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Best Campgrounds near South Bend, IN

714 Reviews

South Bend in Indiana has several good camping options within driving distance. Indiana Dunes National Park includes Dunewood Campground, which has roomy sites and is close to the beaches. Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground sits among several lakes where you can fish or take a boat out. The facilities at both places are well-maintained with restrooms and shower buildings. You can easily reach these campgrounds on good roads. Hiking trails wind through the natural areas surrounding these sites. Lake Michigan isn't far from South Bend, making beach visits possible. Weather around South Bend can change quickly, so it's smart to check the forecast before you pack. The University of Notre Dame is in South Bend if you want to mix some campus touring with your camping trip. South Bend works well as a starting point for both quiet camping and more active outdoor trips.

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Best Camping Sites Near South Bend, Indiana (103)

    1. Potato Creek State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    North Liberty, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 656-8186

    $20 - $90 / night

    "Great walking trails, great for families with youngsters. Park activities and lots of trail walking. 25 mins away from South Bend/Mishawaka and 40 mins away from Elkhart and there RV Hall of Fame."

    "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."

    2. Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    23 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."

    3. Thousand Trails Bear Cave

    16 Reviews
    Buchanan, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "This is a great place to get out of the cities and explore Michigan wine country or the South Bend/Elkhart areas. There are several low hanging branches and many tight sites."

    "But even without the cave there was still a playground, pool and little walking trail near the waterfall. Close to nearby Lake Michigan and beaches."

    4. Maple Ridge Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Liberty, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 784-8532

    "Great quiet place to get away from town."

    5. Spaulding Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Niles, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 684-1393

    "The surrounding area seems like the camp is in a bad location, but the bushes that surround the place block out all the noise."

    6. Elkhart RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Granger, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 800-2069

    $39 - $47 / night

    "This campground is close to home so we spent a couple days here so the kids could play while I worked. All staff was extremely helpful and friendly from the minute we pulled in."

    "The sites were set with nice gravel onto a cement patio surrounded by large trees. So it had the nice feel of outside with no mud and dirt tracked into our pull through RV site."

    7. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    37 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!"

    "General: Dunewood campground is located within Indiana Dunes National Park, established in 2019 (The national seashore was established in the 1960s)."

    8. Fuller's Resort and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Buchanan, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 695-3785

    "The acres has lots of sites tucked away in the woods and many out in the open sun too! Rental trailers and cabins right on the lake too. Great ice cream too. We will be back!"

    "There are showers, laundry, and better restroom facilities as short walk away. Mask wearing was very hit or miss.  Maybe 75% of out interactions with staff they wore a mask. "

    9. Mini Mountain Campground

    7 Reviews
    New Carlisle, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 654-3307

    "There are ample hiking trails and activities for all ages. The swimming pool is awesome and a great plus when camping with kids. The woods are very thick and filled with amazing trees."

    10. Elkhart Campground

    11 Reviews
    Elkhart, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 264-2914

    "Elkhart Campground is great Clean , easy access, lots of pull through sites with full hook up - pool, Close to big lake too!!!"

    "Very clean, nice sized dog park, quiet and close to restaurants. If had an occasion to stay here again…we definitely would!"

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231 Photos of 103 South Bend Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near South Bend, IN

714 Reviews of 103 South Bend Campgrounds

Guide to South Bend

Camping near South Bend, Indiana, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed riding ebikes on the trails," highlighting the great biking opportunities.
  • Beach Access: Spend a day at the beach! Warren Dunes State Park Campground is just a short drive away, and one camper noted, "The beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A reviewer shared, "Kayaking the 13 lakes can easily last from morning to sundown."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Potato Creek State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. One camper at Michigan City Campground remarked, "The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your campsite."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Dunewood Campground mentioned, "Our site was huge and the bathrooms were clean."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A visitor at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground warned, "The mosquitoes are prolific and abundant! We left early."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, particularly on weekends. A camper at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted, "The place was a little crowded, but once it got dark it was quiet and peaceful."
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A review for Van Buren State Park Campground mentioned, "There were lots of tall pine trees so most of the sites had some shade, but no privacy between sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Potato Creek State Park Campground has a great playground that kids enjoy, as noted by a camper who said, "Kids seem to play there for hours."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for family fun. A visitor at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, "We come here for short hikes, kayaking, and camping."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Michigan City Campground appreciated the "clean, neat" facilities, which made it easy to prepare meals.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Warren Dunes State Park Campground mentioned, "Most spots were fairly out in the open," which can be a concern for larger rigs.
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. Dunewood Campground offers water hookups but no electric, so plan accordingly.
  • Dump Stations: Ensure there are dump stations available. A camper at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground noted, "The dump station was clean and well-maintained."

Camping around South Bend, Indiana, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near South Bend, Indiana?

Potato Creek State Park Campground is just 25 minutes from South Bend and offers spacious sites with electric hookups, walking trails, and abundant wildlife. For a quieter experience, choose sites 230-287 in the back of the campground. If you're willing to travel a bit further, Thousand Trails Bear Cave is a smaller campground with full hookup sites and plenty of recreational opportunities. The area around South Bend also features several lakeside options within a 45-minute drive, including campgrounds at Indiana Dunes National Park for those looking to combine camping with beach access.

Are there any free camping options available near South Bend?

Free camping options are limited near South Bend. Most established campgrounds in the area charge fees, including state parks and private facilities. Elkhart County Fairgrounds occasionally offers inexpensive camping, though not free. For those looking for budget options, Maple Ridge Campground near Lakeville may offer more affordable rates than resort-style facilities. True free camping (boondocking) is rare in this region of Indiana and Michigan. Your best bet for free camping would be to venture further into Michigan's state forests where dispersed camping might be permitted with proper permits.

What family-friendly campgrounds are available near South Bend?

Michigan City Campground is a beautifully maintained family-friendly option with premium sites featuring 90-foot pull-throughs, full hookups, cement patios, and excellent WiFi. For families seeking more natural surroundings, Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers newly renovated campsites and is considered one of Indiana's most beautiful state parks. Both campgrounds provide clean facilities and easy access to activities. Families with younger children will appreciate campgrounds with playgrounds, shallow swimming areas, and organized activities during peak season. Most family-friendly campgrounds in the area require reservations well in advance, especially for weekend stays during summer months.

Where can I find fishing and camping spots near South Bend?

Pike Lake County Campground in Warsaw offers excellent fishing opportunities with campsites located right next to the lake. Though the sites are somewhat tightly packed, the lake access makes it a good option for anglers. Sand Creek Campground provides another option with private tent sites nestled among trees and good proximity to water. For a more diverse experience, many of the state parks within an hour's drive of South Bend feature lakes suitable for fishing, including boat rentals and shore fishing opportunities. Most fishing locations require an Indiana fishing license, which can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores.

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