The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dog-Friendly Camping near South Bend, IN

714 Reviews

Potato Creek State Park Campground offers extensive pet-friendly camping options with spacious sites and well-maintained grounds. The park permits dogs throughout the campground with standard leash requirements. Campers report the sites as clean and level with plenty of room for pets to relax alongside tents or RVs. Dogs are welcome on most hiking trails within the park, though they must remain leashed at all times. The campground includes electric hookups and drinking water convenient for pet owners needing to maintain water bowls during warm weather.

Hiking paths throughout Potato Creek provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs and their owners with miles of paved bike paths and unpaved trails. Wildlife encounters are common, so campers should keep pets secured and under control, especially near wetland areas where mosquitoes can be problematic for both humans and animals. Nearby Spaulding Lake Campground provides an alternative pet-friendly option with clean facilities and multiple fishing ponds. The surrounding area contains several pet supply stores within short driving distance in South Bend. During summer months, the park can become quite busy, particularly in the front sections near the playground, with quieter camping spots located in the back sites numbered 230-287 for those seeking a more peaceful experience with pets.

Map showing campgrounds near South Bend, IndianaExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near South Bend, Indiana (87)

    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

    "The walk to the beach access is a beautiful one, and the beach is astounding! Pet friendly!"

    "Happened upon this Gem when driving the coast of Lake Michigan.  Watched the solar eclipse from the beach.   The DBR had a viewing area setup for adults and kids.  "

    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. 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."

    5. Elkhart RV Resort

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

    $39 - $47 / night

    "There is a donkey to pet. The game room building had some games in but the building smelled too old for me.

    The sites were set with nice gravel onto a cement patio surrounded by large trees."

    "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."

    6. 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!"

    "There is so much to do her, wineries and breweries nearby. The beaches are not too crowded. Pet friendly and lots to do for children. This is one of our favorite vacation spots."

    7. Fuller's Resort and Campground

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

    "The tenting and trailer sites are a bit cramped, but there is a selection of either open grassy or wooded areas to choose from. we stay at a full hookup site down by the lake entrance."

    "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!"

    8. 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."

    9. Elkhart Campground

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

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

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

    10. Shamrock Park

    11 Reviews
    Berrien Springs, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 473-5691

    $10 - $50 / night

    "Level site, fire ring and pets welcome."

    "It’s also a quick walk to a grocery store and restaurants. There’s no grill on the fire pit, so plan accordingly."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 87 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

South Bend Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near South Bend, IN

79 Photos of 87 South Bend Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near South Bend, IN

714 Reviews of 87 South Bend Campgrounds

  • J
    Feb. 25, 2020

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    Great Indiana State Park

    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. Only electric at sites but they are big and roomy. Quiet and full of wildlife.

  • Frank M.
    Mar. 22, 2017

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    Family favorite

    My wife and I come here every year since purchasing our travel trailer. We recommend securing a spot in the back sites 230-287 for larger lots and quieter atmosphere. 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. With dog friendly beaches, beginner MTB trails and paved bike paths, this checks all our boxes. Natural wetlands abound, so definitely bring the mosquito spray. Typical Indiana Campground with basic amenities, older comfort stations and spotty WIFI. I like unplugging but sometimes work demands I respond promptly. Not too far from South Bend for city amenities, restaurants and supplies. Takes 10-15 mins to drive out of campground, so keep this in mind. Definitely keep coming back!

  • Jacob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Potato Creek State Park Campground

    This is our favorite State Park campground

    The campground is huge, but we have never felt crowded. There is a nice prairie area to walk around in, and an easy to ride pave bike trail. We watched the osprey nest one year for several hours. We have not yet had a kayak out on the lake, but the lake is big. The bathrooms have always been clean, and the campground hosts friendly. The sites vary in size and slope, so research and prepare for anything. But all of the sites are manageable. South Bend is close by if you want to adventure in.

  • Cody W.
    Aug. 22, 2021

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Great spot to stay if you’re visiting

    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. I grew up in NWI so I didn’t camp in Indiana often but I did here and loved it! There are a bunch of raccoons that can come steal food so beware of that! Overall nice though!

  • Ian R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2023

    Thousand Trails Bear Cave

    Beware big rigs

    This is a smaller campground with about 20 FHU sites and a few dozen no sewer sites. Like mant TT parks, lots of seasonal residents but unlike many other parks, the full timers are not dismissive of the recreational and nomdic campers. 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. Call beforehand if you are 40' or bigger.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2023

    Elkhart Campground

    Elkhart, IN….Nice campground

    We stayed here to pick up a new RV. It’s a huge campground with lots of space. Some sites are cement ours was gravel. Very clean, nice sized dog park, quiet and close to restaurants. If had an occasion to stay here again…we definitely would!

  • jamie S.
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Michigan City Campground

    Great campground

    We stayed in the off season in a site close to the laundry facility and office. Great campground for families. Our site was smaller however, no one was around us so it seemed bigger. They do have nice premium sites in the front. Loved that it is gated and and key card access after hours. Has a dog park and a playground for the kids.

  • R
    Sep. 15, 2020

    Ebys Pines

    Very nice and friendly

    Stayed for a weekend. The campground was clean sites were all very nice and pool was really clean. The dog park was a nice added bonus. It could very possibly become our new weekend getaway

  • deb K.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Elkhart Campground

    3 1/2 star campground

    It is a very large older CG with a few upgrades. Clean, with decent amenities. We were placed in the rear section, which was just ok. Site needed leveling, had no shade at all and was close to major hwy. The front and side sites seemed nicer and had ample shade with some concrete sites. Laundry room, pool and bathrooms were very clean. Large dog park, but was far from our site. Was only 25 min from Notre Dame and about an hour from lake Michigan WiFi was great, no cable, but good antenna reception

Guide to South Bend

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near South Bend, Indiana, allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends. Here are some excellent choices that cater to both you and your pets.

Tips for camping with dogs near South Bend

Pet owners like the amenities available

  • Shamrock Park provides clean facilities and a lovely setting along the St. Joseph River, ideal for relaxing with your pet.
  • At Fuller's Resort and Campground, you can enjoy a beach area where dogs are allowed, making it a fun spot for swimming and playing fetch.
  • Mini Mountain Campground has a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of activities for families, including your four-legged companions.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near South Bend

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near South Bend, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near South Bend, IN is Potato Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 48 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near South Bend, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 87 dog-friendly camping locations near South Bend, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring