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.
