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Wendy T.
Traveler
TravelerDunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Dunewood Campground
Beautiful location, a mile from beach on Lake Michigan
Camping near Merrillville, IN
72 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Merrillville, Indiana cluster around the Lake Michigan shoreline, with the highest concentration in the Indiana Dunes area approximately 30 miles northwest. The region includes established sites like Dunewood Campground in Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, offering accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to RV-friendly areas with hookups. Several private campgrounds such as Sand Creek Campground and Michigan City Campground supplement public options with additional amenities including cabin rentals. Most facilities remain open seasonally from April through October, though some like Michigan City Campground operate year-round.
Reservations are essential during summer months when lake access draws significant crowds to the area. Many campgrounds within both the national and state park systems require booking well in advance, particularly for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Access roads throughout the region are generally well-maintained, though parking can become limited at popular beach access points during peak season. Weather conditions vary significantly with Lake Michigan's influence, creating cooler temperatures near the shoreline compared to inland sites. Cell coverage remains reliable throughout most established camping areas. "Compared to the other popular campground in the state park this is way less crowded. There's tons of trails to do along the lakeshore and none are really far from one another," noted one camper about Dunewood Campground.
The proximity to Lake Michigan beaches represents the primary draw for most campers visiting the Merrillville area. Sites within Indiana Dunes National Park provide direct access to hiking trails and dune ecosystems, while also placing visitors within walking distance of swimming areas. Several campgrounds feature mixed-use sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying levels of hookups and amenities. Reviewers frequently mention the balance of natural surroundings with convenient access to urban amenities. "The sites are very wooded with sufficient privacy between them," reported one visitor to Dunewood Campground, while another noted that Sand Creek Campground offers "a close alternative to Dunes State Park" when the more popular options reach capacity. Train noise affects some camping areas closest to railroad tracks that parallel the lakeshore.
Best Campgrounds near Merrillville (72)
1. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
"There’s tons of trails to do along the lakeshore and none are really far from one another. I grew up in NWI so I didn’t camp in Indiana often but I did here and loved it!"
"General: Dunewood campground is located within Indiana Dunes National Park, established in 2019 (The national seashore was established in the 1960s)."
from $25 / night
Check Availability2. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
"The most beautiful state park in Indiana IMO."
"The campground although nearly full was relatively calm and quiet. Unlike the craziness of other Indiana state parks I have visited."
from $43 / night
Check Availability3. Lakeshore Camp Resort
"A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."
"We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."
from $49 - $57 / night
Check Availability4. Sand Creek Campground
"First time to Indiana with a quick trip to the Dunes. We were disappointed the state park was full but found this campground close by."
"Privately-owned and just a short distance from Indiana Dunes. The owner was very nice and helpful at check-in."
from $30 - $90 / night
Check Availability5. Michigan City Campground
"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."
"It's easy access, clean spacious sites, and how quiet it was considering it proximity to S.R. 421 brought us back again this year. We visited Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park."
6. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park
"You have access to the perks of the conference grounds I clouding access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open."
"Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability7. Woodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
8. Emerald Trails Campground
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability9. Camp Shabbona Woods
from $30 - $80 / night
Check Availability10. Camp Sullivan
"Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. The bathrooms are modern."
"There are several bathrooms around and they are clean. Staff is friendly and welcoming."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 32 min from Michigan City, IN
- 41 min from Chicago, IL
- 57 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr from South Bend, IN
Recent Camping Photos near Merrillville, IN
172 Photos of 72 Merrillville Campgrounds
Marc W.
Lakeshore Camp Resort
holly S.
Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park
Josephine B.
Lake O' The Woods Club
Jeffrey L.
Camp Shabbona Woods
Stefanie Z.
Sand Creek Campground
Burns G.
Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
Ariel B.
Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Shelagh R.
Donna Jo Camping and Recreation Area - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Lisa M.
Michigan City Campground
Nadiehsda B.
Oak Lake RV Resort
Amanda K.
Pioneer Family Campground
Megan R.
Camp Sullivan
Recent Reviews near Merrillville, IN
600 Reviews of 72 Merrillville Campgrounds
- SScott B.
GuidePotato Creek State Park Campground
Nice park
Lots to do here. Swim, bike, trails, kids parks, good camp store. Towns near the park. You can rent bikes and canoes. Our site #55 was big but 3”dip drivers side and 12” dip back to front.
- MMichael M.Guide
Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
Great week
Just finished a week at this campground and overall had a great stay.
The campground is a short walk or bike ride to the public beach, and just east along the lake is the preserve area where we were able to take our dogs swimming, which was a huge plus.
The campground itself was nice. The East Loop felt a little older, with large mature trees providing shade over most sites, a centralized bathhouse, and a few pit toilets spread throughout. The West Loop had a similar feel.
There are also a few playgrounds throughout the campground, which our kids really enjoyed. They spent a lot of time bouncing back and forth between them and meeting new kids along the way, which ended up being one of their favorite parts of the trip.
The bathhouses were acceptable, though the campground was busy during our stay and it definitely showed.
We stayed in Site 8, which I wouldn’t personally recommend. There was very little usable space, and the fire pit felt like an afterthought—placed against overgrowth on sloping sand to the point that we couldn’t realistically set chairs around it.
One thing worth mentioning: we had some pretty severe weather come through during our stay, and the on-site tornado siren alerted everyone in the campground. Thankfully the storms missed us, but while the alarms were sounding, sheriff’s deputies were driving the loops and checking on campers, which was reassuring to see.
We’ll definitely be back—just not to Site 8.
Cat L.
ScoutPotato Creek State Park Campground
Great mid spring camping
Swimming, boating, fishing…this was a perfect weekend. The campground and park were easy to navigate and the DNR staff was very helpful and friendly. Highly recommend.
Stacey W.ScoutJudy's Motel & Campground
Great Experience
We got in late, grabbed an empty lot and after realizing I ran off and forgot my plug adapter, we called it a night. Generator powered lights and that was enough. The owner and campers around us were very friendly!
Carole I.GuideWoodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Woodland
Helpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500
Jacob H.ScoutChippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park
Good spot!
Did a night of tent camping here to test out some gear for a backpacking trip. Lots for tent camping class C are gravel or paved which isnt the best. You are also only able to reserve a spot 48hrs in advance which can be a bit annoying. Water is potable but orange from rust so I would recommend bringing some type of filter to get rid of the taste and color. Very chill staff from what I saw has a state park police truck that patrols ever now and then.
- aadrienne T.Guide
Mount Randall Campground — Warren Dunes State Park
Quick overnite site 73
Nice and quiet. Spots close together. We didn't have the time to explore at all, arrived late just stayed the night and left after we made morning coffee. Not gates or codes to get in. You do need a michigan "passport" but can buy it online. Bathrooms were nearby and very clean. Individual showers with locking doors seemed nice. No water at site 73 but it wasn't too far. There was electricity tho. Overall great stay-much better than a rest area!
- SSawyer S.Traveler
Hildebrandt Campground — Warren Dunes State Park
Expensive and loud
Some of the sites are close together. The highway is very loud but the bathrooms and showers are nice. Also encountered a lot of raccoons.
Guide to Merrillville
Camping spots near Merrillville, Indiana cluster primarily in northwest Indiana where the terrain transitions from suburban areas to Lake Michigan shoreline. Overnight temperatures can drop below 60°F even in summer months due to the lake effect, requiring appropriate sleeping gear regardless of season. Road access from Merrillville to most campgrounds requires 30-45 minutes of driving time, with traffic increasing significantly on summer weekends.
What to do
Climb sand dunes and swim: Dunewood Campground offers access to challenging dune climbs and swimming areas. "Theres trails and sand dunes to climb clean beach really clean camp ground with newer clean bathrooms," notes Manuel T. about Dunewood Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park provides lake access with fishing opportunities. "There was a nice big field for the dog to run. Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly," reports Christopher G. about the Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park.
Rock climbing activities: Organized climbing activities are available at Camp Sullivan. "The bathsite was large and beautiful. The restroom area was clean and had soap and dryers. Lots of nature, chill vibe," according to Veronica S. who camped at Camp Sullivan.
Paddle sports: Several locations offer paddling options on inland lakes. "Very relaxing, and very quiet. Great shade from tall trees, and a large pond to Fisher paddle boat," mentions Maurice about Emerald Trails Campground.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Indiana Dunes State Park campground offers recently upgraded facilities. "The campground itself is pretty typical of a state park- decent spacing, level sites and well kept. It is electric only but that didn't really bother us," explains Greg S. about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Proximity to Chicago skyline views: On clear days, campers can see Chicago across the lake. "On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake," Anna G. reports about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Security features: Some campgrounds offer gated security for peace of mind. "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool," notes Shane M. about Michigan City Campground.
Convenient group camping areas: Certain campgrounds accommodate larger groups effectively. "Stayed here 2 nights in the group tent camping area. Plenty of space to spread out and good firepits. Love the secure entrance and key card access," reports Beth B. about Michigan City Campground.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Train noise affects many campgrounds in the region. "Definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town with good cell service," mentions Katherine T. about Dunewood Campground.
Site selection strategy: Sand Creek offers varied site options for different preferences. "The tent sites were very private as we were the only ones there for the night. Plenty of space tucked among the trees," notes Danielle C. about Sand Creek Campground.
Gate closure policies: Some campgrounds lock gates overnight which impacts late arrivals or early departures. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning," warns Lisa S. about Camp Sullivan.
Beach conditions: Sand quality varies between locations. "The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," shares Greg S. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature family-friendly play areas. "There's a playground as well. 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," holly S. mentions about Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park.
Swimming safety awareness: Lake Michigan can present swimming hazards. "Be careful in the lake, because rip current often take young visitors out too far and into dangerous waters," cautions Anna G. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Urban camping option: Camp Shabbona Woods offers an introduction to camping close to urban amenities. "Camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping. The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing," explains Scott M. about urban Camp Shabbona Woods.
Heat considerations: Summer temperatures can be challenging for tent campers. "Loved the proximity of this campground to Lake Michigan! The closest beach within the national park is Kimmel Beach which is beautiful. There are some biting horseflies at the beach, but not at the campground," shares Katie O. about Dunewood Campground.
Tips from RVers
Premium site options: Michigan City Campground offers upgraded RV sites. "We stayed in a 90 ft premium pull through spot. Nice campground that is maintained. There is a pool, fishing pond, and playground for kids," reports Erin B.
Hook-up availability: Electric services vary between campgrounds. "25$ a night no electric much but a park pass also for 25$," notes Hannah R. about Dunewood Campground.
Water tank management: Water hookups are limited at certain locations. "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us- we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves," advises Greg S. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Leveling conditions: Site conditions for RVs are generally favorable. "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," describes Chris M. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest state park campground to Merrillville?
What is the closest state park campground to Merrillville?
Indiana Dunes State Park Campground is the closest state park to Merrillville, offering recently renovated campsites and new bathroom facilities. This historic park (established 1925) is widely considered one of Indiana's most beautiful state parks with exceptional Lake Michigan beach access. Another option within driving distance is Warren Dunes State Park Campground in Michigan, though highway noise can detract from the camping experience in some areas. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Potato Creek State Park offers additional camping opportunities. Most state parks in the region require reservations, especially during summer months.
What campgrounds are available near Merrillville, Indiana?
What campgrounds are available near Merrillville, Indiana?
Several quality campgrounds are available within driving distance of Merrillville. Indiana Dunes National Park offers Dunewood Campground, which is less crowded than other nearby options and features numerous hiking trails along the lakeshore. Sand Creek Campground provides private tent sites tucked among trees with clean, newer bathrooms. Other options include Emerald Trails Campground in Crete and Woodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park in Portage. Most campgrounds in the region offer convenient access to Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes, making them popular choices for Merrillville visitors seeking outdoor recreation opportunities.
Are there RV parks near Merrillville with full hookups?
Are there RV parks near Merrillville with full hookups?
Michigan City Campground offers premium RV sites with 50A service, water, sewer, and excellent WiFi. Their 90-foot pull-through sites feature cement patios and are beautifully maintained. Lakeshore Camp Resort is another option with full hookups and easy access to Indiana Dunes National Park. The resort features numerous amenities including a small lake for swimming and fishing, though facilities may need updating. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park provides big-rig-friendly sites with water hookups. Most RV parks in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months when visitors flock to Lake Michigan.
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