97% (441) • 22 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Merrillville
Willowthorne
1. Willowthorne
97%
(253)
13mi from Merrillville · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$54
/ night
The Once a Pond A Time Campsites
2. The Once a Pond A Time Campsites
97%
(154)
50mi from Merrillville · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
My 4 and a half acres have a natural pond on it. I no longer own a personal flock of ducks but plenty of wild feathered friends come to drink and swim. I am three miles from Lake Michigan and my town has a public access beach. I am surrounded by wineries, breweries, and antique stores. I am in the country but only a few miles off the expressway. Berrien County's adorable small towns are known for their special events all year round.
My sites are dispersed so first come first choice. Find a fixed Fire Ring and set up your camp! Or pick a spot without a ring - I do have portable free fire pits.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
Sleek Acres
3. Sleek Acres
100%
(116)
43mi from Merrillville · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Sleek Acres includes our homestead, chicken yard and barn, a fishing pond with a beach, and over 8 secluded acres to the back of the property for guests to enjoy (including a walking trail.) We provide a bathhouse, which includes a toilet and shower (cold & hot water). A handwash/ dishwashing station is located right outside the bathhouse. Fire rings, cooking grates, and picnic tables are provided at each site. A small amount of firewood is provided, and additional firewood is available for purchase. Eggs are also available for purchase through HipCamp or on-site.
Located central to many destinations, we are:
*5 minutes from All-Sports Koontz Lake;
*10 minutes from Plymouth, (home of the Blueberry Festival - Labor Day weekend);
*10 minutes from Walkerton, home of the Falloween Fest (Last weekend of Sept.);
*20 minutes from Potato Creek State Park;
*25 minutes from Bass Lake Beach;
*50 minutes from Indiana Dunes State Park;
*25 minutes from Valparaiso;
*45 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.)
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$37
/ night
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
4. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
96%
(24)
7.3mi from Merrillville · 6 sites · Lodging
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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$90
/ night
97% (441) • 22 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Merrillville
Willowthorne
1. Willowthorne
97%
(253)
13mi from Merrillville · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$54
/ night
The Once a Pond A Time Campsites
2. The Once a Pond A Time Campsites
97%
(154)
50mi from Merrillville · 19 sites · Tents, RVs
My 4 and a half acres have a natural pond on it. I no longer own a personal flock of ducks but plenty of wild feathered friends come to drink and swim. I am three miles from Lake Michigan and my town has a public access beach. I am surrounded by wineries, breweries, and antique stores. I am in the country but only a few miles off the expressway. Berrien County's adorable small towns are known for their special events all year round.
My sites are dispersed so first come first choice. Find a fixed Fire Ring and set up your camp! Or pick a spot without a ring - I do have portable free fire pits.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
Sleek Acres
3. Sleek Acres
100%
(116)
43mi from Merrillville · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Sleek Acres includes our homestead, chicken yard and barn, a fishing pond with a beach, and over 8 secluded acres to the back of the property for guests to enjoy (including a walking trail.) We provide a bathhouse, which includes a toilet and shower (cold & hot water). A handwash/ dishwashing station is located right outside the bathhouse. Fire rings, cooking grates, and picnic tables are provided at each site. A small amount of firewood is provided, and additional firewood is available for purchase. Eggs are also available for purchase through HipCamp or on-site.
Located central to many destinations, we are:
*5 minutes from All-Sports Koontz Lake;
*10 minutes from Plymouth, (home of the Blueberry Festival - Labor Day weekend);
*10 minutes from Walkerton, home of the Falloween Fest (Last weekend of Sept.);
*20 minutes from Potato Creek State Park;
*25 minutes from Bass Lake Beach;
*50 minutes from Indiana Dunes State Park;
*25 minutes from Valparaiso;
*45 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.)
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$37
/ night
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
4. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
96%
(24)
7.3mi from Merrillville · 6 sites · Lodging
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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$90
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
James
November 2025
Tent
Omg Gosia +Mike thank you for being gracious host any questions I had were answered quickly and clear beautiful land my son and I tent and car camped nice flat land beautiful pond , bee hive , blueberry,chickens, clean bathroom station and water .going back with my daughter very soon and also guys when you go you have to try the homemade blueberry jams it’s amazing. Thanks again gosia and mike.
See more
A
Ali
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful sunset views, perfect amenities as promised, and Gosia came out and saw to every need. We’ll definitely be back for blueberry season!
See more
H
Hazzan Sarah
November 2025
Tent
With kids
The view over the lake at sunrise was absolutely beautiful! Even the rain couldn’t detract from how lovely our stay was.
See moreE
ERICH
November 2025
21 ft Class B
I had planned on only staying the first night, but it was so peaceful and the host so accommodating that I decided to stay another night. Mike was kind enough to spend some time with me telling me about the land in the history surrounding it, as well as a brief tour of the various gardens and small store where they have fresh honey, jams, etc. lovely place and will love to stay here in the spring to see everything growing!
See more
E
ERICH
November 2025
21 ft Class B
Perfect little getaway from Chicago. The description and pictures are accurate. The hosts were extremely communicative and very friendly. Got to chat with both of them a little bit. Will definitely stay here again!
See more
K
KATE
October 2025
16 ft campervan
Two nicely laid out large shaded campsites facing a pond. Cute working farm between a field and what felt like busy suburban life driving in. Camp area was pretty quiet but I could hear traffic noises. Tables, grill, toilet and running water for hand washing.
They offer organic jams and sauces made there on the farm. A nice little addition that make Hipcamp sites unique.
See more
E
Eva
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Absolutely loved Gosia and Mike! It was such a great experience and so close to the city!!!
See more
D
David
October 2025
16 ft car
Great place to rest and recharge. Lovely property with plenty of space. Cherisse was a great host and was quick to respond to messages.
See more
C
Camilla
October 2025
With pets
We had a wonderful stay. Nice to have a getaway like this so close to the city. We enjoyed the site- absolutely beautiful view of ponies and goats. Camper was worn and comfortable and very well stocked. There’s some highway noise but it becomes like white noise- I didn’t notice it really. The host was incredibly nice and helpful and communicative. We hope to return.
See more
G
Gerald
October 2025
B
Betsy
September 2025
18 ft campervan
The property is very well maintained. It is a lovely property and Earl and Lisa were very responsive checking in on me to be sure I had firewood and delivering my eggs. It was nice having a hot shower and the bathroom was squeaky clean. I would definitely recommend this Hip Camp.
See more
j
jessica
September 2025
16 ft campervan
Wonderful little spot. Would highly recommend. Private feeling and great hosts.
See more
S
Scott
September 2025
21 ft Class B
This site was exactly what we were looking for. Beautiful, quiet, clean, and great hosts. Even though we stayed during a very busy time for the hosts, Lisa still made time to meet us and fill us in on the big local event going on. We enjoyed the event and loved our stay!
See more
G
Guadalupe
September 2025
15 ft travel trailer
I loved the area and Cherisse's land was so nice and peaceful. I will definitely be recommending it for my travel trailer rental BC TRAVENTURE CO on Outdoorsy. The place is 4 min from the Warren Dunes and Molly's beach walk cafe was a cute small brunch spot. Rising Kites coffee spot on oak was also great. A ton of wine spots to try. The actual campsite was easy and very peaceful. They have wildlife we had an owl hangout at night. Overall great spot. If you want easy, laid back, low tech spot. We went to unplug for a weekend it was perfect.
See more
Breanna
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Great campsite! Everything was clean and it was nice to have a bathhouse so close. We had a great time catching fish at the pond. Site 4 was nice and shady for the hot days and the trees provided nice coverage during the rain. We will be back.
See more
s
smita
September 2025
With kids
We had such a wonderful stay here! Derek is a very helpful and responsive host. My daughter absolutely loved all the animals — cats, dogs, horses, and goats — which made the trip extra special. The location is perfect, close to the beach and just a short drive from Chicago, so it was both relaxing and convenient. We would definitely love to come back again.
See more
B
Bryan
September 2025
Tent
Very cool little campground. You can tell they have put some work into making a beautiful space. There is a pond in the center with lots of ducks, geese, cranes, etc. they also have a shower house with flush toilets, shower, sink for dishes, and trash. They even have some nice walking trails. Sites were pretty private and even if the place was full you would still have more privacy than most state parks. There is definitely some highway noise since they are so close to 30 but if you don’t mind that I would definitely recommend staying here!
See more
E
Ellen
September 2025
Tent
I had a great experience at Earl and Lisa’s camp! They were very quickly communicative and Lisa waited to show me to my campsite, despite me booking late at night. The camping areas were very well maintained and the bathroom was equally clean! The trails through the wooded areas were perfect to walk off a long drive and run some of my dogs energy off. Also, if you’re someone who enjoys stargazing, this is a great place for it!
See more
R
Raven
September 2025
Tent
With kids
This campsite was exactly what we wanted. She gave enough information for minimal contact. She will not pester or watch you. Very enjoyable, peaceful.
See more
C
Christine
September 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Was a wonderful place to rest our weary bodies after 12 days on road. Last stop before home. Earl and Lisa's place is wonderful. Park like setting with duck pond, stacks of wood waiting for us, and cute out house with shower and toilet. We were only ones there due to end of season and had full hook up site and it was perfect. Little road nose but really didn't really bother us.
See more
