Indiana Dunes State Park Campground welcomes pets at all campsites with specific guidelines for responsible pet ownership. The campground features electric hookups, picnic tables, and full-service amenities including showers and toilets in a location convenient to Lake Michigan shorelines. Nearby Dunewood Campground in Indiana Dunes National Park also permits pets with proper leashing and waste disposal expected. Both campgrounds require dogs to remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times. Sand Creek Campground provides another pet-friendly option with spacious sites situated on shaded grounds, complete with fire rings and picnic tables. The campground atmosphere remains clean and quiet, making it suitable for campers traveling with well-behaved pets.
Multiple pet-friendly trails throughout the Indiana Dunes area allow leashed dogs, though pets are prohibited on swimming beaches within the national park boundaries. Michigan City Campground offers year-round accommodations for pets with full hookup sites and cabin options for those preferring indoor sleeping arrangements with their animals. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park provides access to a small private beach where dogs can enjoy shoreline walks when leashed. Most campgrounds in the region impose standard pet policies requiring current vaccinations, prompt waste cleanup, and keeping pets from disturbing other campers. Weather considerations make spring and fall particularly comfortable seasons for camping with pets in the Merrillville area, avoiding summer heat that can be stressful for dogs with limited shade.
$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!"
"There is so much to do her, wineries and breweries nearby. The beaches are not too crowded. Pet friendly and lots to do for children. This is one of our favorite vacation spots."
$50 / 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."
$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."
$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."
"We stayed in the off season in a site close to the laundry facility and office. Great campground for families. Our site was smaller however, no one was around us so it seemed bigger."
"Clean bathrooms, laundry, dog friendly, pool, office is friendly and has a store with game room. Nice dog park. We are in a 40ft with tow and did not need to unhook."
"There was a nice big field for the dog to run. Nature trails and of course Cedar Lake. People seemed friendly."
"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."
$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."
GuideCompared 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. I grew up in NWI so I didn’t camp in Indiana often but I did here and loved it! There are a bunch of raccoons that can come steal food so beware of that! Overall nice though!
TravelerSmall campground but very friendly. A plus was the full hookups. The sights are very close together. Management is not over bearing and very friendly. Dog friendly lots of dogs this weekend nice size dog park! You overall great weekend
TravelerWe stayed in the off season in a site close to the laundry facility and office. Great campground for families. Our site was smaller however, no one was around us so it seemed bigger. They do have nice premium sites in the front. Loved that it is gated and and key card access after hours. Has a dog park and a playground for the kids.
ScoutWe’ve been staying at this resort for several months now, and wanted to share some feedback based on our experience.
The pool only opened mid-summer.
Water quality has been very bad. On one occasion, our pet had stomach issues after drinking tap water, which was concerning. The water is so unclean that our shower develops yellow stains within a day, and we’ve had to install a five-stage filtration system just to make it usable.
We’ve also noticed that rules aren’t enforced consistently, and it sometimes feels like certain guests are treated unfairly. For example, while we were told that personal kiddie pools aren’t allowed, we’ve counted at least six others set up around the park.
Package delivery is only permitted under special circumstances, and only if pre-approved by staff.
Had an incident where a staff member criticized my swimsuit at the pool, despite it being modest and similar to what others were wearing. I wore this swimsuit to many pools for many years. Additionally, the beach area is often closed even during posted open hours, and pool hours or updates aren’t clearly communicated—you have to inquire to get any information.
The storm shelter is typically locked, making it inaccessible in emergencies, which is a major concern.
We’ve also had to fix the swing set at the playground ourselves multiple times, as it’s been broken for a while. Many of the park’s facilities and amenities are showing their age and could benefit from updates and maintenance.
That said, there are aspects we’ve truly enjoyed, and they’re the main reasons we’ve continued our stay: the spacious layout of the RV park, a nice lake, beach, pool, gym, and a dog park.
TravelerMany very nice permanent sites. We loved the dog park along with the many activities available. We come here at least once a year. Check out their information on their website.
If you want a quick local get away this is the place.
GuidePros - playground, pool, well kept grounds, helpful staff, gated/swipe card access, ponds, close to area attractions, decent campground WiFi, small fire ring, small dog park
Cons - tight spaces, BYO grill, bad showers, dirty/tight bathroom area
The mens room is just gross. Water in the stalls because showers don’t drain. Water in the shower never gets hot. Missing shower heads with pressure that almost tears your skin. Can barely squeeze into the tiny stall. Toilets are gross.
GuideWe used it as an over night stop right off of 94. It was perfect for that. It would also be perfect spot to stay longer if wanted to be in the area. Grounds were nice. Clean bathrooms, laundry, dog friendly, pool, office is friendly and has a store with game room. Nice dog park. We are in a 40ft with tow and did not need to unhook.
ScoutGreat 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. Plenty of space and Convenient. We reserved and checked in online. 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 but still make sure your using your EPM devices.
TravelerFriendly staff who were quick to respond to any issues. Partial hookups (sewer just outside of park behind hotel). $46/night (+fees) for a pull-through spot. Pet-friendly. Pleasant park with good pad. Near busy road and shipping plant. No wi-fi found except at hotel. Good phone connection. Garbage cans throughout park. Minutes from I & M Canal entrance on Houbolt and from JJC and I-80.
Indiana Dunes National Park and surrounding camping areas form part of a unique ecosystem where Lake Michigan shoreline meets rare dune formations reaching heights of 125 feet. The Merrillville region experiences moderate rainfall from April to October with summer highs averaging 84°F. Tent and RV campers typically need reservations 3-6 months in advance for weekend stays during peak summer season.
Beach access for dogs: 5-10 minute drive from most campgrounds to designated pet areas. While dogs aren't allowed on swimming beaches in Indiana Dunes National Park, Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park offers "access to a small private beach where dogs can enjoy shoreline walks when leashed," according to Christopher G.
Hiking with pets: 4-7 miles of trails are accessible for leashed dogs within the dune ecosystem. At Dunewood Campground, campers note the natural surroundings: "Lots of nature, chill vibe. Great experience!" reports Veronica S. The trails wind through dense forests and open dunes.
Scenic views: 15-20 minute walk to elevated overlooks. Truly W. describes Dunewood Campground as "Foresty and beautiful" with "great shading from trees and very green!" On clear days, Lake Michigan views extend to Chicago's skyline across the water.
Shaded tent sites: 80% tree coverage in wooded areas provides natural cooling. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads," notes Katherine T. about Dunewood. "The campsite was large and beautiful."
Clean facilities: Daily maintenance keeps most campgrounds in good condition. Sand Creek Campground receives consistent positive feedback: "The bathhouse was a little out dated but clean during our stay," explains Katrin M. "The owners are very nice and laid back."
Proximity to attractions: 5-15 mile radius to beaches and hiking trails. Michigan City Campground is "gated so not just anyone can come in," according to Shane M., who appreciates that it's "very clean and a nice pool." The secure entrance requires key card access.
Year-round options: Extended seasons at select locations. "Michigan City Campground is open year round," with "many monthly sites available with winter water," making it suitable for cold-weather camping with pets.
Train noise: Active railroad lines run near several campgrounds. Katherine T. mentions at Dunewood "definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town with good cell service." Consider packing earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
Seasonal crowd levels: May-September peak season sees full bookings. During busy periods, Indiana Dunes State Park Campground can feel active but orderly. Robert B. notes: "Campsites, facilities and trails were all super well maintained," even during peak fall color season.
Limited primitive options: Most sites have amenities. Hannah R. notes that Dunewood offers "$25 a night no electric" sites, which typically book quickly due to limited availability.
Pet vaccination requirements: Documentation needed at check-in. Most campgrounds require proof of current rabies vaccination for dogs, along with adherence to 6-foot leash regulations at all times.
Swimming options: Multiple beach access points within 15 minutes of campgrounds. One camper at Lakeshore Camp Resort noted the "Pool and lake were both swimmable. The playground was nice for kids."
Bug protection: Heavy mosquito presence near wooded areas in summer. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," warns Katrin M. about Dunewood Campground. Pack strong repellent with 25%+ DEET.
Pet-friendly activities: Morning/evening schedules work best with dogs. Temperatures on sand can reach 120°F in summer afternoons, making morning walks before 10am and evening outings after 5pm most comfortable for pets.
Playground access: Multiple recreation areas for children at larger facilities. Angie G. notes that at Lakeshore Camp Resort, "Activities for the kids are all weekend and evenings are busy with golf carts parades."
Electric hookups: 30-50 amp service available at most sites. Camp Sullivan offers electric-only sites. "No water or dumping hook up. Electric only," explains Nomad Nurse Z. Plan water usage accordingly.
Site spacing: Limited privacy at some locations. Julia S. warns that Lakeshore Camp Resort is "like choosing to camp in the middle of a neighborhood whose population density is higher than chicago, except instead of apartments, it's trailers." Research site maps before booking.
Water access: Fill tanks before arrival at electric-only campgrounds. The Indiana Dunes State Park Campground 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," reports Greg S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Merrillville, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Merrillville, IN is Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 125 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Merrillville, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 57 dog-friendly camping locations near Merrillville, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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