Lake Camping in Valparaiso, Indiana, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
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Indiana
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Valparaiso

95% (797 reviews)

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7 top lakeside campgrounds near Valparaiso

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Mulln-Heim Vineyards

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Baroda, MI

This is a 3rd generation "Family Farm" of a different sort I suppose. Seems there's a bit of everything here, and arguably not enough of anything. At least for conventional farming. So we've learned to do things a bit differently.Our main crop is wine and juice grapes since our topography, climate, and soil type makes it a premier location for that. But with 30+ acres of forested hillsides, low ground, and natural areas we've evolved into a mixed farm and forest enterprise. Our goal is to utilize the productivity of all our property while still retaining the basic character and usefulness of the wild areas. Letting each thing be what it wants to be and does best on it's own. Flow, not force.So our year starts early with tapping maple trees and making maple syrup. Plus there's grape trimming about this time as well. When the forest floor starts to green up a bit later, we start digging Ramps, or Wild Leeks in the woods. Most of these will go to the more trendy Chicago restaurants, but we also have some local sales. Next comes inoculating winter-cut logs with Shiitake spawn for next years mushroom production. This year we also conducted a few hands-on workshop seminars on mushroom growing as well. Then it's on to our raised bed herb & veggie gardens. (Fresh herbs are just so much fun to cook with!) We grow enough for our own yearly use, as well as some for direct sales. Summer keeps us busy tending all the different crops here and trying to keep up. But there's that steady progression of fresh veggies to eat. Yum !!! Fall brings our annual Grape U-Pick in September and October. And we try to time related crops like mums, pumpkins, and gourds for this same time frame. Makes the place a bit more interesting. Late fall is when we bring in firewood to heat the house and workshop. Stacks of wood everywhere. Hopefully before the 1st snow. In winter it's time to fire up the woodworking shop and be a bit creative. Build furniture, equipment maintenance, who knows what next years projects will include. I like to keep everybody guessing.So, that's what goes on here. You're welcome to check it out, lend a hand, relax back at camp, walk the vineyards and/or forest, or just breathe and relax. That's up to you. But I would recommend visiting a few of the fine local wineries. Seems there's a festival going on at one or another of them just about every weekend. Good music, good wine, good times. And there's the Lake Michigan beaches a few miles down the road.Yeah, this is a pretty casual place here, love meeting new people, very open to civil discussions of all sorts.However, rude, ill mannered people will probably enjoy staying elsewhere. Just say'n.

The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

8 sites · RVs1 acre · Chicago, IL

Twenty years of growing this farm... Not what grows here but the farm itself! Stone and brick pulled from the ground till we found the beautiful earth beneath and built an incredible community around it. Or rather, it grew itself from the energy that surrounds it. It's a special spot where you may happen upon a fire in the sugar shack while we boil city collected sap into maple syrup or have an open jam night with world class jazz musicians. Enjoy the morning serenade of our rooster! Really, just come and be here. Though we think we're pretty cool, a few things to note that you may not think are so cool: There is a train that runs directly behind the farm. Light sleepers, may want to bring ear plugs. We try to accommodate parking your car on site but it's weather and situation conditional. Assume the possibility that you may need to park on the street. Bring your tent to The Vaudeville! (RVs, campers, trailers, vans please see the ** at the bottom). Our urban farm is smack in the middle of Chicago only a 10 minute bike or train ride from Downtown, Lake Michigan, The Mag Mile and all Chicago has to offer! Bike the Lake Shore Trail, walk the 606, kayak the Chicago River, catch a blues show or Hawks game or just relax with the goats and chickens in the 9,000 square foot farm that we absolutely love to share with fellow campers! ** We have stopped hosting RVs, campers/vans, pull behinds and larger vehicles because we are finding it difficult to get them in the entrance gate but if you feel amazingly capable with your backing in skills in your rig and you're super patient, laid back and extra cool, let us know and we may be able to make it work!! :)

Lochloosa River Retreat

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Monterey, IN

Welcome to Lochloosa River Retreat! We are a small hobby farm on a little over 6 acres of partially wooded land with nearly 700 feet of river frontage on the beautiful Tippecanoe River! We offer primitive tent and primitive dry RV camping with indoor restroom and showers. There is a lovely creek that flows through the property, perfect for exploring and having fun for kids or the kid at heart! Lochloosa is like a sanctuary for wildlife and humans alike! Spend some time watching the many birds, arrange a tubing or kayaking trip on the river, fish off the riverbank, relax and have fun at the in ground saltwater pool complete with slide and diving board, or kick back at your campsite near the creek, gaining some ZEN while listening to the sounds of the babbling brook and watching the amazing sunrises and sunsets! Explore nearby Lake Maxinkuckee beach, named one of Indiana's top twelve lakes to visit and browse the shops and restaurants in Culver or travel 15 miles to Lake Manitou and explore all the fun restaurants and shopping Rochester has to offer. Whatever you decide to enjoy while you're here, we welcome you and hope you love this little slice of camping paradise as much as we do! We offer a limited number of tube and kayak trips. Please message me for more info or add it as an extra to your reservation to arrange your float in advance of your stay. All campers have shared access to one indoor family/unisex restroom with two toilets and two showers. Please be sure to check all info and rules for the particular site that you book. We allow pets in sites north of the creek only as our pets and farm animals live on the south side. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. There is a nearby country store within 2 miles that offers chicken, pizza, ice and miscellaneous items for your convenience!

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Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Gary, IN

This is a hidden gem in the outskirts of Gary. Located on the Calumet river is this amazing horse farm with 3 horses and 4 ponies. It’s 1 mile off of the 80/94 and 65 highway. Only a 45 min drive from Chicago. We also offer free parking to Miller Beach on Lake Michigan which is only a 10 min drive to there and the Indiana Dunes. Theres also Deep River Dam where you can drop your kayak and do some fishing less then a mile away. Pet fee 50 dollars for 1st pet 25 dollars for 2nd pet (75) 2 max pets

Michigan City Camping/4min to Beach

1 site · RV, Tent9 acres · Michiana Shores, IN

Discover the ultimate outdoor retreat at our secluded campsite in Michigan City, Indiana, nestled on 9 acres of lush woodland just minutes from the beach. Our spacious site accommodates multiple tents and features a hammock, bonfire pit (Fire wood provided), and picnic table for your comfort. Enjoy the tranquility of nature with the convenience of local breweries, wineries, and the Indiana Dunes National Park nearby. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, our campsite offers the perfect backdrop for your next camping getaway.

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Harbor Country Cabins

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Sawyer, MI

I become owner of this property in 2017. The cabins were built in the late 90's financed by the previous owner. The property was vacant for decades prior to that. In the 1950's, the property was a drive-in motel called the 'Harbert Motel'. We have an arial photo from this time period which showed a number of small bungalows for guests, each with its own carport. I love all the stories I hear from locals who have been around long enough to remember how things 'used to be'. Southwest Michigan has an interesting history and has been a 'destination' from city dwellers for close to 100 years. Even Al Capone and his goon's frequented the area as they moved illegal good during the days of prohibition. Learn more about this land: Breweries, Wineries, Berry Picking, Art Studios, Farmers Markets, hiking trails, biking trails, Lake Michigan boating, kayaking, fishing, canoeing.......all those things and more await you in Southwest Michigan. We have 6 'tiny house' style cabins on 1-acre property we call - Harbor Country Cabins. Harbor Country Cabins is located along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail. Our resort offers a unique lodging and gathering location in the center of Harbor Country, near Southwest Michigan’s premier destination for beaches, breweries, wineries, dining and summer fun. With 12 queen bunk and 4 twin bunk beds spaced across 6 cabins, our property can hold up to 28 people. Price in this listing is for rental of all 6 cabins.

Lakeshore Camp Resort Lot 238

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Portage, IN

Glamping at its best. This lot is at the highest point over looking the lake. This travel trailer sleeps 6. Made for children, the park offers a lake for fishing, boat rentals, beach, swimming pools, game room, mini-golf, kids activities, and more. Air conditioning when it is cold, heat when it is hot, stay dry on a rainy day, inside bathroom. Is this really camping? It is more like Glamour Camping; Glamping. Only 45 minutes from Chicago, and 10 minutes to the Indiana Dunes State Park.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Indiana Dunes National Park

Dune Acres, Indiana

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Potato Creek State Park

North Liberty, Indiana

Dune top view was amazing! You could see the Chicago skyline

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(35)

Indiana Dunes State Park

Dune Acres, Indiana

91%

(18)

Warren Dunes State Park

Bridgman, Michigan

Lakeside camping near Valparaiso guide

Overview

Looking to camp near Valparaiso, Indiana and enjoy a beautiful lake? Look no further than Mulln-Heim Vineyards (342 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (136 reviews) for highly rated options. Hipcamp offers a variety of amenities such as showers, toilets, and campfires to make your camping experience comfortable. And if you're a fan of snow sports, horseback riding, or surfing, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Prices start as low as $25 per night, with an average price of $49 per night. Start planning your lake camping adventure with Hipcamp today!