Best Campgrounds near Merrillville, IN

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 Camping Sites Near Merrillville, Indiana (69)

    1. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    127 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "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)."

    2. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $23 / night

    "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."

    3. Lakeshore Camp Resort

    16 Reviews
    Portage, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 762-7757

    $49 - $57 / night

    "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."

    4. Sand Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    Chesterton, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-7482

    $30 - $90 / night

    "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."

    5. Michigan City Campground

    22 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Park, IN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 872-7600

    "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

    2 Reviews
    Lowell, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 374-5941

    "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."

    7. Woodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park

    1 Review
    Portage, IN
    10 miles
    +1 (219) 762-6578

    8. Emerald Trails Campground

    1 Review
    Beecher, IL
    15 miles
    Website

    $25 - $45 / night

    9. Camp Shabbona Woods

    2 Reviews
    Calumet City, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

    10. Camp Sullivan

    15 Reviews
    Oak Forest, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0041

    $35 - $250 / night

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 69 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Merrillville, IN

583 Reviews of 69 Merrillville Campgrounds


  • Gina A.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Chippewa Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Kankakee River State Park Chippewa

    $20 a day with with restrooms has NO shower area. No water hookup .But has a swing set for the kids to play a few bike/hike trails. Quiet no street noise . They have a dump station and water too fill your camper.

  • Katrin M.
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Campground Indiana Dunes

    We camped here on our way to Minnesota. The campsite had the typical amenities like a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground was clean and it was quiet. The bathroom was a bit outdated, but clean. The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening. Overall, it was a nice campground with spacious sites. It was not a long car ride at all to Lake Michigan.

  • Therese S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    Nice Campground But Spendy

    Nice campground with easy access to dunes and lake, but the nightly fee for a motorhome with electric only (no water) was $60 a night. Quite a bit higher than we would typically go for, but other campgrounds in the area were shut down for the season. The spaces are small but it wasn’t too crowded, bathrooms and showers were very clean.

  • Abhinay
    Oct. 7, 2025

    The Vaudeville

    Peaceful stay

    It’s was great nd peaceful place for staying on weekends for relaxation.

  • Ray S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great campground with everything you would need

    This was my first camping trip with family. After lots of research, I picked Kankakee river state park. This is a reasonablly priced campground with all facilities in great condition. And it is very spacious with woods separating your neighbors. The only complaint is the noise level after 10pm. The quite time was not strictly enforced. It could be we are there on a Saturday night.

  • Emma H.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Potowatomi Campground — Kankakee River State Park

    Great for our 2 person campout!

    My fiancé and I stayed in the Hickory Loop spot 3. We are very new campers, so we just have a very basic tent setup. When we checked in with the host, there were bundles of firewood for $8 (either cash or cash app). The spots are not huge, and not super private (you have next door and across the street neighbors), but we didn’t mind that! There were two outlets available, and a small rectangular fire pit with a grate on top. There are a few water pumps and vault toilets within walking distance, but we were pretty close to the shower house, which had stalls for toilets and showers. The showers were pretty great for a camp ground!

    It rained a ton during our trip so we didn’t explore much, but would definitely recommend for a simple camping trip where you want flushable toilets, showers, and some electricity.

  • Nadiehsda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Oak Lake RV Resort

    We came for a weekend… Stayed nearly 2 weeks! Oak Lake RV Resort is where family memories are made.

    6 people, 1 pup & a 44.4' Keystone Sprinter... Oak Lake RV Resort handled it all with ease & gave us the BEST camping trip ever! From the moment you drive up, staff are waiting in golf carts to guide you to your site & even help with setup. We were nervous about fitting our big rig, but pull-through site #17 made it flawless. Where else does that??

    We originally booked August 22–25, extended to the 29th & then lucked into staying through Labor Day weekend. We canceled our other plans because Oak Lake had everything we wanted & more!!Pond swimming & obstacle course, movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s’mores, homemade campfire pizzas & endless family memories. The kids are still raving about it!

    Rebecca deserves a huge shoutout for going above & beyond! Tom & Marianne, the owners, are amazing hosts who clearly pour their hearts into making Oak Lake special. Even the coin operated laundry was a lifesaver & convinced us we need a washer/dryer in our camper for future impromptu stays 😂.

    We’re already talking about being put on the list for a seasonal site for next year bc we know we’ll be back again & again. Oak Lake RV Resort is Newton County’s hidden gem!!! If you’re searching for fun, hospitality & true family camping memories... THIS is the place!! Hands down, every time.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Great camping spot

    This is my second time staying at Bullfrog lake. The first time I was in spot 2 which had more privacy but felt more cramped. This time I was in spot 18 which felt like it had more space but had almost no shade.

    The camp hosts are really hit or miss. One guy was so nice and took a bunch to photos for me of me kayaking. The other guy seemed mad to be alive lol.

    The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around.

    Unfortunately the wood I bought from the camp store took forever to catch flames—my other two neighbors had the same issue.

    Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked.

    Overall I’d definitely stay here again.

  • Kevin B.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Camp Sullivan

    Enjoyed the camping experience

    Nice and clean areas, staff was very professional and helpful while I was there


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?

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?

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?

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.