Camping sites near Whiting, Indiana tend to cluster around Indiana Dunes National Park with a mix of natural lakefront areas and more urban-adjacent facilities. Most sites operate from April through October, though a few remain open year-round despite Indiana's cold winters where temperatures can drop below freezing. Train noise impacts many campgrounds in this region due to the major rail corridors connecting Chicago to points east.
What to do
Beach access at Indiana Dunes: The closest beach within the national park is Kimmel Beach which serves as a popular destination during summer months. According to one visitor at Dunewood Campground, "Loved the proximity of this campground to Lake Michigan! 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."
Three Dune Challenge: This hiking trail offers moderate exercise with scenic views at Indiana Dunes State Park. A recent camper noted, "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."
Mountain biking at Imagination Glen: Several trails within short driving distance provide opportunities for cyclists. A visitor at Michigan City Campground shared, "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."
Chicago day trips via train: The South Shore commuter rail provides access to Chicago without dealing with traffic or parking. Multiple campgrounds are within 15-20 minutes of train stations, making urban exploration convenient.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. At Camp Bullfrog Lake, a visitor noted, "Bathroom/shower facilities were clean and well stocked. The bathhouse is heated which makes chilly mornings more bearable."
Gated security: Enhanced safety measures at select campgrounds provide peace of mind. One camper at Michigan City Campground mentioned, "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool." Another visitor appreciated the "secure entrance and key card access."
Free firewood at select sites: Some county-operated campgrounds include complimentary firewood with site rental. As one Bullfrog Lake visitor shared, "Each site comes with a free bundle of oak firewood which is nice to use on the fire pits."
Kayak rentals on smaller lakes: Several campgrounds offer affordable watercraft rentals for guests. A Bullfrog Lake visitor reported, "The kayaks are $15 an hour and include life vests. The lake is pretty small but it was fun to putter around."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months and weekends. Advance booking is essential, particularly for sites with electrical hookups.
Train noise impacts: Railroad lines run near many camping areas, creating noise disturbances. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park noted, "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 you can deal with that, you'll be just fine."
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense, and sites often lack adequate shade. One Dunewood visitor reported, "Brutally hot but otherwise nice," while another mentioned, "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening."
Gate closures after hours: Some county-operated campgrounds lock entrance gates at night. A visitor at Camp Shabbona Woods observed, "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups, can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity amenities: Campgrounds with pools, playgrounds, and organized events keep children engaged. A parent staying at Lakeshore Camp Resort shared, "This was a fun campground. We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."
Weekend traffic considerations: Increased visitor volume affects beach access on weekends. One regular camper noted, "Indiana Dunes State park campground is one of our favorites. The beach, the trails, bike trails. There is everything to do here, it does not disappoint. Well the weekend traffic can be a bummer."
Cabin options for new campers: Several campgrounds offer cabin rentals as alternatives to tent camping. A visitor at Camp Sullivan noted, "Located in a Cook County forest preserve this family camping option is a nice local getaway. The facilities are all newly built or remodeled. There are smaller family cabins with heat available to rent as well as large bunkhouses for organized groups."
Bird watching opportunities: Morning birdsong provides natural entertainment for children. One visitor simply noted, "Amazing chirping of the birds in the morning," highlighting this often overlooked natural feature.
Tips from RVers
Limited full-hookup sites: Most campgrounds offer electric-only sites with shared water access points. Water tank preparation is necessary before arrival at most facilities.
Site dimensions vary significantly: Length restrictions impact larger rigs, with some campgrounds unable to accommodate big vehicles. A visitor at Michigan City Campground reported, "We stayed in a 90 ft premium pull through spot. Nice campground that is maintained. There is a pool, fishing pond, and playground for kids."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds provide dump stations, requiring planning for longer stays. Those with sewer connections charge premium rates compared to electric-only sites.
Proximity to highways: Many campgrounds are located within minutes of major interstates, allowing convenient access for larger vehicles. One camper noted, "Michigan City Campground, conveniently located 1.5 miles south of I-94 and 2.5 miles north of I-80/90, is a privately owned family campground."
