The best camping near Indiana Dunes National Park

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

100% (17 reviews)

Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Indiana Dunes National Park

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Indiana Dunes National Park

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Dunewood Campground

66 sites · RVs, Tents In Indiana Dunes National Park

Explore camping beyond Indiana Dunes National ParkDiscover 200+ magical spots to camp in National Parks

Top-rated campgrounds near Indiana Dunes National Park

99%

(257)

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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(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.

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(109)

Lochloosa River Retreat

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

Welcome to Lochloosa River Retreat, your home away from home! Nestled on over 6 picturesque acres, our small hobby farm boasts partially wooded landscapes and nearly 700 feet of stunning frontage along the Tippecanoe River. We offer both primitive tent and dry RV camping, complete with access to indoor restrooms and showers for your convenience. A serene creek winds through the property, providing an ideal setting for children and the young at heart to explore and enjoy nature. Lochloosa serves as a haven for wildlife and a peaceful retreat for humans alike. Whether you prefer birdwatching, tubing or kayaking down the river, fishing from the riverbank, or unwinding in our saltwater pool equipped with a slide and diving board, there's something for everyone. You can even relax at your campsite by the babbling creek and soak up the ZEN as you admire breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. For added adventure, we offer a limited number of tube and kayak trips. To secure your spot, please message us for more details or add this option to your reservation ahead of time. For those eager to explore the local area, nearby Lake Maxinkuckee Beach—one of Indiana's top-rated lakes—offers stunning views and activities. You can also stroll through the charming shops and restaurants of Culver or visit Lake Manitou to experience Rochester's vibrant culture, dining, and shopping scene. Whatever your plans, we're thrilled to share this little slice of camping paradise with you and hope you love it as much as we do! Campers have access to a shared indoor family/unisex restroom featuring two toilets and two showers. We kindly ask guests to review the rules and details for the specific campsite they book. Please note that pets are welcome exclusively in sites north of the creek, as our own pets and farm animals reside on the south side. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Lastly, if you need any essentials, a nearby country store just 2 miles away offers a variety of items, including chicken, pizza, ice, and more, to make your stay even more enjoyable. We can’t wait to welcome you to Lochloosa River Retreat—your gateway to relaxation and adventure!

Booked 3 times

Glamp Chicago Yurt Urban Campsite

2 sites · Tents1 acre · Chicago, IL

Welcome to Glamp Chicago: Chicago’s Premier Urban Glamping Experience Discover the perfect fusion of city vibrance and outdoor serenity at Glamp Chicago, Chicago's only enchanting urban glamping retreat. ✨ Where Boho Chic Meets Urban Comfort Step into our stylish sanctuary, thoughtfully designed with eclectic décor and modern amenities to create a luxurious yet down-to-earth retreat. Our oversized safari tent is adorned with plush bedding, curated furnishings and kitchenette, giving you the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. 📍 Prime Location for Every Adventure Compared to other glamping options, Glamp Chicago is uniquely positioned to deliver an urban escape without compromising on luxury or location. Spend your day exploring iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and Navy Pier, diving into local foodie favorites, or uncovering hidden gems in bustling neighborhoods. 🌟 Plan Your 2025 Glamp Chicago Stay Around Chicago’s Spring & Summer Events! Spring and summer are the heartbeat of Chicago’s cultural calendar, and there’s no better way to experience it all than by staying at Glamp Chicago, your luxurious urban oasis. With so much happening, our site is a prime location for access to the city's most vibrant festivals, concerts, and events. 🎶 Can’t-Miss Events in 2025: • Chicago Cubs Baseball (March – October) • Grant Park Music Festival (June-August) • Lollapalooza (August) • Northalsted Market Days (August) • Open House Chicago (October) 🔥 Nights to Remember As the city lights twinkle overhead, gather around your personal fire pit to swap stories, share laughter, and enjoy a nightcap. Our gated setting offers a secure, intimate space to unwind from the day's adventures while embracing the hum of the city under the shadows of the city skyline. 📆 Don’t Wait—Reserve Your Stay Now! Whether you're attending the city’s most iconic events, celebrating a special occasion, or simply seeking a unique escape, Glamp Chicago is your gateway to unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Our prime location ensures you’re always close to the action while enjoying the serenity of a private retreat. • Act fast—availability for spring and summer 2025 will fill up quickly!

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The Haven with 5 Camp sites

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

The Haven Camping and Outdoor Wedding Venue began in 2022, Our goal is to strive to share the property that God has graciously blessed us with, with the public. The Haven is nestled on 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: The River’s edge, Beach Area (site 1) Small RV and tent site, The River under The Canopy of trees (site 2) small RV and tent site, The Cove by the woods, small camper, and tent (site 4). The Cozy Corner (Site 3) by the woods on the river (this is a secluded corner and very private.) And last but not least our Cozy Camper vintage Trailer that sleeps up to 4 people with all the amenities and can accommodate campers with tents (2) (site 5). Come Stargaze or hangout at the “spot” (dock) comfortably and lounge with views of 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, Frisbee or play some volleyball or Tether ball whichever! Or rent some of our Kayaks or fish and really enjoy the river! Porta Potty's are available. 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%

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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!! :)

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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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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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Sleek Acres

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 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 8 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! A small group of ducks live on the pond and will happily greet you as you walk to the beach. Relax at the beach in the morning as you enjoy your coffee and watch the fish, ducks, and turtles swim in the pond. Fire rings and picnic tables are provided at each site. A small amount of firewood is provided, and additional firewood is available for purchase. We have two charcoal grills available for your use. 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 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 (Labor Day weekend); 10 minutes from Walkerton, home of the Falloween Fest (Sept. 26, 27, 28); 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 out times, as well as quiet hours, are based on central time.)

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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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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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The Hideaway at Cooper Lake

3 sites · Lodging30 acres · Westville, IN

The Hideaway is located on private property in Otis, Indiana. Two canvas tents line our man made, creek fed lake. The lake is over 6 acres and approximately 35 ft deep. The lake is stocked with catfish, bluegill, bass and other fish perfect for fishing. Wildflowers and natural paths are available for walking and scenic photoshoots. The property is near the toll road. Some guests do not notice the noise others have been more sensitive to it. There is space for each site to have privacy, or just a short walk to each if you are booking both. Each site has their own shower, flushing port-o-john, fire pit, dining area. There is a shared space near the lake which includes lounging furniture. We proudly do not have wifi and encourage our guests to unplug and relax!

The best camping near Indiana Dunes National Park guide

Overview

About

On the shores of Lake Michigan, epic sand dunes rise over turquoise waters. Just 40 miles from the large city of Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Park feels worlds away. Open year round, the park has a range of activities. Check out the hiking trails along the dune peaks, enjoy the sandy beaches, or go biking on one of the exquisite trails. In the snowy winter, explore the lakeshore while cross-country skiing. After a busy day, find a picnic table with a view of the surrounding natural beauty. Venture into Michigan City, Indiana, to find breweries, restaurants, and more.

Notable campgrounds

Best for national park access: The National Park Services offers one campground on-site at Indiana Dunes National Park in Dunewood Campground.
Best for camping with hookups: Nearby Indiana Dunes State Park has campsites with electric hookups.
Best for serenity: Dunewood Campground has 13 walk-in tent-only campsites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

While Indiana Dunes National Park is larger than Indiana Dunes State Park, the state park has more modern campground facilities.
Both are popular parks, so campers should book early.
Indiana Dunes State Park campground is open seasonally from late April through late October, and reservations may be made 6 months in advance.
Reservations open November 15 for the following camping season at Indiana Dunes National Park’s Dunewood Campground. Otherwise, reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance.
Dunewood Campground closes November through March.

When to go

Summer is peak season due to the bounty of lake recreation, including boating, kayaking, and swimming. Plan for full sun while hiking dunes, and carry plenty of water and sunscreen. Spring and fall are generally cool, with good weather for many types of outdoor recreation. The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is celebrated each May, offering birdwatching tours led by experts. Due to its northern location, Indiana Dunes National Park has cold, snowy winters. The national and state park campgrounds are closed, though winter recreation can be enjoyed in both parks.

Know before you go

The national park previously went by the name Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
While sewer and water hookups are not available at individual campsites, potable water and dump stations are available at both the national park and state park campgrounds.
Restrooms and showerhouses are located near the lakeshore for cleaning up after playing on the sandy beaches.
While tent camping at the walk-in sites at the national park, campers must bring their own water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp for free in Indiana Dunes National Park?

There is no free camping available within Indiana Dunes National Park. The park has one designated campground, the Dunewood Campground, which requires a fee for camping. The campground offers campsites with basic amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. Reservations can be made during the peak season, while some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can you camp overnight at Indiana Dunes?

Yes, you can camp overnight at Indiana Dunes. The Indiana Dunes State Park has a campground with 140 campsites, offering electric hookups, restrooms, and showers. The campground is located within the park and is just a short walk from the beach. Additionally, Indiana Dunes National Park offers the Dunewood Campground, which has 66 campsites with restrooms and potable water available. Note that neither of these campgrounds is directly on the beach, but they are close to the shoreline. You can learn more about camping options and make reservations through the Hipcamp website.

How do I get a campsite reservation at Indiana Dunes National Park?

Securing an Indiana Dunes National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Indiana Dunes National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Indiana Dunes campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

When should I reserve camping in Indiana Dunes National Park?

Most Indiana Dunes National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure an Indiana Dunes National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Indiana Dunes campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.