S
Scott B.
Ranger
RangerProphetstown State Park Campground
Beautiful
Water park is super clean. Lots of bike trails and camp sites are all clean and level
Camping near San Pierre, IN
72 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The San Pierre, Indiana area features several established campgrounds within driving distance of Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park. Tippecanoe River State Park Campground offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations approximately 30 miles south of Lake Michigan. Other mixed-use campgrounds in the region include Hickory Hills Campground at Bass Lake and Rising Sun Campground near Monterey, both providing tent, RV, and cabin options. The landscape transitions from lakefront dunes along Lake Michigan to more wooded inland areas with river access.
Camping areas throughout northern Indiana experience four distinct seasons, with most campgrounds operating from April through October, though some remain open year-round. "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," noted one camper about Michigan City Campground. Summer weekends see high demand for lakefront sites, particularly at Indiana Dunes State Park and Dunewood Campground within the national park. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary in more remote areas.
Campers consistently highlight the diversity of natural settings available within a relatively compact region. The Indiana Dunes area receives particularly strong reviews for its unique landscape where forest meets Lake Michigan shoreline. A review mentioned, "The Indiana Dunes area is beautiful and this campground is a great location for exploring both the state and national park." Inland campground options near San Pierre provide more seclusion and often feature fishing lakes or river access. Several campgrounds offer premium amenities including full hookups, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere. Proximity to Chicago (approximately 75 miles) makes these campground options popular weekend destinations, with many visitors noting the contrast between urban life and the natural settings found throughout the region.
Best Campgrounds near San Pierre (72)
1. Tippecanoe River State Park Campground
"Trails and the river close by. Bathrooms are phenomenal!! Enjoy!"
"I had picked THAT weekend because there was free fishing for Indiana residents & my friend wanted to take her 2 young boys fishing & camping. We caught nothing."
from $14 - $55 / night
Check Availability2. 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 Availability3. Last Resort Campground
"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."
4. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
"The most beautiful state park in Indiana IMO."
"The campground although nearly full was relatively calm and quiet. Unlike the craziness of other Indiana state parks I have visited."
from $50 / night
Check Availability5. Hickory Hills Campground at Bass Lake
6. Oak Lake RV Resort
"Things changed for me I had surgery and couldn’t sit up the camper so we decided to find a camp site close to home this year."
"Pulled in as the sun was coming down after a looong day of driving. Our site was right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp."
from $55 - $160 / night
Check Availability7. Potato Creek State Park Campground
"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."
"Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust. Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability8. Rising Sun Campground
"Only issue i had was last night there a few loud locals decided to set up camp next to me at 10pm and leave then came back continued to be loud and leave again."
"Located right on the beautiful Tippecanoe River with float, canoe, and kayak rentals. Showers, pool and general store."
9. Michigan City Campground
"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."
10. Love's RV Stop-Demotte IN 394
"I will definitely check out other Loves RV locations when traveling. Good value and secure. I recommend registering ahead of time if possible."
from $35 - $599 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 44 min from Michigan City, IN
- 1 hr 4 min from Lafayette, IN
- 1 hr 6 min from Kankakee, IL
- 1 hr 10 min from South Bend, IN
Recent Camping Photos near San Pierre, IN
144 Photos of 72 San Pierre Campgrounds
Shelagh R.
Donna Jo Camping and Recreation Area - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Jennifer L.
Tippecanoe River State Park Campground
Jason S.
Broken Aarow
Terry T.
Last Resort Campground
Ann-Marie I.
Lost Pines Resort and Campground
j S.
Rising Sun Campground
Ronald G.
Acorn Oaks Campground
Josephine B.
Lake O' The Woods Club
Nadiehsda B.
Oak Lake RV Resort
Lori B.
EZ Kamp
Lisa S.
Sleek Acres
Amanda K.
Pioneer Family Campground
Recent Reviews near San Pierre, IN
532 Reviews of 72 San Pierre Campgrounds
Jeremy B.
TravelerEZ Kamp
Good campground, but right on the highway
The campground is right off of US-30 and IN-23 so pretty convent other than due to construction on 30 right now. But being right off of a major US highway it can be a little noisy. Short term sites are just grass but pretty close to level side to side. Think I had to raise door side like an inch. Water pressure was okay but drops during the day. At about 600 PM I was struggling to get more than 40psi even with regulator all the way open. I don’t think it is worth $65 a night but there are more expensive options closer to Plymouth
- WWilliam M.Traveler
Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park
Excellent and clean
Super great here, some bugs, people were quiet
- EEd B.Traveler
Lakeshore Camp Resort
looks like a dump at first glance but found out it’s storm damage
Trailer was nice plenty to do. A lot of seasonal sites. was a pleasant enough stay. Looks like a converted Yogi Bear campground. A lot of storm damage around the campground. Pools were clean, bathrooms and shower houses are a bit dated but clean. They are about every 5 rows/streets. You can rent golf carts which seems the main mode of transportation. Nice rowboat lake with a beach for swimming. Small fast food restaurant small menu weird hours and more expensive that your normal fast food places. All in all it was a nice place and activities are plenty close to Chicago and one of the closest, also very close to the Indiana Dunes and Lake Michigan.
- Matthew C.
ScoutCentral Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park
Beautiful but Needs Some Love
We stayed a Thursday and Friday night in July 2026 on site 1. We did need to head to the Welcome Center for a piece of paper to display on your dash so that we can park in the parking lot. There isn't a National Park entrance to access the site, you just park in a parking lot that a park ranger at the visitors center told us was owned and operated by the town and not the park service. There was an area of reserved parking for those camping at the walk-in sites.
There is a decent sandy hill that you need to go up to access the site, which really wasn't bad. The site itself was heavily wooded and secluded. It is fairly sandy, but there was a nice spot to set up the tent that was grassy. The mosquitos were aggressive, but a little Deep Woods Off and they left us along mostly. We got to the site and there was trash and cigarette butts scattered around that we had to clean up. I discovered the first night that a contributing factor to some of the trash is most likely a sizeable and bold raccoon that was not afraid of us, and both nights came wandering into our campsite looking for food while we were sitting there.
Additionally, the fire pit has probably not been cleaned out in years, since it was filled to the top with ash. With this being a wooded site, this could increase the risk of a fire getting out of the pit.
We were at site 1, so heading to the port-o-potty was fine and it was well kept. The beach was about 3-5 minutes walking. However, the bathrooms and outdoor shower were all "Closed for the Season". There were a couple port-o-pottys there, but they were not in as good of shape as the one near the campground. There was also a ton of trash in that bathroom building area, which was disappointing to see.
Sarah L.ScoutCaboose Lake Campground
I’d stay there again
Chris likes to run a tight ship, but she has a good heart. There are so many activities in the summer for kids it’s non stop action and for the adults it’s usually just a chill by the fire or lakeside kind of of place. I’m a heavy sleeper so the highway traffic doesn’t bother me one bit!
Helen C.TravelerHoffman Lake Campground INC.
Good campground
Visited Hoffman campground at the end of June. Smaller campground, fairly peaceful, lots of activities, and a nice pool. Sites are level but they are tight. Nice can store with very friendly staff.
Kathy B.
LegendIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Amateur hour
Nicely laid out campground with mature trees. Level sites. All with electric hookups. Was greeted by very kind person at the booth. You need to know that on Sundays check-in is until 5 PM as campers from the weekend have until 5 PM to vacate their sites. Of course you can check in early if they leave. The way the campground is laid out, there are no pass that lead to the bathrooms. Therefore, people are constantly cutting through your site to get to their restrooms.
- ssusan F.
GuideIndiana Dunes State Park Campground
Beautiful location and great campground!
Nice sites, well spaced. Campground is well maintained with nice bathrooms and showers (we were there after a massive storm in early June and there had been some flooding in the bathrooms). From the campsite, walk through the forest and Dunes to the beautiful beach. Our dog was in heaven!
Guide to San Pierre
Northern Indiana camping near San Pierre transitions between the dunes along Lake Michigan to more wooded areas with rivers and lakes. Campgrounds typically operate from April through October with a few remaining open year-round. Most sites within a 45-mile radius of San Pierre require reservations at least two weeks in advance during summer weekends when temperatures average 75-85°F.
What to do
Hiking and tower climbing: At Tippecanoe River State Park Campground, visitors can access several trails directly from the campground. "The hike to get to the firetower is short," notes Kaley A., who adds that while the trails "aren't really anything special and aren't really well marked either," the tower is "fun for the kids." Another visitor, Tucker A., appreciated the "well maintained and beautiful state park" with "perfect" sites.
Fishing opportunities: Oak Lake RV Resort offers on-site fishing in their stocked pond. According to a reviewer, the campground provides a "great family setting" with "plenty of shade" for comfortable angling. The Tippecanoe River also provides fishing access, though according to one camper, "fishing was poor according to my husband," suggesting that anglers should temper expectations or explore multiple water bodies during their stay.
Sand dune exploration: The unique landscape at Indiana Dunes allows for distinctive hiking experiences. "The sand is very soft and feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," recommends Greg S. about the Three Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. Another camper notes that "the sunset on Lake Michigan from the dunes was awesome," making evening hikes particularly rewarding.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cleanliness stands out at Michigan City Campground, where one visitor described it as "a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN." Another camper noted that "the shower/bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing."
Security features: Several campgrounds offer enhanced security measures. Michigan City Campground is "gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter," while Love's RV Stop is described as "new, gated and has basic amenities" with a reviewer appreciating that it feels "secure."
Spacious sites: Site size varies significantly between campgrounds. At Dunewood Campground, a camper mentioned that "the campsite was large and beautiful" with "lots of nature, chill vibe." Another noted that "the sites are decently private with good tent pads." Potato Creek State Park offers sites that are "smooth and level and well taken care of," particularly in the back section (sites 230-287) which offer "larger lots and quieter atmosphere."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies across the region. At Tippecanoe River State Park, one camper noted that "cell service is limited so it is a great place to get away from it all." Another camper provided carrier-specific information: "I have AT&T service and could not use my phone at all, my husband has Verizon and had no problems with cell service."
Mosquito preparation: Several campgrounds report significant mosquito activity. At Tippecanoe River State Park, Rob H. simply stated it was the "worst place for mosquitoes." Another review advised that "the mosquitos get bad in the summer, so come prepared. We camped the end of May and they were just getting going. Spring and late fall would be a good time to visit."
Noise considerations: Rising Sun Campground camper j S. reported that "last night there a few loud locals decided to set up camp next to me at 10pm and leave then came back continued to be loud and leave again." At Michigan City Campground, one reviewer mentioned "garbage pickup at 11pm, very loud, and the fireworks being set off until after midnight." Train noise affects several campgrounds, with one camper at Dunewood noting they "could hear trains throughout the night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: At Tippecanoe River State Park, sites near the playground offer convenience for families. "Sites 2,3,4,6, and 7 have direct access to a playground and you can watch your children from your site. All the interior sites by comfort station B have direct access to the playground from your site." Oak Lake RV Resort also features playground access, with one camper mentioning their site was "right next to the playground and my kids had a blast swinging, climbing, and jumping while we set up camp."
Kid-friendly activities: Last Resort Campground organizes special events for children. "Saturday night golf cart parade. After dark the campers with golf carts do a parade around the campground and toss candy," reported Ron L. Another family mentioned "they had laser tag, candy parade, crafts etc..." during a themed weekend.
Petting zoo experiences: Hickory Hills Campground offers animal interactions that children enjoy. One camper highlighted their "FUN petting zoo, gemstone mining for the kids, hayrides, as well as crafts and a scavenger hunt. The grand kids loved this place and ask constantly when they get to go back!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: At Potato Creek State Park, be prepared for electrical hookup placement. "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," advised Frank M. The campground offers "tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations" but requires planning for cord length.
Premium site options: Michigan City Campground offers upgraded sites for larger rigs. "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. The cement patio was large with a picnic table and an adjacent fire pit," reported Craig C.
Easy overnight stops: Love's RV Stop provides convenient access for travelers. One RVer noted it has "clean full hookups, pull through and back in sites" and is "open all year." Another mentioned it's "easy on and off I-65 yet barely any traffic noise" and provides "good value and secure," making it ideal for overnight stays while traveling through the San Pierre area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at San Pierre campgrounds?
What amenities are available at San Pierre campgrounds?
Campgrounds near San Pierre offer varying amenities to enhance your camping experience. Michigan City Campground provides premium sites with 50A service, water, sewer hookups, and exceptional WiFi. The sites include large cement patios and a gated entrance for security. At Sand Creek Campground, you'll find private tent sites nestled among trees, plus clean, newer bathrooms. Most area campgrounds offer basic amenities like running water, toilets, and shower facilities.
Where can I camp in San Pierre, Indiana?
Where can I camp in San Pierre, Indiana?
San Pierre offers several camping options within a reasonable driving distance. Tippecanoe River State Park Campground is one of the closest options, offering drive-in sites with water access. For a unique experience, Indiana Beach Campground provides a clean, quiet atmosphere with spacious sites near an amusement park. The campground is well-maintained, though it's located off the main highways down some rural roads.
When is the best time of year to camp in San Pierre?
When is the best time of year to camp in San Pierre?
The ideal time to camp in the San Pierre area is late spring through early fall (May-September) when temperatures are most comfortable. Summer brings warm days perfect for exploring nearby natural areas like Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, which offers beautiful scenery and updated facilities. Fall camping at Dunewood Campground provides cooler temperatures and less crowded conditions. The campground is less busy than others in the region while still offering access to numerous trails along the lakeshore.
Keep Exploring