Dunewood Campground in Indiana Dunes National Park offers tent and RV camping without electric hookups at $25 per night. Located 25 miles east of Munster, the park features heavily wooded sites with shade that helps during hot summer months. Most sites include fire rings, though availability of picnic tables varies. The campground maintains clean restroom facilities with shower access, camp sinks for washing dishes, and drinking water stations throughout the grounds. Train noise is audible from nearby tracks, which can be disruptive for light sleepers. Winter camping is limited, with most facilities closing after October. Weekends during summer months typically fill well in advance, requiring reservations.
What to do
Climbing sand dunes: At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, visitors can tackle the 3 Dune Challenge for panoramic views. "Big dunes, lovely water. On clear evenings you can see the skyline of Chicago across the lake. The state park has many well maintained hiking trails and cross country skiing trails in the winter," shares Anna G.
Fishing opportunities: The small lake at Lakeshore Camp Resort provides fishing options for campers. "We took the kids to the lake which was actually fun," notes Marc W. Catch and release fishing is permitted without a license for campground guests, with bass and bluegill being common catches.
Mountain biking trails: Camp Bullfrog Lake provides access to extensive single-track trails. "The mountain bike trails were awesome. 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," explains Tim K. Trails range from beginner to advanced difficulty with rental equipment available seasonally.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Dunewood Campground offers secluded camping spots. "The campsite was large and beautiful. The restroom area was clean and had soap and dryers. Lots of nature, chill vibe. Great experience!" reports Veronica S. The tent sites feature soft ground for comfortable tent setup with tall trees providing shade.
Clean facilities: Sand Creek Campground maintains well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. "The bathhouse was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus. The hosts were friendly," notes Katherine T. Restrooms are cleaned daily, with hot water available throughout the day.
Security features: Michigan City Campground provides gated access for added safety. "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool," says Shane M. The secure entrance requires a keycard after check-in, providing peace of mind for families camping with pets or children.
What you should know
Seasonal weather challenges: Summer heat impacts pet-friendly camping near Munster, Indiana. "Brutally hot but otherwise nice. Loved the proximity of this campground to Lake Michigan! The closest beach within the national park is Kimmel Beach which is beautiful," reports Katie O. Temperatures frequently exceed 90°F in July and August, making morning and evening activities more comfortable.
Train noise disruption: Multiple campgrounds experience noise from nearby train tracks. "Definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town with good cell service," mentions Katherine T. Trains pass throughout night hours with audible horns, potentially disturbing light sleepers.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "The campground was fully booked, but not everyone showed, meaning that it didn't really feel crowded there," explains Katie O. from Dunewood Campground. Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day typically require bookings 3-6 months in advance.
Insect preparation: "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," warns Katrin M. Mosquitoes are particularly active from June through September, especially near wooded areas and after rainfall. Ticks are also common along hiking trails during warm months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Camp Sullivan offers play areas for children. "We love this place with three kids under 7! We camp here at least 2 times per year and have only had good experiences. Clean facilities, good hikes and good campsites," shares Dane S. The playground equipment is suitable for children ages 2-12 with nearby seating for parents.
Swimming options: Multiple locations offer water access for children. "This campground was very nice and clean for a packed park was very quiet and we did not feel too close to the sites next to us. The sunset on Lake Michigan from the dunes was awesome," notes Jeffrey S. Most beaches have seasonal lifeguards from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with swimming areas designated by buoys.
Cabin alternatives: For families new to pet-friendly camping near Munster, cabin rentals provide comfort. "There's a beach to the lake, but there's some garbage on the shore. The camp store is large and stocked pretty well," explains Rino S. Cabins typically include electricity and beds, though pet policies vary by location with some requiring additional cleaning fees.
Nature programs: "The visitor center is nice, fairly large and the workers were very friendly. They had one of the nicer programs that I have been to in the state," says Kaley A. Children's activities include guided nature walks, wildlife demonstrations, and evening campfire programs from Memorial Day through Labor Day at state and national park locations.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park provides full hookups. "We stayed on site 27, sites are full hookup up, there's a nice bathhouse which has a key pad handle which made me feel safe while showering," notes Holly S. Most sites include 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer connections, with level concrete pads accommodating rigs up to 40 feet.
Dump station access: Multiple campgrounds offer sanitary dump services. "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. Dump stations typically operate from 8am to 10pm with fresh water fill stations nearby.
Seasonal site options: "It's just outside of Chicago and it feels like it. It's like camping in a city park," comments Bruce K. about Camp Bullfrog Lake. Many campgrounds offer monthly and seasonal site rentals from April through October, providing more economical options for extended stays, with rates around $600-800 monthly depending on hookups.
Site leveling considerations: "All pads seemed nice and level. Only offered electric service," reports Jon S. Most RV sites require minimal leveling, though wheel blocks are recommended as standard equipment. Sand Creek Campground and Michigan City Campground offer the most level sites for larger rigs.
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