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Best Campgrounds near Portage, IN

590 Reviews

Portage, Indiana serves as a gateway to multiple camping destinations including Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park, which both offer a mix of established campgrounds and walk-in sites. Campground options range from primitive tent-only areas to full-service RV parks with amenities like electric hookups, water, and sewer connections. Lakeshore Camp Resort and Michigan City Campground provide tent and RV sites with cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort, while the Dunewood Campground within Indiana Dunes National Park offers a more natural camping experience with fewer amenities but greater proximity to hiking trails and Lake Michigan beaches.

Reservations are essential at most campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when the Lake Michigan shoreline becomes a popular destination. According to one visitor, "Compared to the other popular campground in the state park, this is way less crowded. There's tons of trails to do along the lakeshore and none are really far from one another." Seasonal considerations include the operating schedules of campgrounds like Sand Creek Campground, which typically operates from April to October, and Lakeshore Camp Resort, open from mid-May through September. Weather conditions along Lake Michigan can change rapidly, with summer temperatures ranging from pleasant to hot and humid. Mosquitoes are common in wooded areas, especially after rainfall, and campers should prepare accordingly with proper repellent.

The Indiana Dunes area receives consistently positive reviews for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Several campers note the proximity to Chicago as a major advantage, with the South Shore commuter train providing convenient access to the city for day trips. A visitor remarked, "This is a nice National Park that's only an hour from Chicago." Campground quality varies significantly, with Indiana Dunes State Park Campground and Michigan City Campground earning higher ratings for cleanliness and facilities, while Lakeshore Camp Resort receives mixed reviews. Noise from nearby highways and train tracks affects some campgrounds, particularly Dunewood, where multiple reviewers mention train noise disrupting the wilderness experience. Beach access remains the primary draw for most campers visiting the Portage area, with trails leading from several campgrounds directly to Lake Michigan's sandy shores.

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Best Camping Sites Near Portage, Indiana (59)

    1. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    11 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!"

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    2. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $30 / night

    "This campground was very nice and clean and for a packed park was very quiet and we did not feel too close to the sites next to us. "

    "The most beautiful state park in Indiana IMO."

    3. Lakeshore Camp Resort

    16 Reviews
    Portage, IN
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 762-7757

    $49 - $57 / night

    "A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."

    "We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."

    4. Sand Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    Chesterton, IN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-7482

    $30 - $90 / night

    "First time to Indiana with a quick trip to the Dunes. We were disappointed the state park was full but found this campground close by."

    "Privately-owned and just a short distance from Indiana Dunes. The owner was very nice and helpful at check-in."

    5. Michigan City Campground

    22 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Park, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 872-7600

    "This is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter."

    "It's easy access, clean spacious sites, and how quiet it was considering it proximity to S.R. 421 brought us back again this year. We visited Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park."

    6. Woodland Village Mobile Home & RV Park

    1 Review
    Portage, IN
    1 mile
    +1 (219) 762-6578

    7. Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    37 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."

    8. Last Resort Campground

    11 Reviews
    Hanna, IN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 797-2267

    "We wanted a place close to my elderly parents house and Last Resort fit the bill. Overall it is a pleasant campground with a pool, a pond, and some weekend activities."

    "We were super close to fellow campers.On the other side of the grounds around the pond (electric only) sites were much bigger and secluded. Despite the tight space, the kids loved it here."

    9. Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park

    1 Review
    Beverly Shores, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "It’s far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long. Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail."

    10. Dragonfly Dune

    2 Reviews
    Ogden Dunes, IN
    4 miles
    +1 (219) 888-0083

    $30 - $40 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 59 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Portage, IN

172 Photos of 59 Portage Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Portage, IN

590 Reviews of 59 Portage Campgrounds

Guide to Portage

Camping near Portage, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to enjoy outdoor adventures, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed riding ebikes on the trails. Lunch at the beach front (Lake Michigan) was good and great views."
  • Beach Access: Spend a day at the beach near Warren Dunes State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
  • Fishing and Kayaking: Check out Potato Creek State Park Campground for fishing and kayaking opportunities. One camper noted, "Fishing, kayaking on the lake."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms at Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park. A reviewer shared, "The bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the helpfulness of the staff at Michigan City Campground. One camper said, "The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your camp site."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground appreciate the spacing between sites. A visitor mentioned, "Great spacing between sites and offers miles of hiking and biking trails."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially at Warren Dunes State Park Campground. One camper warned, "Mosquitoes were awful even before the rain."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Camp Bullfrog Lake, can be noisy due to nearby roads. A reviewer noted, "You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night."
  • Crowded Sites: Campers at Lakeshore Camp Resort found the sites to be crowded. One visitor said, "The park was entirely too crowded. They packed these spots in like sardines."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Potato Creek State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "Great playground on the east side of the first loop."
  • Plan for Water Activities: Choose campgrounds near lakes or rivers for swimming and fishing. One visitor at Weko Beach Campground said, "The best part... was having the beach 2 min from our doorstep."
  • Bring Bug Spray: With the presence of mosquitoes, especially at places like Tippecanoe River State Park Campground, it's wise to pack bug spray. A camper advised, "The mosquitoes are absolutely terrible."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking, especially at Michigan City Campground. A reviewer noted, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park. One camper mentioned, "Sites are electric only, but there’s several water fills."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider campgrounds that are further from busy roads, like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The campground is clean and feels safe."

Camping around Portage, Indiana, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Portage, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Portage, IN is Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park with a 4.3-star rating from 126 reviews.

What parks are near Portage, IN?

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

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