if you have kids."
