Camping options near Schererville, Indiana range from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups within a 25-mile radius. The area sits at the southern tip of Lake Michigan with a humid continental climate that features warm summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October, with occasional sites remaining open year-round for hardy campers.
What to do
Beach access and swimming: Indiana Dunes National Park's Dunewood Campground puts you just minutes from Lake Michigan's shoreline. "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 one camper at Dunewood Campground.
Hiking trail systems: The region offers numerous hiking options with varying difficulty levels. At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, trails wind through diverse ecosystems. "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," reports a visitor.
Mountain biking: Extensive trail systems provide options for cyclists of all skill levels. A Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor explains, "The mountain bike trails were awesome. If you're a trail rider, you must stay here. The lack of shade won't matter because you'll be riding all day. There are miles and miles of trails."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access in ponds and lakes. At Dunewood Campground, visitors can fish nearby waters before or after swimming at the beach areas.
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Many campgrounds maintain modern bathhouses with hot water. A visitor to Michigan City Campground notes, "The shower/Bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing."
Security measures: Several campgrounds implement security systems for guest safety. "Love the secure entrance and key card access. Pool and bathrooms were clean, although the bathroom could use a slight update," mentions one Michigan City Campground visitor.
Family-oriented activities: Structured recreation options keep children engaged. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground shares, "The campground was pretty full but had a nice communal family feel to it. The beach and dunes are the star of this show, but the campground is a good supporting actor."
Fall foliage viewing: The autumn season transforms campgrounds with colorful displays. "We arrived on a fall night, after the sun had set and we were thrilled to wake up to such an amazing display of Northern Indiana fall foliage," reports a visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. A visitor to Camp Sullivan explains, "Definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town with good cell service."
Seasonal bugs: Mosquitoes can be problematic during warmer months. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," reports one Dunewood visitor.
Water testing schedule: Some campgrounds temporarily shut off drinking water. A Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor advises, "The water is not yet potable so bring your own or check with the park team to ensure it's drinkable when you go."
Weather preparation: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations. Indiana Dunes campers mention both "brutally hot" summer days and chilly fall nights requiring adequate gear for comfort.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas for convenience. A visitor to Oak Lake RV Resort shares, "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."
Water safety awareness: Lake Michigan can develop dangerous currents. An Indiana Dunes visitor cautions, "Be careful in the lake, because rip current often take young visitors out too far and into dangerous waters."
Program participation: Ranger-led activities enhance educational value. "They had one of the nicer programs that I have been to in the state," notes a Camp Sullivan visitor regarding organized activities.
Yurt camping options: For families new to camping, Oak Lake RV Resort offers yurt accommodations as an alternative to traditional tents or RVs. Yurt camping near Schererville provides a comfortable introduction to outdoor recreation without requiring extensive gear.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Check length specifications before booking. A Camp Bullfrog Lake visitor explains, "Sites # 4 and 5 probably have the longest length parking pad. I believe this is a relatively newer campground."
Water tank preparation: Many campgrounds offer electric-only hookups. "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us- we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves," advises an Indiana Dunes State Park visitor.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential wait times during busy periods. "Two dump stations made wait minimal," notes one visitor about Indiana Dunes State Park facilities.
Reservation windows: Book well in advance for premium spots. Oak Lake RV Resort and other area campgrounds fill quickly during peak season, particularly for specialized accommodations like yurts or cabins.
