The best camping near Indiana Dunes State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Indiana Dunes State Park adventure.

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

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Indiana Dunes State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Indiana Dunes State Park

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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!

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(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!! :)

98%

(195)

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!

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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(169)

Organic Apple Orchard and Farm

1 site · Tent49 acres · Berrien Center, MI

This campsite is in the middle of Earth First Farms, an established certified organic apple orchard in SW Michigan. The farm is 49 acres, with the campsite being in a soft hollow about 200 feet wide separating 2 blocks of trees. Very quiet at night. In the day, depending on the season, there are farm activities taking place. Firewood is provided and fresh organic produce is available in season.

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(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.

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Restoration Acres

2 sites · Tents8 acres · Medaryville, IN

Recently acquired property that used to be a farm. We are working to clean up the debris and add in trails, enjoy what we have to offer as we improve! Some areas are off limits for safety. We have a small pen of kunekunes pigs on the property as well. Note-. This is an active family property so you will hear/see children and normal family activities.

Glamp Chi Urban Campsite

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Chicago, IL

Welcome to Glamp Chi - An Urban Glamping Experience in Chicago! Dear Adventurers and Urban Explorers, Welcome to our little slice of paradise in the heart of the Windy City! We are thrilled to have you join us for a one-of-a-kind urban glamping getaway that promises to enchant your senses and rejuvenate your spirit. Fall is no better time to glamp and Chicago has an abundance of activities and itineries to explore with autumn colors, the smell of leaves, and orange sunsets. Step into our boho chic oasis, where luxury meets vibrant urban pocket in the most unexpected of places. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Chicago's vibrant and culturally rich streets, you'll find a tranquil retreat awaiting your arrival. Leave the ordinary behind and immerse yourself in the beauty of the great urban outdoors, without ever leaving the city limits. Nestled beneath a soft urban twilight glow and lush natural landscape, your Glamp Ground awaits. Adorned with eclectic decor and thoughtful touches, our urban sanctuary provides for elevated comfort and style in a private refuge. As you spend the day exploring one of many curated travel experiences – you’ll find our glamp site right in the center of it all. And as your urban explorations of the rich city of Chicago come to an end – you’ll look forward to retreating back to your urban oasis and unwind within your very own private urban glamp site. Whether you chose to eat at a local restaurant, take-out or pick up and prep a meal at your glamp site - you can be flexible as you return from your Windy City travels having a meal near your tent or within the optional kitchenette provided inside the oversized safari tent. As the sun sets over the skyline and you settle in to share in your experience of the day; catching a baseball game, attending a concert, watching city fireworks, or tasting an amazing meal from one of several local dining options – you’ll be able to gather within a private, gated setting around the fire pit to reflect on the stories and share in the laughter with a nightcap under the city shadows. And, when the time comes to rest for your next day’s adventure, you’ll be able to sink into plush bedding, falling asleep to the tranquil hum of the urban heartbeat under a safari sized, weather protected heavy-duty bell tent canopy. During your stay, take time to explore all that Chicago has to offer, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you choose to wander through bustling neighborhoods, sample local cuisine, or simply soak in the sights and sounds of the city, your urban adventure awaits just beyond your tent flap. Thank you for choosing to embark on this unforgettable urban journey which we have enjoyed for years. May your stay be filled with moments of magic, serenity, and boundless wonder. Happy Glamping! Glamp Chi

Taliano Lake Estate

10 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Cedar Lake, IN

1 block from the lake and within a mile of restaurants gas stations liquor store groceries fishing and a public beach. Also winter time and snowmobile are very popular here Rules - fires must be in contained pit - quiet time is 9pm - 8am - if you bring pets clean up after them and keep on a leash if outside - be respectful and nice to anyone in town and wherever you go and to the property you are staying at. Please clean up after yourself. - when you enter field please drive low and slow do not tear up the field.

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.