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Nice concept... still finding they're legs. Staff member didn't seem to want to help with the much too laborious and personal check-in process. Fees have gone up. And there are showers.
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 (114)
1. Potato Creek State Park Campground
"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
Check Availability2. Mount Randall Campground — Warren Dunes State Park
"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
"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
"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!!"
5. Elkhart RV Resort
"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
Check Availability7. Elkhart Campground
"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
"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
"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
Check Availability10. Shamrock Park
"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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Drive Time
- 10 min from South Bend, IN
- 16 min from Elkhart, IN
- 16 min from Niles, MI
- 36 min from Michigan City, IN
Recent Camping Photos near Notre Dame, IN
238 Photos of 114 Notre Dame Campgrounds
Melissa M.
Blooming Bus Farms
Brandon E.
Maple Ridge Campground
Natalie M.
Potato Creek State Park Campground
Melissa B.
Fuller's Resort and Campground
Laikyn C.
Mini Mountain Campground
The Dyrt
Thousand Trails Bear Cave
Cecelia G.
Shamrock Park
Mandi B.
Campside Michigan
Ray C.
Hildebrandt Campground — Warren Dunes State Park
Michelle M.
Mount Randall Campground — Warren Dunes State Park
Nancy W.
Elkhart County Fairgrounds
Kara H.
Weko Beach Campground
Recent Reviews near Notre Dame, IN
740 Reviews of 114 Notre Dame Campgrounds
Gerard E.
RangerHoffman Lake Campground INC.
June ‘26
Thursday, June 4-8th, 2026. site M1&2 M1 and M2 are end sites with Check in was easy, pass/card left at gate 20/30/50amp, good source, share with M2 4 water spigots to share with 4 sites Waste cap at site, did not use. The site had thick green grass and well maintained. Fire pits are small, but worked well for the six of us. picnic table for 6.
Great sites if you are camping with friends/family as you are back to back and close together.
The view of the lake from the site changes as more campers arrive. The majority of the CG are seasonal campers, most of the lots are well maintained and the campground has plenty of shade and the birds are active. Huge old growth maples and walnuts throughout the campground provided a decent amount of shade during our stay.
The restrooms are decent and very clean, 3 stalls and urinals with 5 showers in the men’s bathroom. The water was hot and a decent amount of room to change clothes and keep them dry during the shower.
The pool looks very nice, we floated in the lake. The south end of the CG has a nice beach area with boat ramp.
Prompt service from the owners when we had a few questions and the seasonal campers were extremely nice when talking to them!
Cat L.
ScoutPotato Creek State Park Campground
Great mid spring camping
Swimming, boating, fishing…this was a perfect weekend. The campground and park were easy to navigate and the DNR staff was very helpful and friendly. Highly recommend.
Stacey W.ScoutJudy's Motel & Campground
Great Experience
We got in late, grabbed an empty lot and after realizing I ran off and forgot my plug adapter, we called it a night. Generator powered lights and that was enough. The owner and campers around us were very friendly!
Carole I.GuideWoodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park
Woodland
Helpful staff.
No picnic table at site #500
Tiffany H.ScoutNorth Trace RV Resort
Great Resort
Amazing new resort! All paved and concrete- very clean and offers some amazing amenities! Less then 5 minutes to lake Wawasee (the largest lake in Indiana). if you have a dog this place is a MUST they have an amazing dog spa and dog park. The staff was also so friendly and helpful, made me feel right at home - I didn't want to leave. I will defiantly return!
- aadrienne T.Guide
Mount Randall Campground — Warren Dunes State Park
Quick overnite site 73
Nice and quiet. Spots close together. We didn't have the time to explore at all, arrived late just stayed the night and left after we made morning coffee. Not gates or codes to get in. You do need a michigan "passport" but can buy it online. Bathrooms were nearby and very clean. Individual showers with locking doors seemed nice. No water at site 73 but it wasn't too far. There was electricity tho. Overall great stay-much better than a rest area!
- SSawyer S.
TravelerHildebrandt Campground — Warren Dunes State Park
Expensive and loud
Some of the sites are close together. The highway is very loud but the bathrooms and showers are nice. Also encountered a lot of raccoons.
Beth D.GuideIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Dry nice place
They’re busy for early May. We found out that we could not add an extra day and the likelihood of being able to take advantage of a cancellation with slim due to the fact that you pre-pay and there’s no refunds without at least 24 hours notice. The campsites are a decent size and the facilities are quite nice.
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?
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?
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?
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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