Sand Creek Campground, near Chesterton, Indiana, is a cozy spot that serves as a great base for exploring the nearby Indiana Dunes National Park. With a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, it offers a little something for everyone looking to enjoy the outdoors.

The campground is known for its clean facilities and friendly atmosphere. Visitors have highlighted the well-maintained bathrooms and showers, which are a welcome sight after a day of hiking or swimming at the dunes. As one camper noted, “The site was very spacious and the campground nice and quiet, clean and well kept.” 

For those who enjoy a bit of nature, the campground features a variety of sites, from open grassy areas to more secluded spots tucked among the trees. You can kick back by the fire ring or enjoy a picnic at your site. Plus, with the Indiana Dunes just a short drive away, you can easily spend your days soaking up the sun on the beach or exploring the stunning landscapes.

While some campers mentioned that the campground can get a bit noisy due to nearby train traffic, the overall vibe is relaxed and welcoming. Whether you're here for a quick overnight stay or a longer retreat, Sand Creek Campground is a solid choice for your next adventure.

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.

Sand Creek Campground

Are you in need of a campground near Chesterton, IN? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Indiana camping adventure.

Chesterton

The Best Camping Near Chesterton, Indiana

I stayed here for my first trip to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore area in early June '18\. It was clearly recently renovated and very nice. It was actually my first time ever staying at a private campground, so I don't have much to compare it to. But it had 2 sets of bathrooms, a pool, a basketball hoop (I don't recall if it was a court, but I think it was just one) and a prayer room. I didn't look for laundry, because I didn't need it, but the map indicates they do have it.

The main office sold firewood and ice. Otherwise, just a few lantern batteries and such. Not a "store" by any means. But it's like a 5 minute drive to grocery and gas. Great location, in fact. Less than 10 minutes from the interstate.

Light-sleepers will have difficulty anywhere in the region because of train traffic, but it was respectably secluded. Vampires beware: there's a 8-10 foot cross at the entrance. But didn't notice any garlic strewn about.

Would stay again.

(No pictures because I found this site right after I returned. Map from website because the site is glitchy and you might not find it otherwise.)

Conveniently located, ammenities

Camped here because the dunes campgrounds were full. Very clean and newly renovated. The tent sites were nice and located around the perimeter. 

My boys did like that there was a very nice pool.

My only complaint were the showers. The woman’s bathroom was very clean but the showers did not spray out enough of a stream to wash well. 

We paid $30 a night for 4 people. when my husband came on Saturday it was an extra $5.

very clean and friendly

We spent the weekend exploring America’s 61st National Park- Indiana Dunes National Park. The National Park campsite was full and recommended this place about 10 minutes away. It was our first time tent camping and the sites were very clean and nice. The bathrooms were also well maintained and camping staff very friendly and helpful. 

Perfect while visiting Indiana Dunes

The campground was nice. We did a tent camp site for $32. It had bathrooms with showers and outlets and places to put your stuff. It was clean and quiet. They do have cute cottages you can rent but not sure the cost. 

Clean but price is high 

First time to Indiana with a quick trip to the Dunes. We were disappointed the state park was full but found this campground close by. The tent sites were very private as we were the only ones there for the night. Plenty of space tucked among the trees. Bathrooms seemed newer and were very clean. The only thing that disappointed us was the lack of COVID precautions. No mask worn by the office worker or wiping down of desk or credit card machine. Would still recommend for the future.

Close alternative to Dunes State Park

We tent camped for two nights while visiting Indiana Dunes. It’s only 15 minutes away, and nestled into a residential area so it’s a nice option. It’s a pretty big campground and there’s a nice mixture of grassy, tree lined tent spots and more secluded wooded spots in the woods by the creek. Also tons of RV spots. The bathroom and shower facilities were clean and there was a pool, basketball court, volleyball court, and even some cabins. The owner is nice - she’s particular about everybody doing their part to keep the campground safe and clean and has a lot of “mothering” type signs everywhere, but I felt well looked after. The noise is quite jarring for a campground that seems like it would be pretty quiet - constant train traffic, airplane noise, and if it’s windy and you’re near the trees that really adds to it. We are heavy sleepers so it didn’t bother us too much but it could be an issue for the wake prone. All in all we had a nice stay and would stay here again. 

Wooded, clean, but noisy

I am glad I didnt listen to the negative comments I read! This is a quiet and beautiful campground, we were treated very kindly! No complaints except wish there was more to do while we were here. I understand that new owners have taken over in April of this year. They are working on many things! We will be back for another stay for sure! Grounds are wooded and well kept. 

Memorial day trip

Unpretentious campground with all the basics, nothing extra. Bathrooms are clean.  Sites are pretty generous in size &amp; plenty available.  About 20 minutes from Dunes National Park.  All of the National park &amp; state parks were 100% reserved, so this was the next best option.  Would stay here again.

Not bad!

I wanted to add that when I went to shower this morning I found a very nice, private, updated bathroom (also ADA accessible) where you could lock the door and have the entire bathroom to yourself!  Great water pressure in the shower and lots of hot water.  That alone was worth the $30 when you are tent/car camping!!

One more thing…

I had a peaceful stay in a tent site here. I tried an RV resort park first and my site was right next to train tracks and packed in next to the other sites. This spot was more spacious and fairly quiet with good showers. A great place for a stop when visiting the dunes if the park campgrounds are full.

Great Spot for Visiting the Dunes

 Ok for one night.  Seems like there were many long term residents there.  Noisy with dogs barking, motorcycles, and swearing.  

We camped here for 3 nights to visit the Dunes National Park. 

The campground is privately owned and was almost at the end of the season. 
There is a check in station at the entrance.

When we arrived we were the only tent campers, so we could pick our spot. Non of the tent sites have electricity or water. Only a few have a picnic table and /or a fire pit. It was basically just a long lawn with numbers on. Some of the sites are in the woods for more privacy. 

The RV sites have electricity and water access. Some campers are stored there over the winter months. 

The bathhouse was a little out dated but clean during our stay. 

You are surrounded by farmland, so we were greeted every morning by donkey braying. It didn't bother us. There are also noises of cars and the train coming through. 

The owners are very nice and laid back. 

The drive to the national park or state park is about 15 min. The dunes are very impressive and beautiful. If you need something, there are stores, gas stations or restaurants within 10 driving minutes. 

I think we would camp her again. No idea how it is during peak season but even with other tent campers around on the last 2 days, it was pretty quiet. 



Campground near the dunes

My sister and I stayed one night at this campground because the Indiana Dunes National and State parks were full. It is a pretty place and not too far from the parks. We felt completely safe and would stay there again. One note: the pool was closed. We didn’t mind but I’m sure that’s a draw for other campers. I would inquire to see if it’s open, if you care. 

Clean and Quiet

Campground very nice. One of the smaller ones I’ve stayed at. No pool still in process of getting permits for it. However 15 min drive there are multiple beaches you can go to on Lake Michigan. We went to the dune’s national park and it was awesome for swimming all day and playing in the sand for the kids.

Day 2&3

Privately-owned and just a short distance from Indiana Dunes. The owner was very nice and helpful at check-in. There were several open spots on that rainy Sunday, so we were allowed to pick any open spot. Some spots were out in the open, others along the tree line, and a few in the woods. All sites had a picnic table, fire ring, and seemed fairly level. 

Photos of Sand Creek Campground

Real photos from real campers