Best Camping in and near Indiana Dunes State Park

93% (35 reviews)

Take advantage of year-round family recreation on the Lake Michigan shore.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Indiana Dunes State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Top-rated campgrounds near Indiana Dunes State Park

99%

(250)

Blooming Bus Farms

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Niles, MI

Blooming Bus farms is a working urban flower, vegetable and fiber farm practicing sustainable, organic, natural farming practices. Spread out over 15 acres, upon completion, you’ll find 4 yurt sites and 3 byo tent sites. Working hard contributing to our compost are our alpaca and free range chickens. While this is a working farm, we try to not run any equipment before 10:00am! Inquire about reserving the entire property to host your group getaway!

97%

(73)

The Haven with 4 Camp sites

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Niles, MI

The Haven camp site and wedding venue began in 2022, with a slow start; but as we jumped into the 2023 season, we made quite a bit of changes and ended the year with great success by: meeting new people and having many people come back for their second and third times! We strive to share the property that God has graciously blessed us with. The Haven is 3 acres of beautiful land on the St Joseph River. Our property setting is a hidden gem that opens to the most beautiful natural setting. The land offers a gorgeous view of the river and numerous shady sites nestled underneath a giant array of oak beach and walnut trees. Here at The Haven, the property has ample space for parking, room for various size camping tents and small pop-up tents small RV's, A dock for fishing, and access for kayaking. Fire pits and grill area for cooking and a complimentary bucket with some goodies to start you off. This setting is perfect for camping in a private nestled nook on the river. We have more than one area on the property to choose from. You can choose any site you would like: From the River’s edge, Beach Area (site 1) Small RV and tent site, or on the River under The Canopy of trees (site2) small RV and tent site. You also can stay at the Cozy corner (Site 3) by the woods and river in our new addition: Trailer that sleeps up to 4 people with all the amenities and can accommodate campers with tents as well, Or The Cove by the woods, small camper, and tent (site 4). Come Stargaze or hangout at the “spot” (dock) comfortably and lounge with views on the water or sit by the campfire at “The Pit.” Every site is first come first serve. Book earlier to get your desired spot! Bring your toys and play in the great outdoors! We have corn hole toss, horseshoe toss, but if you have toys you can use them here, throw the football or play some volleyball or Tether ball whichever and soon we will have Frisbee Golf! Or rent some of our Kayaks and really enjoy the river! Don’t miss out book now! -If smoking or drugs are discovered on the property the whole group will be asked to leave with NO REFUND. NO EXCEPTIONS. Alcohol will be at the owner’s discretion upon arrival. Please dump all trash in waste baskets provided. Please clean up after pets and please be responsible and respectful of others. The Haven

93%

(284)

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!! :)

100%

(619)

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.

98%

(197)

Willowthorne

6 sites · RVs, Tents9 acres · Lynwood, IL

Discover the Charm of Willowthorne: Your Rustic Sanctuary Amid Natural Beauty. Willowthorne invites you to revel in the natural allure and organic rhythm of life on the farm, fostering enduring memories that extend long after your visit. Nestled within a serene 9-acre organic blueberry farm , Willowthorne emerges as an idyllic escape where the sunsets are sublime, and the night sky brims with twinkling stars, and the hosts are charming and delightful. This unique getaway marries the essence of organic farming, educational pursuits, and warm hospitality to create an unparalleled outdoor experience. Catering to tent camping aficionados and retreat groups, our pastoral campgrounds are graced with picturesque views of a tranquil pond and willow trees. While our space welcomes the modest charm of tents, small RVs, and campers, we maintain a rustic essence without power hook-ups, encouraging guests to connect with nature. Each campsite is thoughtfully equipped with a personal fire ring and table for your convenience. Our area offers an incredible variety of recreational and sightseeing activities. Find peace and tranquility among nature or travel just 25 miles north to visit the heart of Chicago! We are central to many Illinois, Indiana and Michigan State Parks and beaches. Several good restaurants and breweries are also nearby. PLEASE NOTE: Please drive slowly and cautiously through our property. We are an active farm with a lot of activity all year round. Please pitch your tent in the designated campground area. In support of conservation of the natural ecosystem, please refrain from broadcast pesticides, i.e. Raid, Yard Guard, etc. Spraying skin, clothing, and personal property with mosquito repellent in your designated camping is fine. Our farm has beehives placed at a safe distance from the campsites to ensure guest safety. Obey posted signs and please stay out of designated work areas OBSERVE FIRE SAFETY. Leave fire ring in designated spot. Never leave fire unattended. No fires on windy days. Extinguish fire before leaving campsite. Please read: https://www.hipcamp.com/journal/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fire-safety For Your Convenience: Firewood: Purchase bundles of wood on site as non-local wood can disrupt the local ecosystem through disease or invasive species. Feel free to collect any small, fallen twigs for kindling. (Wood in stacked piles is not for burning but reserved for mushroom cultivation and other projects.) Honey: We offer honey harvested from blueberry blossoms in spring and the rich flavors of black locust and clover in late summer. Blueberries: Come July, partake in our U-pick blueberry farm, an experience seamlessly woven into your stay. Misc. We also offer a variety of organic garden vegetables and herbs throughout the growing season. Kindly inquire on availability upon arrival if you are interested in any of these farm fresh goodies. Catch-and-Release fishing is welcome. We look forward to having you enjoy the natural beauty at Willowthorne!

100%

(15)

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

100%

(18)

Sleek Acres

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Grovertown, IN

Sleek Acres is a total of 13 acres, which includes our homestead, our chicken yard and barn, a fishing pond, and over 6 secluded acres to the back of the property where guests can explore (including walking trails). There are hungry catfish and bass in the pond who are always happy to be fed (we provide the fish food). Fishing is allowed, but catch and release only (under 12"), please! Mr. and Mrs. Quackers live on the pond and will happily greet you as you walk to the beach. Relax in the morning as you enjoy your coffee and watch the fish and turtles swim in the pond. We have a large fire ring adjoining Sites 3, 4, and 5, and the Cozy Camper. Bring your tripod and cook over the open fire or use one of the provided charcoal grills to make dinner. (Separate fire rings are provided at Sites 1 and 2.) A small amount of firewood is provided, and additional firewood is available for purchase. We provide a bathhouse which includes a toilet and shower. A handwash/dishwashing station is located right outside the bathhouse. Our chickens are happy to take care of any food leftovers you don't want! You can walk right up to the fence and they will greet you. You may also see deer, fox, groundhogs, and many beautiful birds in the camping area. Located central to many destinations, we are 5 minutes from All-Sports Koontz Lake; 10 minutes from Plymouth, plenty of shopping and home of the Blueberry Festival; 10 minutes from Walkerton, home of the Falloween Fest; 25 minutes from Valparaiso; and 50 minutes from Notre Dame. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing place to camp, yet close to many attractions, Sleek Acres is the place to be! :) (Please note: Check in and check out times will be based on central time.)

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(134)

Gun Smoke Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Grant Park, IL

Beautiful camping spots with fire pit and picnic table. Seasoned Firewood is available for purchase. Three beautiful sites with campfire pits and area for tents. Sites 1&2 overlook a manicured range. Site 3 is nearby. Waivers must be signed to use range, Hipcamp is not liable for range use. Car, suv, truck, trailer and smaller RV parking. 15 minute drive to Cedar Lake, 10 minutes to Badlandz Paintball Field. No electrical hookup, no plumbing. (Yet) Porta potty provided

Booked 1 time

Tippecanoe River Stays

5 sites · Lodging10 acres · Winamac, IN

Nestled along the scenic banks of the Tippecanoe River, our unique collection of accommodations offers something for every type of traveler, from rustic adventurers to those seeking a cozy retreat with modern comforts. Whether you're looking to fully disconnect in a primitive cabin surrounded by nature or enjoy the charm of a rustic studio with essential amenities, our property provides a variety of experiences to suit your preferences. - Primitive Cabin #1: This is a primitive cabin overlooking the Tippecanoe River. There's a toilet facility near the cabin. It includees one double bed with NO sheets or pillows provided. There's an upper bunk area that sleeps two, a picnic table, and firewood. - Primitive Cabin #2: The cabin has 1 double bed and loft sleeping. No beds, sheets, pillows or blankets are provided in the loft. The cabin has no electricity or no water inside but does have a flushing toilet near and a hand wash station nearby. - German Haus - a private rustic studio cabin with Queen bed, a twin daybed, kitchenette, 2 chairs, kitchen table, and shower bathroom. It's great for the outdoor type person. - The Kite Suite: This is a family suite with King bed bedroom, a queen bed with overhead single sleeper, and available rollaway. It has a full bathroom, WIFI, TV, kitchenette with MW, coffee pot, toaster oven, sink, and utensils. - The Oriental Suite: This suite has a Queen bed and single daybed sleeper with a jacuzzi tub bathroom for single/double occupancy. Has a sitting room, wide screen TV, Internet TV, kitchenette, fridge, MW, toaster oven, full kitchen utensils, and coffee pot. Overlooks River and woods.

82%

(22)

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.

99%

(71)

Atomic camp ground

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Berrien Springs, MI

Learn more about this land: Quaint 5 acres of rolling hills surrounded by wooded lot. Potable water and a clean Porta John. Close to lake Michigan and Warren Dunes. Close to Notre Dame. Great for relaxing or just a place to stay for the night.

99%

(39)

Blackberry Hills, Berrien County

9 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Benton Harbor, MI

Hello, We have 8 beautiful dry camping sites in southwest lower Michigan. We have water as you approach the main drive to fill your water tanks. Being a dry site you have to bring your own camp restroom equipment. We are close to several incredible beaches, bike trails, kayaking, Jack Nicholas golf course and all of this is a 7 minute drive away! While we have dry camping only, we have picnic tables, fire rings, a fresh filtered drinking water filling station on property. Please be responsible, keeping noise and driving speeds down for other guests. There are many brew pubs and great places to eat that are all in 7 miles away. The average site size is 50' x 24'. The sites are spacious, clean, and private which is what we look for when we are out camping with our RV. No electric, no dump stations, we do Sell firewood, and have a trash bin. At this time, there are no bathrooms on site so you will need to bring your own camp pottys. The sites are more than 1000 feet off of the road so they are very quiet and peaceful. Please check out the photos, and if you have questions about staying here please send is a note! Please help us keep the camping experience great by leaving no trace behind... Thank you! -Keith and Kelly Kiser (owners and campers)

The best camping near Indiana Dunes State Park guide

Overview

About

Just outside of Gary, on the banks of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dune State Park offers year-round recreation, with over 2,000 acres of dunes and forest and nine miles of trails for hiking in summer and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. It’s popular with families, particularly in summer when locals come in droves to hang out on the park’s sandy beach. For those who want to spend the night, the two-loop Indiana Dunes Campground features 140 electric tent and RV sites, plus showers, two playgrounds, a camp store, and a dump station.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve a campsite at Indiana Dunes through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website or by calling the Indiana state park's reservation hotline.
Campsite availability opens at noon, six months in advance.
Sites that haven't been pre-booked are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Arrive early to guarantee your chances of snagging something, but note that check-in/check-out isn't until 2pm (5pm on Sundays and public holidays).
If you can’t find a site at Indiana Dunes State Park, look into camping at the adjacent Indiana Dunes National Park or reserve a private Hipcamp in the area

When to go

Indiana Dunes State Park is open year-round, though the nature center is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from November through March. Winters are cold and snowy, and the park is a popular destination for cross-country skiing from December through February, and often into March. Summers are hot and humid, with highs in the low 80s from June through August, while September is a little cooler and less crowded, particularly on weekdays.

Know before you go

You can pick up groceries and supplies in the suburb of Chesterton, right by the park. For better selection, head to the city of Gary, about a 25-minute drive away.
Dogs are allowed at the campground, provided they’re on leashes no longer than six feet in length. Dogs are not allowed at the beach.
Campsites 7, 22, 28, 53, 119, and 127 are wheelchair accessible. If you book an accessible site and don’t need ADA accommodations, you may be reassigned to a different site.
For winter campers, Indiana Dunes keeps one heated restroom open.