Donkeys braying at dawn and freight trains rolling through at night set the tone at Sand Creek Campground, a privately owned site outside Chesterton that draws a steady stream of campers who couldn't get a spot at the Indiana Dunes parks. That overflow dynamic is worth knowing upfront: several reviewers arrived here after finding Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center and Nasaki Youth Camp Area — Indiana Dunes State Park fully booked, and most were satisfied with what they found.
The layout gives campers a few distinct environments to choose from. Open grassy sites run along one section, while wooded spots near the creek provide more shade and seclusion. Stefanie Z. describes "a nice mixture of grassy, tree lined tent spots and more secluded wooded spots in the woods by the creek." Tent sites do not have individual electricity or water hookups, though RV sites come with full hookups, including electric, water, and sewer connections for rigs up to 50 feet. Most sites include a picnic table and fire ring. The bathhouse has drawn consistent praise across multiple years of reviews, with campers noting it stays clean and functional.
Noise is the most common practical concern in reviews. Train traffic runs through the area regularly, and airplane noise adds to the ambient sound, particularly when wind picks up near the trees. Light sleepers should factor this in. The campground sits in a residential and agricultural area, which also means surrounding farmyard sounds carry in the morning. Facilities have included a pool in some seasons, though recent reviewers noted it was closed pending permits, so it's worth calling ahead if that matters.
The drive to Indiana Dunes takes roughly 15 minutes, and grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants are within 10 minutes by car. Reservations are available and worth making during peak summer weekends, when the campground fills up. The season runs April 15 through October 15. Rates range from $30 to $90 per night depending on site type, and pets are welcome. Those browsing camping areas around Chesterton will find Sand Creek among the closest full-hookup options to the dunes corridor. The campground works best for campers who want a practical base with solid amenities and aren't counting on a quiet night.
Description
Nestled among the farming fields southeast of Chesterton, Indiana, just ten miles from Indiana Dunes State Park, our forty-acre property offers you a serene environment to enjoy a summer getaway. Browse our site or contact us for more details about what we offer.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSand Creek Campground is located in Indiana near Chesterton
Directions
From jct I-80/90 (exit 31) & SR 49: Go 3/4 mi N on SR 49, then 2-1/4 mi E on CR 1050N, then 1/2 mi S on CR 350E.
Address
1000 N 350 E
Chesterton, IN 46304
Coordinates
41.57868123 N
87.00043775 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 18 min from Michigan City, IN
- 42 min from South Bend, IN
- 47 min from Chicago, IL
- 49 min from Niles, MI
