Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers electric-only campsites near Lake Michigan beaches, approximately 15 miles from Michigan City. Sites remain open year-round with hiking trails connecting directly to the shoreline. The campground provides electric hookups but lacks water and sewer connections at individual sites. Most campers fill their tanks before arrival and use the dump stations when departing.
What to do
Beach activities: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground provides direct access to Lake Michigan shores where campers can swim during summer months. "The lake and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype. 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," notes a visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Thousand Trails Bear Cave offers river fishing access along the St. Joseph River in southwest Michigan. "Nice river fishing, nice stream scenery, big rec center," reports one camper. The campground also features docks and a boat launch for water access.
Trail exploration: Walking and biking trails connect throughout the region. "The Dunes-Kankakee bike trail leads from the park and ties to the Calumet trail that also connects to several other trails offering miles of bike trail options," explains a camper about Indiana Dunes State Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Elkhart RV Resort receives positive feedback for its maintenance standards. "The WiFi was very reliable if you have to work. There is a great brewery behind the park that is within walking distance," mentions a visitor who stayed while working remotely.
Playground access: Maple Ridge Campground caters to families with children. "Great owners and almost all full hookup sites. Newly remodeled bathhouse with laundry and also a heated pool. Highly recommend this campground," writes one visitor. Another adds, "Amazing little campground! Perfect family spot!! Playground, pool, activities for the family, updated bathhouse!!"
Site spaciousness: Indiana Dunes campground offers reasonable separation between campsites. "The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites. 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," notes a camper with a 37-foot motorhome.
What you should know
Train noise: Proximity to rail lines affects sleep quality at some campgrounds. "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. If you're a heavy sleeper and you can deal with that, you'll be just fine but us tent camping there was nothing to block the sound," warns a visitor at Indiana Dunes.
Cell service: Internet connectivity varies significantly. At Love's RV Stop, one camper reports, "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."
Site selection: Campsites at Michigan City area campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer. Most campgrounds allow advance reservations, with many accepting bookings up to six months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Michigan City Campground provides structured recreation areas for children. "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. There is swimming pool and a game room, and a small store with the essentials, and propane," notes a visitor.
Safety features: Gated campgrounds provide additional security. "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool," mentions a camper at Michigan City Campground. The controlled entry allows parents to relax while children enjoy the grounds.
Weekend scheduling: Many campgrounds coordinate special activities for children on weekends. At Maple Ridge Campground, a visitor shares, "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."
Tips from RVers
Leveling conditions: Some RV sites require adjustment for proper leveling. At Love's RV Stop, a camper noted, "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."
Sewer connections: Full hookup availability differs between locations. At Thousand Trails Bear Cave, a visitor mentions, "The only sewer hook-ups are all taken by seasonal campers," while another notes, "This is a 1st come 1st serve choose your own camp site. Most of the full hookups are taken 1st by the annuals. Sucks really but they do have an onsite honeypot which will suck out your tanks for $10 each time around."
Access limitations: Entry requirements vary across RV campgrounds in Michigan City and surrounding areas. "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," reports a traveler at Love's RV Stop.
