Potato Creek State Park offers camping options about 25 minutes from Notre Dame University. The 3,840-acre park contains natural wetlands surrounding a 327-acre fishing lake with paved biking paths and hiking trails. Sites in the back area (230-287) provide larger lots and quieter atmosphere, while front sites near the playground attract younger families with more activity. Mosquito spray is essential due to the wetland environment, especially during summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails: Potato Creek State Park provides trails for all skill levels, from flat terrain to more challenging routes. "I've probably hiked it two dozen times at least and it's got nice trails for the part of Indiana that it's in. Most of them are relatively flat with some trails, like number two, having some hills and stairs in them," notes one regular visitor at Potato Creek State Park.
Beach swimming: Warren Dunes State Park features expansive beaches on Lake Michigan with massive sand dunes. "Mt. Randall is the high dune to climb but not for the faint of heart! And beware, the sand does get HOT midday," warns a camper at Warren Dunes State Park. The park maintains a dedicated dog beach where pets can run off-leash.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing without leaving the property. At Shamrock Park, "The campground is right on the water—perfect for kayaking or fishing. There's also a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks," explains a visitor who appreciated the dedicated facilities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground bathhouses receive frequent maintenance at top locations. At Dunewood Campground, "Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," reports a camper at Dunewood Campground. The National Park campground provides tent pads and relatively private sites.
Family activities: Weekend events keep children entertained at many campgrounds. "There's also all sorts of activities for kids—ping pong, basketball, cornhole and more," notes a visitor at Shamrock Park, which sits right on the St. Joseph River with easy access to grocery stores and restaurants within walking distance.
Natural surroundings: Sites with natural features provide more secluded camping experiences. One visitor at Fuller's Resort and Campground shared: "We had no idea we would have our own private site and beach, I wish we could've stayed a month." The campground offers wooded sites with a backdrop of trees for added privacy.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variations between 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 and the noise and activities are more robust," advises a regular at Potato Creek State Park.
Alcohol policies: Some parks strictly prohibit alcohol. "If you think the rangers don't enforce that rule, you're wrong. Our neighbors got busted for it when we were there," warns a camper at Warren Dunes State Park. Check specific park rules before bringing alcoholic beverages.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds near Notre Dame operate seasonally. "Takes 10-15 mins to drive out of campground, so keep this in mind," notes one camper at Thousand Trails Bear Cave, which operates from May through October. Reservations fill quickly during Notre Dame football weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with small children. At Elkhart Campground, one family noted, "We had a nice big pull through site. Lots of things for the kids to do: swimming, volleyball, mini golf..." The campground offers basketball, pickle ball, horseshoes, and a swimming pool.
Beach preparation: Pack appropriate gear for sand dune exploration. "Plan on driving your stuff to the beach or taking bicycles," advises a camper at Warren Dunes, adding that "the sand does get HOT midday." Sun protection and proper footwear become essential during summer visits.
Activity scheduling: Check campground calendars for special events. At Elkhart Campground, "There's a small camp store at the check-in office and a decent laundry in Rec Hall 3," where activities are often scheduled. Many campgrounds host manufacturer rallies and weekend events throughout the season.
Tips from RVers
Hookup logistics: Be prepared with extension cords at certain campgrounds. At Potato Creek State Park, "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," notes a regular RVer. Many campgrounds offer full hookup options but may have limited availability.
Tank services: Some campgrounds charge extra for waste services. One camper at Bear Cave Campground warned, "If you do not get a full hookup, you have to pay $15 to get pumped out." The campground does offer on-site "honeypot" service to empty tanks for a fee.
Site spacing concerns: RV sites vary widely in size and proximity to neighbors. "The regular sites are very close together in this CG. The deluxe sites give you a cement pad and better spacing but are still fairly close together," observes a camper at Elkhart Campground, which offers both options.
