Dunewood Campground in Indiana Dunes National Park offers rustic camping 5 miles from Portage, Indiana. Sites have no electric hookups but include access to potable water and clean restrooms. The campground typically operates from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and high humidity levels common in July and August.
What to do
Beach exploration and swimming: At Dunewood Campground, visitors access Lake Michigan beaches via a short drive. "The closest beach within the national park is Kimmel Beach which is beautiful. There are some biting horseflies at the beach, but not at the campground," notes Katie O.
Climbing sand dunes: The 3-Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park provides a moderate workout with excellent views. "If you are able, do the 3 dune challenge. It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list," shares Jackie H.
Fishing and water activities: Nearby lakes offer fishing opportunities for travelers seeking alternatives to Lake Michigan. At Tippecanoe River State Park, located 77 miles from Portage, camping sites provide river access. One visitor noted, "Fishing was poor according to my husband," but the river setting attracts many anglers regardless.
Mountain biking: Trails near Portage offer biking opportunities for active visitors. "We spent 2 nights here and went mountain biking at Imagination Glen Park in Portage just a few miles down the road which was awesome," shares Jeffrey S. about staying at Indiana Dunes while accessing nearby bike trails.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Modern bathrooms with hot showers appear in many positive reviews. "The campsite was large and beautiful. The restroom area was clean and had soap and dryers," notes Veronica S. from Dunewood Campground.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds near Portage feature generous site dimensions. At Warren Dunes State Park, 40 minutes east of Portage, "The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites. We pulled in around 4:30 in the evening," shares Chris M.
Quiet, wooded camping areas: Tree coverage provides shade and natural screening at several campgrounds. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," explains Katherine T.
Gated security: For those prioritizing security in their glamping experience near Portage, Indiana, Michigan City Campground offers controlled access. "Love the secure entrance and key card access. Pool and bathrooms were clean, although the bathroom could use a slight update," says Beth B.
What you should know
Train noise affects sleep quality: Multiple campgrounds near Portage experience railroad disturbances. "Definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town with good cell service," notes Katherine T. about Dunewood Campground.
Weather considerations: Summer heat can impact comfort at unshaded sites. One camper at Warren Dunes described their experience: "We pulled in around 4:30 in the evening. The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites. Since the weather was cooler, it was pretty sparse with other campers."
Insect activity: Mosquitoes and biting flies present challenges during summer months. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," reports Katrin M. from Dunewood Campground.
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping spots near Portage fill quickly during peak season. "The campground was fully booked, but not everyone showed, meaning that it didn't really feel crowded there," explains Katie O.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for easy monitoring. At Potato Creek State Park, approximately 45 minutes from Portage, "Sites 2,3,4,6, and 7 have direct access to a playground and you can watch your children from your site," notes Cynthia K.
Water-based recreation options: Beyond beaches, look for swimming pools at private campgrounds. "The pool is the size of a backyard pool. There's a beach to the lake, but there's some garbage on the shore. I would not swim in it, although we did fish in it and caught a bunch!" reports Rino S.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger programs or nature centers. "The visitor center is nice, fairly large and the workers were very friendly. They had one of the nicer programs that I have been to in the state," explains Kaley A. about Indiana Dunes State Park.
Off-season advantages: Consider spring or fall visits to avoid crowds and insects. "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," shares Chad Y. about family glamping near Portage at Lakeshore Camp Resort.
Tips from RVers
Electrical connections: Verify hookup length requirements before arrival. At Potato Creek State Park, "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," advises Frank M.
Water fill and dump stations: Most state parks near Portage lack full hookups. "Get water before setting up at the water station after the small gatehouse. There's 2 sides at the dump station," recommends Cynthia K. about Tippecanoe River State Park.
Site dimensions for larger rigs: Certain campgrounds accommodate big rigs better than others. At Michigan City Campground, "We stayed in the premium sites which were 90ft pull through with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite," explains Craig C.
Level site availability: Many campgrounds in the region feature well-graded sites. "All pads seemed nice and level. Only offered electric service. Beach access is close by," notes Jon S.
