Best Campgrounds near Merrillville, IN

Camping near Merrillville, Indiana, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From beautiful wooded sites to family-friendly amenities, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

• Explore the beaches: The nearby Indiana Dunes State Park Campground is just a short drive away and features a stunning beach. One visitor mentioned, "It’s only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times."
• Hiking and biking: Many campgrounds, like Potato Creek State Park Campground, offer miles of trails. A camper noted, "The paved bike trails are amazing. The sites are large and private."
• Fishing and kayaking: At Tippecanoe River State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and canoeing. One reviewer shared, "We rented a canoe and did a paddle/float trip on the river that ended at the canoe rental location."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms were decent and we liked the private showers, warm water!"
• Friendly staff: Many campers have praised the helpfulness of campground hosts. One camper at Michigan City Campground remarked, "The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your camp site."
• Natural beauty: Campgrounds like Dunewood Campground are surrounded by beautiful woods. A camper noted, "The campground was thickly wooded and beautiful."

What you should know:

• Mosquitoes can be a problem: Many campers have reported issues with mosquitoes, especially at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground. One camper warned, "The mosquitoes are absolutely terrible due to the campground's proximity to the river."
• Crowded sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Michigan Weko Beach Campground mentioned, "The sites are randomly laid out and on top of each other."
• Limited privacy: Campers at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted that many sites are close together. One reviewer said, "Most spots were fairly out in the open, but we had a nice spot with a few trees hiding us on 3 sides."

Tips for camping with families:

• Look for playgrounds: Some campgrounds, like Potato Creek State Park Campground, have great playgrounds. A camper mentioned, "Great playground on the east side of the first loop. Kids seem to play there for hours."
• Plan for activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. One family at Blackwell Family Campground enjoyed, "The ranger offers evening entertainment for the kiddos."
• Pack extra supplies: Campgrounds can have limited stores. A visitor at Lakeshore Camp Resort noted, "There is a small lake that offers swimming and fishing, but we did not use this area."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have small sites. A reviewer at Michigan City Campground said, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."
• Be prepared for noise: Campgrounds near roads can be noisy. One camper at Blackwell Family Campground mentioned, "You could easily hear cars passing by throughout the night."
• Book in advance: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."

Camping near Merrillville, Indiana, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!