Camping sites near Munster, Indiana concentrate around the Lake Michigan shoreline with most options lying within 20-30 miles of town. Train noise affects nearly all campgrounds in the region due to the area's status as a major rail corridor, with tracks running near several popular camping destinations. Winter temperatures regularly drop below 20°F, making most campgrounds seasonal operations from April through October.
What to do
Hike the dune trails: At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, the 3 Dune Challenge offers a moderately difficult hiking experience over sandy terrain. "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," notes one visitor.
Kayak on Bullfrog Lake: Rental kayaks at Camp Bullfrog Lake cost $15 per hour and include life vests. "The kayaks are $15 and hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around," according to a camper who visited in August.
Mountain bike on connecting trails: Several trail systems around the campgrounds offer extensive mountain biking opportunities. "What's great about this location is the access to the miles and miles of MTB and hiking trails just out the front step of your campsite," explains one regular visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake.
Visit Chicago via train: Some campgrounds provide convenient access to Chicago via public transportation, eliminating the need to drive into the city. "If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails," notes a mountain biking enthusiast.
What campers like
Private beach access: Lakeshore Camp Resort in Portage offers swimming in their private lake. "The pool and lake were both swimmable. The playground was nice for kids," mentions one camper who appreciated the water access despite other drawbacks.
Well-maintained bathroom facilities: Dunewood Campground receives consistent praise for its amenities. "The restroom area was clean and had soap and dryers... Lots of nature, chill vibe. Great experience!" reports a satisfied camper who stayed in June.
Fall camping options: Several campgrounds showcase impressive fall foliage later in the camping season. "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. Campsites, facilities and trails were all super well maintained," writes a visitor to Michigan City Campground.
Year-round accessibility: While most campgrounds close for winter, a few remain open. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," notes a Dunewood camper who appreciates the practical amenities.
What you should know
Insect conditions: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially during evening hours. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," warns a July visitor to Dunewood Campground.
Limited primitive camping: Most campgrounds focus on RV sites with hookups, with fewer options for tent campers seeking more rustic experiences. "Non of the tent sites have electricity or water. Only a few have a picnic table and/or a fire pit. It was basically just a long lawn with numbers on," explains a camper who stayed at Sand Creek Campground.
Water quality concerns: Some beaches in the region have water quality issues due to industrial activity. "Last disappointment was Lake Michigan is not beautiful near here due to the industry and power plants right on the lake," reports a visitor to Lakeshore Camp Resort.
Gate closing times: Security measures at some campgrounds include locked gates during nighttime hours. "They lock the gates (both of them!) to the campground with a PADLOCK at night until 7 in the morning! I had to search for someone to let me out for my meeting. What if there was an emergency?" asks a concerned visitor to Camp Sullivan.
Tips for camping with families
Look for swimming alternatives: When visiting Michigan City Campground, families can access both pool facilities and nearby Lake Michigan beaches. "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. Pool and bathrooms were clean," reports a family who camped there.
Choose sites away from train tracks: Select camping spots furthest from rail lines to minimize sleep disruption for children. "The campsite was large and beautiful. The restroom area was clean and had soap and dryers," explains a visitor to Dunewood, though many others mention train noise as a significant issue.
Check playground availability: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. "The park sites were nice, most of them had grass and trees, but a few of them like sites 98 through 102 did have sand on them, which is kind of cool," notes a visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park Campground with young campers.
Consider shoulder seasons: Late spring and early fall offer fewer crowds while maintaining comfortable camping conditions. "The campground was full, but not overcrowded. Very friendly neighbors and camp staff. There is a nice nature trail to the beach," explains a family who visited Indiana Dunes State Park during a less crowded period.
Tips from RVers
Reserve premium pull-through sites: At Camp Sullivan, RV sites vary significantly in size and amenities. "We were in a modest pop up and still felt crowded. I supposed this would be a great camping area for anyone living in the city needing an escape, but as far as campgrounds go it was about 3x the price for less than half the space," cautions one RVer.
Fill water tanks before arrival: Many campgrounds lack full hookups, particularly water connections. "As is with most IN state parks there is no water hookup so you need to fill your tank up but it was set up really nice," explains an RVer who visited Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Check for dump station wait times: Some campgrounds have limited dump station facilities that can become congested during peak checkout periods. "Two dump stations made wait minimal," mentions an RV camper who appreciated the efficient setup at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Consider site orientation for shade: Many RV sites lack mature tree cover, causing potential overheating during summer months. "This is a relatively newer campground. There is NO shade during the day. None at all due to the trees within the campground being small," notes a visitor to Camp Bullfrog Lake.
