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Best Campgrounds near Notre Dame, IN

720 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.

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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

237 Photos of 112 Notre Dame Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Notre Dame, IN

720 Reviews of 112 Notre Dame Campgrounds

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

Which is the most popular campground near Notre Dame, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Notre Dame, IN is Potato Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 48 reviews.

What parks are near Notre Dame, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Notre Dame, IN that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

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