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Best Campgrounds near Notre Dame, IN

721 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Notre Dame, IndianaExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

Maple Ridge Campground

Maple Ridge Campground

23 min away

Hidden Diamonds Park

Hidden Diamonds Park

1 hr 12 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Notre Dame, Indiana (112)

    1. Potato Creek State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    North Liberty, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 656-8186

    $20 - $90 / night

    "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."

    2. Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 426-4013

    "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."

    3. Thousand Trails Bear Cave

    16 Reviews
    Buchanan, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

    "Close to Warren Dunes, peaceful, nice walking areas, pool and rec room. Bathrooms could use some love but otherwise peaceful and relaxing."

    4. Spaulding Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Niles, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 684-1393

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

    5. Elkhart RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Granger, IN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 800-2069

    $39 - $47 / night

    "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."

    6. Maple Ridge Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Liberty, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 784-8532

    "Great quiet place to get away from town."

    7. Elkhart Campground

    11 Reviews
    Elkhart, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 264-2914

    "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!"

    8. Fuller's Resort and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Buchanan, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 695-3785

    "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. "

    9. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $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!"

    "General: Dunewood campground is located within Indiana Dunes National Park, established in 2019 (The national seashore was established in the 1960s)."

    10. Shamrock Park

    11 Reviews
    Berrien Springs, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 473-5691

    $10 - $50 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Notre Dame, IN

239 Photos of 112 Notre Dame Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Notre Dame, IN

721 Reviews of 112 Notre Dame Campgrounds

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Small, lakeside, chill

    This was our first time staying at Covert Park Beach + Campground. We stayed in site 52 with our 21 ft travel trailer. The site is a good size. Tree placement made it a little tricky to back into, but nothing crazy. We stayed Sunday to Saturday, so we got to see it at its bustling weekend peak and the quiet, cozy weekday vibe. Family friendly, dog friendly and kid friendly. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach, but there's a beach a few minutes down the road (Hagar Beach) where you can bring leashed dogs. Sunset views were beautiful. Bathrooms were very clean and showers nice and hot. The two guys who were running the check-in and campground operations were super cool- they were the perfect mix of attentive and laid back. No sewer on campsites but there's a dump station when you enter/exit. Ice and firewood are abundantly available and can be delivered to your site. We loved our stay here. Tree cover is generous, and it really preserves the camping feel. Weekend crowd was fun, friendly and lots of locals. Would definitely stay again!

  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Shipshewana Campground South Park

    Nice stay

    Bathrooms clean Campground well maintained. Showers clean. Push button operation not temperature control little on the cold side for me.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Michigan City Campground

    66$ for a good overnight!

    Staying here started off as a last minute thing as we’re driving through and made no arrangements for overnight lodging. With our rooftop tent, staying here was no problem! There was water hookups and electricity if desired, although we didn’t use them.

    The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing.

    I do recommend this place, however, few things to know: the campground space is tight. You will be pretty close to people around you, many with kids. It seems kind of like a family retreat type of location and honestly? It’s a whole vibe and if that’s for you, then this place is too!

    #GoAnyway

  • Sarah and Philip H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Tippecanoe River Run

    Tippecanoe River Run

    Don’t think I’ve ever stayed anywhere so peaceful. Birds chirping, right on a nature spring, everyone is respectful but laid back,. Full hook ups and amazing stay.

  • G
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Weko Beach Campground

    Wonderful site, easy beach access

    Campground was clean, with trails leading directly to Weko beach with gorgeous walking paths. Highly recommend, definitely a hidden gem.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    Clean and quiet

    The grounds were well kept and clean. Even though it was pretty booked when we were there it didn’t feel crowded. Overall pleasant experience.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Thousand Trails Bear Cave

    Cute, quiet campground

    We love this quaint little campground. Great clubhouse with library, air hockey, beautiful views, but most of the coin operated games were out of order. The cave was closed with no plan to reopen in 2025. 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. Great for a few nights and the weather was perfect!

  • Noel L.
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Lakeside Campground

    Awesome campground

    Awesome campground. Campground is all seasonal campers now. Owners were super nice and found room for us for one night layover.

  • Lisa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2025

    EZ Kamp

    Amazed and grateful!… Quaint, eclectic, Americana setting.

    I came to Austin for a conference. I camped out of my car and the location I planned to camp at turned out not to be safe. I got on the DYRT app and reached out to several campgrounds who all told me that they were full. Then I found EZ CAMP! I checked availability and it looks like there was opening so I drove to the campground and was absolutely amazed at how clean, well designed, coated with natural beauty and pretty artifacts spread throughout the campground. The owner is super professional and kind and available as are the residents. They provide hot showers, and outdoor kitchen, they even have a sauna! For me, the best part was that they had donkeys and goats on the property and they even hold a potluck once a month. We’re nearly 100 people come because it’s so great. After one night, I was hooked. Whenever I’m in this area, I will be coming back to.EZ CAMP because in addition to everything else, it is extremely affordable! I would encourage you to check it out if this description is of interest to you.

Guide to Notre Dame

Camping near Notre Dame, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or a family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Beach Access: Many campers enjoy the trails and beaches nearby. For instance, at Warren Dunes State Park Campground, one reviewer said, "Overall, great walking paths, hiking and the beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
  • Fishing and Kayaking: If you love water activities, Potato Creek State Park Campground is a great spot. A visitor mentioned, "Fishing, kayaking on the lake," highlighting the fun you can have on the water.
  • Exploring Local Attractions: Campers often visit nearby attractions like Notre Dame University. One reviewer at Ebys Pines noted, "We spent one night here. The kids really enjoyed the pool but it closes at 8 so plan accordingly."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Michigan City Campground said, "Very well kept safe supervision quiet clean facilities."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have friendly staff who make your stay enjoyable. One camper at Last Resort Campground mentioned, "The hosts are awesome and make sure everyone has a great time!"
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space to relax. A review for Shamrock Park noted, "Spacious sites, inexpensive firewood, clean facilities, and a lovely setting."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. A visitor at Warren Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night."
  • Site Sizes: Not all sites are spacious. One camper at Weko Beach Campground said, "The sites in this loop are so tiny you’re basically on top of your neighbors."
  • Extra Fees: Some campgrounds charge additional fees for amenities. A visitor at Ebys Pines pointed out, "Still charged visitors $5 per person per day."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday enjoyed, "Lots of fun activities on the weekends for the kids and FREE!"
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure the campground has family-friendly amenities. A reviewer at Potato Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Great playground on the east side of the first loop."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Having games can keep kids entertained. A camper at Bear Cave RV Campground said, "There are several low hanging branches and many tight sites," suggesting to be cautious while playing.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Bear Cave RV Campground warned, "Call beforehand if you are 40' or bigger."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. One camper at Last Resort Campground appreciated, "The site was a little small but was pull through and full hookup."
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Check if the campground has good Wi-Fi. A reviewer at Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney mentioned, "The Wi-Fi seem to work well."

Camping near Notre Dame, Indiana, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

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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