Discover Indiana’s beaches, rivers, and historic canals on a camping trip near St.
John.
Even though St. John is just 30 minutes from Chicago, it feels like a gateway into undisturbed wilderness and camping adventures. Although there’s no camping directly in town, stop by to see the epic Shrine of Christ Passion before heading into nearby nature at Indiana Dunes National Park. Sandy beaches and 50 miles of trails are right next to the park's seasonal campgrounds on Lake Michigan's southern shore. Find nonelectric RV sites with modern restrooms and hot/cold showers as well as rustic tent sites nestled in the woodlands. Just an hour outside of Sheridan is Kankakee River State Park. Waterfront campgrounds set along the Kankakee River provide a retreat for anglers looking for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and Northern pike. Group and equestrian sites are also available. Channahon State Park, part of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor, is a good stop for campers who want to go off-the-grid. Private, primitive tent sites are right next to the park with potable water, toilets, and picnic tables.