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Camping near Notre Dame, IN

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    State parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Notre Dame, Indiana provide a variety of camping experiences for visitors to the university area. Potato Creek State Park, located about 25 minutes southwest of campus, offers year-round camping with spacious sites, hiking trails, and a lake for recreation. Closer to Notre Dame, several RV-focused campgrounds like Elkhart Campground and Maple Ridge Campground cater to travelers with full hookup sites. The camping landscape extends north to Michigan's border, where lakeside options become available at places like Shamrock Park and Warren Dunes State Park. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.

    Reservations are essential during football weekends and university events when campgrounds fill quickly. As one camper noted, "We wanted to explore the RV Capital of the World and Notre Dame University while passing through. This park fit the bill. Arrived Thursday with the campground maybe 25% full. By Friday night it was full!" The camping season generally runs April through October, though some facilities remain open year-round with limited amenities. Cell service varies significantly by location, with Potato Creek State Park having notably poor Verizon coverage despite being close to urban areas. Train noise affects several campgrounds in the region, particularly those near Elkhart, where 24-hour rail traffic can disturb light sleepers.

    Many campers use the Notre Dame area as a base for exploring both the university and Lake Michigan shoreline attractions. Indiana Dunes National Park, about an hour northwest of Notre Dame, receives consistently high ratings from visitors seeking beach access and hiking trails. Noise levels vary dramatically between campgrounds, with highway proximity being a common complaint at sites closer to major roads. Wildlife encounters, particularly with raccoons and ticks, require appropriate precautions at wooded sites. Bathroom facilities generally receive positive reviews throughout the region, though cleanliness standards fluctuate during peak periods. Weekend crowding is common at most campgrounds from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with midweek stays offering a quieter experience.

    Best Campgrounds near Notre Dame (115)

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      1. Potato Creek State Park Campground

      4.5(51)12mi from Notre Dame365 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We wanted to explore the “RV Capital of the World” and Notre Dame University while passing through. This park fit the bill. Arrived Thursday with the campground maybe 25% full."

      "I feel this is one of the best state parks in Indiana. Come with your own water as they don’t have water hookups at your campsite but there are some nearby. The sites are very spacious and clean."

      from $20 - $90 / night

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      2. Mount Randall Campground — Warren Dunes State Park

      4.0(63)24mi from Notre Dame185 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "There is a path to the beach for walking but it is a long walk. We tried walking a wagon to the beach via the road but regretted it. A kind family drove us half the distance."

      "There are sand dunes in the park just walking distance from some campsites. You can climb these dunes to the beach ( a farther walk) or take a short drive. They have restrooms/showers."

      from $45 - $80 / night

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      3. Thousand Trails Bear Cave

      4.3(18)14mi from Notre DameRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I’ve taken day trips to Grand Rapids, Chicago and Indiana Dunes National Park from here."

      "But even without the cave there was still a playground, pool and little walking trail near the waterfall. Close to nearby Lake Michigan and beaches."

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      4. Spaulding Lake Campground

      4.9(7)7mi from Notre DameRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The surrounding area seems like the camp is in a bad location, but the bushes that surround the place block out all the noise."

      "There are walking trails as well and overall a really good place to camp. Highly recommend!!"

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      5. Elkhart Campground

      4.1(14)15mi from Notre DameRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Elkhart Campground is great Clean , easy access, lots of pull through sites with full hook up - pool, Close to big lake too!!!"

      "Very clean, nice sized dog park, quiet and close to restaurants. If had an occasion to stay here again…we definitely would!"

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      6. Elkhart RV Resort

      4.3(6)7mi from Notre DameRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This campground is close to home so we spent a couple days here so the kids could play while I worked. All staff was extremely helpful and friendly from the minute we pulled in."

      "The sites were set with nice gravel onto a cement patio surrounded by large trees. So it had the nice feel of outside with no mud and dirt tracked into our pull through RV site."

      from $39 - $47 / night

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      7. Maple Ridge Campground

      4.9(8)12mi from Notre DameRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Great quiet place to get away from town."

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      8. Fuller's Resort and Campground

      4.0(9)13mi from Notre DameRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The acres has lots of sites tucked away in the woods and many out in the open sun too! Rental trailers and cabins right on the lake too. Great ice cream too. We will be back!"

      "There are showers, laundry, and better restroom facilities as short walk away. Mask wearing was very hit or miss.  Maybe 75% of out interactions with staff they wore a mask. "

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      9. Shamrock Park

      4.6(14)18mi from Notre DameRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It’s also a quick walk to a grocery store and restaurants. There’s no grill on the fire pit, so plan accordingly."

      "The bathroom was a very short walk and very clean. Fishing the river was fun and easy to access. They have big playgrounds that the kids enjoyed."

      from $10 - $50 / night

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      10. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

      4.3(130)39mi from Notre Dame67 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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)."

      from $25 / night

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    Recent Camping Photos near Notre Dame, IN

    245 Photos of 115 Notre Dame Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Notre Dame, IN

    772 Reviews of 115 Notre Dame Campgrounds

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 8, 2026

      Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

      Indiana’s Dunes of Steel

      Wow! What a State Park inside the National Park! Spacious, beautiful, and a big surprise on Lake Michigan South East. Indiana. Towering trees, San dunes, marshland, and fifteen miles of beach shore parklands. If you haven’t been, go! This is a year round play land. Camping is surrounded by forest, electric only, bathrooms/showers ((vault and flush), and clean for state park standards. Bring your, bikes, kayaks, beach attire, and hiking boots for spring, summer, and fall. Bring snowshoes and cross country skis in winter.

    • Mariah H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 8, 2026

      Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

      Fantastic wooded NP site

      Super accessible and affordable National Park camping! Easy access to all the Dunes, and varying level of amenities for different rigs. I just spent one night here but I wish I spent longer. Only downside is you need to pack extra bug spray for the summer mosquitoes!!

    • PThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 3, 2026

      Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

      National Park Indiana Dunes

      This campground has lots of spaces, but fills up quickly so plan ahead. It has clean restrooms, dump and water, but no electricity. Mosquitoes and gnats were very bad and it was very humid, so nights were challenging. Had to leave windows shut and quiet hours, so no generator. Reasonably priced and campground hosts to their jobs very seriously.

    • Cassondra P.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 16, 2026

      Elkhart Campground

      Decent Campground - Great for Rallys

      We have camped every summer here for years for an annual rally that is hosted here

      It’s great that we have the air conditioned rally room that our group rents for all our events and space to spend with group if it’s rainy or hot

      There is a differnt experience in park depending on where you stay - if your in full sun open area in summer it’s miserable but if your in the wooded area it’s much nicer

      The bathrooms are not the best - they are outdated but have hot water and work great - I prefer the bathhouse by the wooded area over the one in the big building - showers are nicer

      The lots are clean and hook ups all work great

      Pool is showing it’s age but still clean and kids love to swim in it

    • A
      Aug. 4, 2026

      Hildebrandt Campground — Warren Dunes State Park

      Safe and clean, but loud

      I stayed here for one night solo tent camping. Overall the campground was in really good shape, lots of sand, and the vault toilets are clean. However, the campground is really close to the highway. Other reviews mentioned this, but I’m a heavy sleeper so I thought I would be ok. I was not. Bring noise canceling headphones or ear plugs if you’re tent camping here.

      Also, I stayed in 208, and there is space for a hammock!. It was quite close to the campsite 207, so if you’re planning a group trip and you are all tent camping. 206, 207, and 208 would be great for a big group.

    • A
      Aug. 2, 2026

      Dune Lake Campground

      Great little campground

      Lots of wooded lots, little lake for kiddos to play in and a small playground. most sites are easy to pull into, the tall trees stop most of the wind. Mosquitos can be bad at times recommended a bug tent. Small Lake Michigan beach within a quick drive about 5-10 min. U- pick them blueberry patch’s are around when in season. Overall great stay and a good place just to relax and unwind.

    • Katie B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 29, 2026

      Judy's Motel & Campground

      5 stars

      Bobbie and Tony thank u so much guys are amazing! If ur planning on camping everyone's so welcoming u can tell they really care about the grounds eveything is kept very clean with friendly camp ground neighbors my bf and I were traveling with our dog and found this camp ground randomly and we are so glad we found it we will absolutely be back

    • Jeremy B.
      Jul. 21, 2026

      EZ Kamp

      Good campground, but right on the highway

      The campground is right off of US-30 and IN-23 so pretty convent other than due to construction on 30 right now. But being right off of a major US highway it can be a little noisy. Short term sites are just grass but pretty close to level side to side. Think I had to raise door side like an inch. Water pressure was okay but drops during the day. At about 600 PM I was struggling to get more than 40psi even with regulator all the way open. I don’t think it is worth $65 a night but there are more expensive options closer to Plymouth

    Guide to Notre Dame

    Camping options around Notre Dame provide access to both lakeside recreation and wooded seclusion within an hour's drive of campus. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F from June through August, with higher humidity levels near Lake Michigan. Winter camping is available at select campgrounds with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from December through February.

    What to do

    Beach activities: Climb dunes 200+ feet high at Warren Dunes State Park, a popular day trip from Notre Dame. "The dunes themselves were cool. If you go, definitely hike up to the top," notes Dave E. The beach extends for miles along Lake Michigan with limited shade during peak hours.

    Kayaking and fishing: Launch directly from your campsite at Shamrock Park on the St. Joseph River. Located 45 minutes from Notre Dame, this municipal park "has a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks," according to Brian O. The river offers slower currents suitable for beginners and families.

    Cave exploration: Tour underground formations at Bear Cave RV Campground, approximately 30 minutes from campus. "There is actually a cave in the campground that you can take a tour of while you are here," explains Jerry S. The site also features a small waterfall adjacent to the cave entrance, though recent reviews note the cave was temporarily closed.

    What campers like

    Spacious wooded sites: The back loop at Potato Creek State Park offers larger, quieter sites. "We recommend securing a spot in the back sites 230-287 for larger lots and quieter atmosphere. Younger families tend to book up front near the playground," advises Frank M. Some electrical hookups require extension cords up to 75 feet long.

    Clean bathhouse facilities: Many campgrounds maintain better-than-average restrooms. At Maple Ridge Campground, campers consistently praise the facilities. "The shower and bathroom was the best I ever saw at a campground," reports one reviewer. This family-run operation regularly cleans their recently remodeled bathhouse multiple times daily.

    Multiple fishing ponds: Some campgrounds offer dedicated fishing areas stocked with fish. Spaulding Lake Campground features "3 fishing ponds that are well stocked" according to Erwin Y. Live bait, particularly crawlers, tends to work best in these smaller managed ponds. Most don't require Michigan or Indiana fishing licenses since they're on private property.

    What you should know

    Train noise affects multiple campgrounds: Railroad tracks run through the region, creating noise disturbances. At Elkhart Campground, campers report significant train activity. "We were placed in the rear section, which was just ok. Site needed leveling, had no shade at all and was close to major hwy," notes one reviewer. Sites near highways experience compounded noise issues.

    Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. Bear Cave RV Campground has "no internet, no cell service" according to Dawn T., making it unsuitable for remote workers. Many campgrounds offer paid WiFi as an alternative, typically $5-7 daily or $30-35 weekly for multiple devices.

    Alcohol regulations vary: Some campgrounds strictly prohibit alcohol. Warren Dunes State Park enforces a no-alcohol policy with rangers actively monitoring campsites. "If you think the rangers don't enforce that rule, you're wrong. Our neighbors got busted for it when we were there," warns Dave E. Check individual campground rules before packing beverages.

    Tips for camping with families

    Multiple playground options: Family-friendly campgrounds often feature dedicated play areas. Spaulding Lake has "a big [playground] with a basketball court" that accommodates different age groups. Shamrock Park offers "big playgrounds that the kids enjoyed. Along with horseshoes, basketball, and volley ball courts," according to Erik O.

    Weekend activities for children: Some campgrounds organize regular events. "Owner operator campground where the family knows how to cater to the kids. Multiple activities on Saturday included tractor ride, kids bingo, and elephant ears," notes Tony G. about Maple Ridge Campground. These activities typically run Memorial Day through Labor Day.

    Swimming alternatives to Lake Michigan: When lake conditions are unfavorable, seek out campground pools. Maple Ridge Campground offers "a nice pool and playground" according to reviews. Bear Cave has a pool, though some visitors note maintenance issues. Most campground pools operate from late May through early September, weather permitting.

    Tips from RVers

    Extension cord requirements: Electric hookups at some sites require longer connections. At Potato Creek State Park, "be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," warns Frank M. This is particularly true for larger sites set further back from access roads.

    Site selection strategy: RVers recommend researching site layouts before booking. At Warren Dunes, "there are several loops in this large campground, but it fills up on the weekend, so make a reservation," advises Amy R. Many campgrounds near Notre Dame display site maps online with dimensions and hookup locations.

    Dump station alternatives: When full hookups aren't available, some campgrounds offer portable service. Bear Cave RV Campground has "an onsite honeypot which will suck out your tanks for $10 each time around," according to one reviewer. Most campgrounds charge $10-15 for this on-demand service compared to the standard $3-5 fee at centralized dump stations.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I camp near Notre Dame Stadium for football games?

    Yes, you can camp near Notre Dame Stadium for football games, but plan well in advance as sites fill quickly during game weekends. Michigan City Campground is a well-maintained option about 45 minutes from campus with premium 90-foot pull-through sites featuring full hookups and excellent WiFi. Maple Ridge Campground in Lakeville is another option about 30 minutes from Notre Dame with water access and big-rig-friendly sites. Reservations are essential during football season.

    Is Shamrock Park a good camping option when visiting Notre Dame?

    Shamrock Park is a solid choice when visiting Notre Dame, located about 35 miles northwest of campus in Berrien Springs, Michigan. It offers boat-in and drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Its location along the St. Joseph River provides recreational opportunities. For a closer alternative, consider Fuller's Resort and Campground near Buchanan, which is slightly closer to Notre Dame and offers similar amenities.

    What are the closest campgrounds to Notre Dame University?

    Potato Creek State Park Campground is one of the closest options, located about 30 minutes from Notre Dame. Campers specifically mention staying here while exploring Notre Dame University. The park offers well-spaced sites and miles of hiking and biking trails. Another good option is Elkhart Campground, which is about 40 minutes away with a mix of shaded and open sites. The campground has decent amenities, though some sites may need leveling.

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