Near Westville, Indiana, campers find themselves in a region marked by glacial topography with sandy soil formations and proximity to Lake Michigan shoreline. The area sits at approximately 720 feet above sea level with a continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Fall camping season brings colorful foliage displays in surrounding woodlands while spring offers wildflower viewing opportunities.
What to do
Swimming in natural waters: Bear Cave RV Campground offers access to a recently renovated pool alongside natural waterways. "We love this quaint little campground. Great clubhouse with library, air hockey, beautiful views...playground, pool and little walking trail near the waterfall," noted Nick & Allyssa S. The campground sits near the St. Joseph River.
Hiking sand dunes: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground features multiple trail options through unique dune landscapes. "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," shares Greg S. The park connects to several regional biking trails, offering extended exploration options.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Alexander RV Park provides 120 acres of natural habitat for fishing enthusiasts. "Lake Alexander RV Park is a quiet, spacious, family owned and operated campground located near Momence, Illinois, within a 1-hour drive of Chicago. The camp is 120 acres of natural beauty on the banks of the Kankakee River," reports Iris A., highlighting the abundant fish and wildlife in the wooded environment.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campers appreciate the clean, modern amenities at 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. 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," reports Craig C.
Security features: Gated access systems create peace of mind for overnight stays. "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool," reports Shane M. about Michigan City Campground. Similarly, Oak Lake RV Resort receives praise for its secure environment: "Gated for security and plenty of shade. Great family setting and staff."
Proximity to Chicago: Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for Chicago day trips without city parking hassles. Michigan City Campground offers access to the South Shore commuter train for Chicago visits, allowing campers to avoid traffic congestion and parking fees while exploring the metropolis.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most RV parks in the region operate seasonally rather than year-round. Oak Lake RV Resort runs from mid-April through mid-October, with one camper noting, "We originally booked August 22–25, extended to the 29th & then lucked into staying through Labor Day weekend." Check operating dates before planning late fall or early spring visits.
Train noise considerations: Indiana Dunes State Park experiences railway noise that may affect light sleepers. One camper reports: "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long. If you're a heavy sleeper and can deal with that, you'll be just fine."
Site selection factors: Campground layouts vary considerably in privacy and shade. At Indiana Dunes, "The best sites are the ones on the outside from the beach trail to the nature center. These are up against the dunes and have some shade. The middle sites are more exposed and much less private."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park offers family-friendly water activities with equipment provided. "You have access to the perks of the conference grounds including access to a small private beach on the lake, canoes and kayaks, life jackets, and a rec room when open," notes holly S., mentioning the playground facilities available to younger campers.
Entertainment facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature recreation buildings for rainy day activities. Bear Cave campers mention, "Great clubhouse with library, air hockey, beautiful views, but most of the coin operated games were out of order." Oak Lake RV Resort organizes scheduled activities like "movies on our inflatable screen, golf cart glow parades, s'mores, homemade campfire pizzas."
Site proximity to playgrounds: Request sites near play areas when traveling with children. At Oak Lake, one camper 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."
Tips from RVers
Online check-in efficiency: RVers appreciate streamlined arrival processes at certain parks. About Love's RV Stop in Demotte, Steven C. reports, "We reserved and checked in online," while highlighting the park's cleanliness and convenient location. The park provides a gated environment with basic amenities for overnight stays.
Site utilities reliability: Electrical service quality varies between campgrounds. One RVer at Love's notes, "The only complaint I had is the site we were at showed a ground fault on the 50amp Circuit so I had to use the 30 amp circuit but it's Nov so no need to run dual ACs minor issue but still make sure your using your EPM devices."
Tank services: When staying at sites without full hookups, know your options for waste management. At Bear Cave, a camper advises: "This is a 1st come 1st serve choose your own camp site. Most of the full hookups are taken 1st by the annuals. Sucks really but they do have an onsite honeypot which will suck out your tanks for $10 each time around."
