Several glamping opportunities exist within a 45-minute drive of Merrillville, Indiana, located in the Great Lakes region where the terrain varies from sandy dunes to wooded wetlands. The climate features four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F, making late spring through early fall ideal for luxury outdoor accommodations. Winter glamping options remain available at select locations with heated cabins and yurts.
What to do
Climb sand dunes: At Warren Dunes State Park Campground, visitors can tackle the Three Dune Challenge for panoramic lake views. "Mt. Randall is the high dune to climb but not for the faint of heart! And beware, the sand does get HOT midday," notes camper Heidi S.
Mountain biking: Several trails within a short drive offer varied terrain for cyclists. "We went mountain biking at Imagination Glen Park in Portage just a few miles down the road which was awesome," reports Jeffrey S., who stayed at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Kayaking and fishing: Smaller lakes at campgrounds provide water recreation without Lake Michigan crowds. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," according to Layla P.
Water activities: Many glamping sites feature both natural and constructed water features. "It offers a pond swimming & obstacle course," notes Nadiehsda B. about Oak Lake RV Resort, which provides alternative water recreation options.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many glampers appreciate well-maintained shower houses and restrooms. At Dunewood Campground, "The restroom area was clean and had soap and dryers. The campsite was large and beautiful," according to Veronica S.
Proximity to Chicago: Glamping sites near Merrillville provide quick escapes from urban areas. "This is a state park which has an entrance fee and camping you can reserve. On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake," writes Anna G. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Seasonal activities: The region offers different experiences throughout the year. "We arrived on a fall night, after the sun had set and we were thrilled to wake up to such an amazing display of Northern Indiana fall foliage," shares Robert B., who camped at Indiana Dunes during autumn.
Themed weekends: Many campgrounds host special activities during summer. "Activities for the kids are all weekend and evenings are busy with golf carts parades. The adult fun goes to the wee hours on busy holiday weekends," reports Angie G. from Lakeshore Camp Resort.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Merrillville experience railroad disruptions. "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," warns Kaley A. about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Alcohol restrictions: Some parks enforce strict no-alcohol policies. "One setback was that you can't bring alcohol into the park. If you think the rangers don't enforce that rule, you're wrong. Our neighbors got busted for it when we were there," cautions Dave E. about Warren Dunes State Park.
Reservations essential: During peak season, secure bookings well in advance. "The campground was full, but not overcrowded. We went when the campground was at full capacity and it still didn't feel overcrowded," notes Heidi S. at Warren Dunes.
Weather preparedness: Lake effect conditions can change quickly. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," reports Katrin M. about Dunewood Campground, highlighting seasonal insect challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. "Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp," shares Sadie H. from Oak Lake RV Resort.
Consider cabin options: Glamping in Merrillville area cabins provides comfort for families with young children. At Michigan City Campground, "By the way there are a number of cabins/mini homes to rent," notes Craig C., mentioning the premium amenities available.
Beach access timing: Plan beach visits strategically. "The beach was well maintained, and had lifeguards during certain hours, which gave me a little bit of extra comfort in bringing my kids to the lake," writes Kaley A. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Multi-generational activities: Choose sites with varied difficulty trails. "There is a nice nature trail to the beach. If you are able, do the 3 dune challenge. It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list," explains Jackie H. from Indiana Dunes.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At glamping destinations near Merrillville, choose carefully based on shade and privacy. "The best sites are the ones on the outside from the beach trail to the nature center. These are up against the dunes and have some shade. The middle sites are more exposed and much less private," advises Greg S. at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Hookup information: Check specific utility details before booking. "Only offered electric service. I wish I had taken more photos from the beach and beach pavilion," notes Chris M., who stayed at Indiana Dunes with a 37-foot motorhome and Jeep.
Security features: Some glamping locations offer enhanced safety measures. "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool," reports Shane M. about Camp Sullivan, highlighting a feature important to many RVers.
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly between glamping sites. "I barely have T-Mobile service (not the camps fault but thought I'd share)," mentions G M. about Camp Sullivan, providing practical information for those needing connectivity.
