Camping sites near Westville, Indiana primarily cluster around Indiana Dunes National Park, with options ranging from basic tent sites to full-service RV facilities. Westville sits approximately 25 miles southeast of Lake Michigan at an elevation of 780 feet. The camping season spans April through October, though train noise affects most campgrounds in the region regardless of their proximity to the tracks.
What to do
Beach activities at Indiana Dunes: The national park offers swimming and hiking opportunities within a 30-minute drive of Westville. "The beach and dunes are spectacular and live up to the hype. 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," notes a visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds for fishing without needing a boat. At Last Resort Campground, campers can fish directly from sites near the water. "Spent 3 more nights here! The hosts are awesome and make sure everyone has a great time! Going back at the end of August! Had a great site that allowed us to fish and be right across the street from the site!"
Mountain biking trails: Campers seeking more active pursuits can access nearby trail systems. A visitor to Potato Creek State Park Campground noted, "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. We stopped for a beer at Chesterton and Hunter's Breweries."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds with natural buffers receive positive reviews. At Michigan City Campground, "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool." Security features like key card access make this location popular with families concerned about safety.
Modern bathroom facilities: Clean restrooms consistently rank highly in camper satisfaction. Dunewood Campground in Indiana Dunes National Park offers well-maintained facilities according to a recent visitor: "Management was very attentive to making sure the campground was quiet and calm. The campsite was large and beautiful. The restroom area was clean and had soap and dryers."
Proximity to Chicago: Location relative to major cities matters to weekend campers. "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," explains a reviewer about Potato Creek State Park, highlighting the balance between nature and urban convenience.
What you should know
Electric-only hookups: Most state park campgrounds offer electricity but lack water or sewer connections. At Dunewood Campground, a camper reported, "$25 a night no electric much but a park pass also for $25."
Train noise disruptions: Railroad tracks run throughout the region, affecting nearly all campgrounds. "Could hear Trains throughout the night. Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink. great shading from trees and very green!" mentions a Dunewood Campground visitor.
Seasonal water quality concerns: Lake swimming may be affected by algae in summer months. A Potato Creek State Park camper noted, "Unfortunately, the lake was a little on the undesirable side...blue-green algae warnings made us not want to put more than our feet in the water. The beach area is nice, though."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with children. Sand Creek Campground reviewers appreciate the layout: "The campground is privately owned and was almost at the end of the season. There are a lot of seasonal/permanent sites."
Beach proximity considerations: Walking distances to beaches vary significantly. "The campsite was right between the playground and beach trailhead, but still private. The best sites are the ones on the outside from the beach trail to the nature center," advises a visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park.
Quieter section selection: For families with young children, choosing the right campground area matters. "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," suggests a regular at Potato Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: For longer stays, sewer connections become important. Michigan City Campground offers premium options: "This is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. We stayed in the premium sites which were 90ft pull thought with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite."
Cord length requirements: Power post placement varies widely between campgrounds. "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," warns a Potato Creek State Park visitor.
Dump station traffic: Plan departure timing around busy periods. "Two dump stations made wait minimal," notes a camper at Indiana Dunes State Park, an important consideration during peak weekend checkout times.
