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37 campgrounds and RV Parks near Gary, IN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
37 campgrounds
5142 campsites
111 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
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Best campgrounds near Gary, IN
Lakeshore Camp Resort
Portage, IN (7 miles away)
$$$$$
(926 sites)
+8
Indiana Dunes State Park
Chesterton, IN (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(140 sites)
+6
Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park
Cedar Lake, IN (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+3
Cedar Lake Bible Retreat and RV Park
Cedar Lake, IN (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+5
Sand Creek Campground
Chesterton, IN (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(195 sites)
+6
Emerald Trails Campground
Crete, IL (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(140 sites)
+7
Dunewood - Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Beverly Shores, IN (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(66 sites)
+4
Michigan City Campground
Michigan City, IN (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(153 sites)
+8
Pingala RV Resort
Oak Park, IL (29 miles away)
Lake Holiday Camp-Resort
De Motte, IN (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(112 sites)
+7
Pioneer Family Campground, Inc.
Lake Village, IN (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(85 sites)
+10
Oak Lake RV Resort
Indiana (33 miles away)
$$$$$
(277 sites)
+12
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Showers Dump station Tables Grills Firewood Playground Toilets RV storage Laundry
Camping near Gary, Indiana
Gary sits on the southern shore of Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana, roughly 25 miles from downtown Chicago and minutes from the Indiana Dunes. That location shapes the camping picture: RV renters use Gary as a base for beach days, dune hikes, and Chicago day trips, with campgrounds clustered along the Lake Michigan shore to the east and around Cedar Lake to the south.
The closest full-service option is Lakeshore Camp Resort in Portage, a 940-site membership park with 115 full-hookup campsites and 12 cabins available to the general public, located about 10 miles from the Indiana Dunes State and National Parks. South of the city, Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park and Cedar Lake Bible Retreat and RV Park offer quieter, faith-based settings with lake access, while Emerald Trails Campground provides a more traditional wooded stay.
For a public-lands anchor, Indiana Dunes State Park runs a 140-site campground within the park, giving easy access to the dunes, beach, and hiking trails.
Things to do around Gary
The main draw is the Lake Michigan shoreline. Indiana Dunes State Park sits at the heart of it, and a short hike on Trail 4 leads to the top of Mt. Tom, the tallest dune in the area at 192 feet, before descending to the beach. The adjacent Indiana Dunes National Park adds more trails, birding, and quieter beaches along a roughly 15-mile stretch of coast.
Inland, Cedar Lake offers swimming, fishing, and paddling within a short drive of Gary. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park provides free kayak use, an ADA-accessible shower house, tennis courts, beach access, and beach volleyball. Chicago is close enough for a day trip by car or via the South Shore commuter rail line, which stops in Gary and Miller Beach.
Camping spots and RV parks near Gary, IN
When to visit Gary
- spring
March - May
55° / 37°F 85 mmCool and wet; state park campground reopens in late April
- summer
June - August
81° / 63°F 100 mmPeak season; dunes sites fill months out
- fall
September - November
59° / 41°F 75 mmCooler, thinner crowds; fall color into October
- winter
December - February
34° / 19°F 50 mmCold and snowy; most private campgrounds closed
Summer is peak season. Highs sit in the low 80s Fahrenheit, Lake Michigan beaches are open, and weekend sites at Indiana Dunes State Park fill early. Campground reservations at the state park can fill up quickly during peak season, so booking well in advance is advised. Expect humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and heavy weekend traffic on US-12 and I-94.
Spring and fall are the shoulder seasons RV renters tend to prefer. May, September, and early October bring cooler nights, thinner crowds, and better site availability. September is a little cooler and less crowded, particularly on weekdays, and fall color along the dune trails runs into mid-October.
Winter is cold and snowy along the lake. Indiana Dunes State Park stays open year-round and is a popular destination for cross-country skiing from December into March. Many private campgrounds around Gary close or run reduced services from November through March, so confirm dates before booking.
Top Hosts near Gary, IN
Rachael27 trips - Joined Mar 2022
Great to work with and made the rental very easy.
Jon T. - Sep 2026
Great to work with and made the rental very easy.
Jon T. - Sep 2026
Daniel8 trips - Joined Jan 2024
Daniel was very nice to work with very pleasant . camping experience was fantastic beautiful camper no problems. Hope to do it again. 5 star
janet M. - Sep 2026
Daniel has been great and easy to reach. Super clean RV with no issues at all. Would definitely recommend!
Jakub K. - Jul 2026
How to book campsites near Gary
State-park sites use one system. Indiana Dunes State Park camping reservations are made through indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone with the Indiana state park reservation line. The booking window opens up to six months in advance, and popular summer weekends often fill on the day the window opens.
Sites at Dunewood Campground, inside Indiana Dunes National Park, are handled separately through Recreation.gov on a rolling six-month window, with the seasonal window first opening on November 15 for the following season. Dunewood has 66 sites, no individual hookups, and typically operates from April through early November.
Private campgrounds around Portage and Cedar Lake take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone. Book earliest for July, August, and holiday weekends, and confirm hookup type, rig-length limits, and any membership rules before arrival.
What to expect at Gary campgrounds
Hookup availability varies sharply by park. Indiana Dunes State Park does not offer full hookups; sites provide electric hookups at 20, 30, and 50 amp but no water or sewer at the site, though a dump station and potable water are available. Private parks like Lakeshore Camp Resort and Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park generally offer full hookups.
Expect a mix of public campgrounds and highly social private resorts. Lakeshore Camp Resort is a 940-site membership park with 115 full-hookup campsites and 12 cabins for the general public, and its amenities include four pools, beaches, fishing, boat rental, mini golf, and weekend entertainment. Cedar Lake Ministries is quieter and family-focused; the RV park is operated by a Christian church and is an alcohol- and drug-free environment.
Groceries and fuel are easy to find in Gary, Portage, Chesterton, and Cedar Lake. Cell coverage is generally strong across the metro area.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Gary, IN
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Gary, IN?
An RV rental in Gary, IN is one of the most affordable ways to explore the southern Lake Michigan shoreline. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes run roughly $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A rigs go higher. Because Gary sits at the gateway to Indiana Dunes National Park, peak summer (June through August) commands the highest rates. To score a cheap RV rental in Gary, target May, September, or weekday bookings, filter by trailers if you already have a tow vehicle, and look for hosts offering free pickup. Pro tip: booking 8+ weeks ahead for July Fourth weekend can help you secure better availability and lower rates than last-minute bookings.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Gary,IndianaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Gary, Indiana?
Good news for first-time renters: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Gary, Indiana. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special RV endorsement for the motorhomes, campervans, and travel trailers available on RVezy. You'll need to be 25 or older and upload a clear photo of your license, which gets verified securely through the platform. Visiting from outside the US? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local auto association. That's it: no test, no class, no surprise paperwork. Once you're verified, you can book any RV rental Indiana has to offer.
in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/drivers-licenses/Is my RV rental in Gary protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RVezy booking in Gary, IN includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you are covered from the moment you drive away. During checkout you choose your protection level, with each tier offering different coverage limits for damage to the RV. Hosts cannot change or downgrade this coverage, you control it at booking. Pro tip: if you are planning to drive into downtown Chicago (about 30 miles west) or tackle the Indiana Toll Road, choosing a higher-tier plan can be worth the small daily upcharge for added peace of mind.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Gary RV rental?
Booking an RV rental in Gary, IN is low-risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy, not the individual host. That means consistent, transparent rules across every listing on the platform. Refund amounts depend on how far out your trip start date is when you cancel, and you do not have to negotiate with the host or guess what their personal policy might be. If a host cancels on you, RVezy will refund your booking or help you rebook. Pro tip: book early to lock in your dates for the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival in May or summer weekends at the dunes, knowing you have a clear cancellation framework if plans change.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Gary, IN?
Yes, a pet-friendly RV rental in Gary, IN is easy to find. On RVezy, toggle the Pet-Friendly filter to see motorhomes and trailers where dogs (and sometimes cats) are welcome. Many hosts charge a small pet cleaning fee, which is shown clearly before you book. Once on the road, your pup will enjoy Indiana Dunes State Park, which permits leashed pets on most trails and at the campground, and the Indiana Dunes National Park, which allows leashed pets on most trails and beaches (with some seasonal restrictions). Pro tip: message the host directly through the listing to confirm any breed or size preferences, and pack a towel; Lake Michigan sand sticks to wet fur.
nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/pets.htmCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Gary?
Yes, RV delivery in Gary is a popular option on RVezy, especially for first-time renters. Many local hosts will tow or drive the RV directly to Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, Dunewood Campground in Indiana Dunes National Park, or a private address in neighborhoods like Miller Beach. They will level it, hook up power and water if available, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. Delivery fees are set by each host and typically scale by distance. Pro tip: if you are nervous about towing or driving a larger rig through Chicagoland traffic, filter for hosts offering delivery and setup so you can start your vacation already parked at the dunes.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Gary,IndianaHow does mileage work, and how far can I travel from Gary?
Mileage is flexible on RVezy: each host sets their own daily mileage allowance, and many Gary-area listings offer 100 to 150 free miles per day, with some offering RV rental with unlimited mileage for longer trips. Extra miles are charged at a per-mile rate set by the host. From Gary you have great range: Indiana Dunes National Park is about 15 miles east, downtown Chicago is about 30 miles west, Michigan City is about 25 miles east, Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan is roughly 50 miles northeast, and Indianapolis is about 155 miles south. Pro tip: if you are planning a Gary RV road trip up the Michigan coast or down to Brown County State Park, message the host upfront to confirm a mileage package that fits your route.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Gary,IndianaWhere are the best campgrounds near Gary, IN for an RV trip?
You have great choices for RV camping near Gary. Top picks include: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground in Chesterton (140+ electric sites, hot showers, walking distance to Lake Michigan beaches), Dunewood Campground inside Indiana Dunes National Park (66 wooded sites, no hookups, near Beverly Shores), Sand Creek Campground RV Resort in Chesterton (full hookups and a pool, great for families), and Michigan City Campground roughly 25 miles east. Reserve Indiana state park sites through camp.IN.gov up to six months ahead, and national park sites on Recreation.gov. Pro tip: weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day book out fast, so target Sunday-Thursday stays for better availability and lower nightly rates.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232023When is the best time of year for a Gary, IN RV trip?
The sweet spot for an RV rental in Gary, IN runs from late May through early October, when Lake Michigan is swimmable and the dunes are in full glory. July and August are the warmest (highs around 82-85°F, lows in the mid-60s) and busiest. May, June, and September offer highs in the 70s, lighter crowds, and often better rates. Fall foliage typically peaks mid-to-late October with crisp 55-65°F days. Winter RVing is possible with a four-season rig, but expect snow, lake-effect squalls, and many campgrounds closed November through March. Pro tip: book a September trip to catch warm beach days and lighter crowds at Indiana Dunes National Park.
weather.gov/lot/I have never driven an RV before. Will I be okay renting one in Gary?
You have got this: first time renting an RV is more common than you might think, and Gary is a friendly place to start. Every RVezy host provides a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through driving, hookups, slide-outs, the generator, and tank dumping. You can message your host with any pre-trip questions, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included with your protection plan if you get stuck. Nervous about urban driving? Skip I-90 through Chicago and head east on US-12 or US-20 toward the dunes; flat terrain, lower speeds, easier turns. Pro tip: book a Class B campervan or a 23-foot Class C for your first trip; they handle more like a large van and fit in most standard parking spots near Miller Beach or the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat if something breaks down during my trip?
Take a breath, you are covered. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so help is one phone call away whether you have a flat on I-94, a dead battery at Dunewood Campground, or a generator that will not start at Indiana Dunes State Park. Roadside assistance covers situations like towing, lockouts, jump-starts, tire changes, and fuel delivery. Your host is also reachable directly through the RVezy app to troubleshoot quirks specific to their RV, and RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: snap a quick photo of the RV details and roadside contact info at pickup so you have everything ready if you ever need to call from a remote pullout.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Gary RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, an RV road trip from Gary across the US is fully supported on RVezy. Most hosts welcome interstate travel, and popular routes head into Michigan (Sleeping Bear Dunes is about 4 hours northeast), Wisconsin (Door County is about 5 hours north), Kentucky (Mammoth Cave is about 5 hours south), and Ohio (Cuyahoga Valley is about 5.5 hours east). Cross-border travel into Canada depends on the host and their insurance coverage, so confirm in writing through the RVezy message thread before booking. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage does not extend there. Pro tip: Gary's location at the crossroads of I-80, I-90, I-94, and I-65 makes it one of the best Midwest launch pads for a multi-state motorhome rental adventure.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel economy and gas budget should I plan for?
Realistic expectations make for a happy trip. Class A motorhomes average 7-10 miles per gallon (MPG), Class C rigs get 10-14 MPG, campervans (Class B) typically hit 16-20 MPG, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle. Indiana gas prices generally run a bit below the national average, with stations along I-80/94 in Hammond and Portage usually cheapest near Gary. For a 4-day, 400-mile trip in a Class C, budget roughly $130-$170 in fuel. Most Gary-area RVs run on regular unleaded; a handful of diesel pushers exist on the platform. Pro tip: fill up in Indiana before crossing into Illinois, where fuel taxes are noticeably higher, and use the GasBuddy app to find the best price along US-12 or US-20.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Gary?
For the best campgrounds near Gary, book as early as you can. Indiana Dunes State Park opens reservations up to six months in advance through camp.IN.gov, and Dunewood Campground in Indiana Dunes National Park books through Recreation.gov on a rolling six-month window; summer weekends can sell out within minutes of release. For private parks like Sand Creek Campground RV Resort, book directly 2-3 months ahead for July and August. Shoulder-season (May, September, October) reservations are usually doable 2-4 weeks out. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for the day your target dates open on Recreation.gov, log in early, and you will have your pick of shaded sites near the Beverly Shores beach trails.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232023What are the local driving conditions like around Gary, IN?
Driving around Gary is straightforward once you know the patterns. The major arteries (I-80/94, I-90 Indiana Toll Road, I-65, US-12, US-20) are flat, well-maintained, and RV-friendly, but weekday rush hour through the Borman Expressway carries some of the heaviest truck traffic in the Midwest, so plan accordingly. Watch for lake-effect snow squalls from late fall through early spring and summer thunderstorms that can roll in fast off Lake Michigan. Avoid low railroad underpasses in downtown Gary if you are driving a tall Class A. Pro tip: leave for Indiana Dunes National Park before 9 AM or after 7 PM in summer to skip both traffic and the worst of the beach parking crunch; US-12 east of Gary is a scenic, slower alternative to the interstate.
in.gov/indot/traveler-information/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Gary?
Campgrounds near Gary range from full-service resorts to peaceful wooded sites, so you can match amenities to your style. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground offers electric hookups, hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station, and potable water. Sand Creek Campground RV Resort in Chesterton has full hookups (water, sewer, electric) and a pool. Dunewood Campground inside Indiana Dunes National Park is more rustic: restrooms and water spigots but no hookups, so plan to dry-camp. Public dump stations are available at the state park and many private parks. Pro tip: top off fresh water before leaving the host's driveway, and ask your host about a portable waste tote if you are staying multiple nights at Dunewood without sewer.
nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htmWhat features and amenities come with a typical RV rental in Gary?
Today's RVs are basically apartments on wheels. A typical motorhome rental in Gary comes equipped with a queen or king bed, convertible dinette and sofa beds, a kitchen with fridge, stove, microwave and sink, a bathroom with toilet and shower, air conditioning, furnace heat, and seatbelted seating for travel. Most rentals include a TV, and many hosts add mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, outdoor speakers, and generators for off-grid stays at Dunewood Campground. Campervans (Class B) are more compact but still include sleeping, cooking, and often a wet bath. Pro tip: when comparing listings, check the 'sleeps' number against the seatbelt count; for safety you want every traveler in a seatbelted seat while moving, not just a bed count, especially on I-94 trips with kids.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/recreational-vehicle-safetyWhat add-ons and pickup options are available with my RV rental?
RVezy hosts in Gary offer a range of helpful add-ons to customize your trip, such as bedding and linen packages, kitchen kits with pots, plates and utensils, camping chairs and outdoor tables, bikes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, portable generators, and propane refills. Pickup is typically at the host's home or driveway in Gary or nearby communities like Hobart, Merrillville, or Portage, and many hosts offer delivery to Indiana Dunes State Park, Dunewood Campground, or your home address. Add-on prices and mileage policies are listed clearly on each listing before you book. Pro tip: bundle the linen and kitchen kits even on a budget trip; it saves a packing headache and frees up your trunk for beach gear at Miller Beach or Central Beach.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Gary,IndianaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through the RVezy platform with a credit or debit card when you book, never directly to the host in cash. The total includes the nightly rate, host fees (such as cleaning, mileage, and add-ons), taxes, and your chosen protection plan. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment for the duration of your trip and released back to your card after the RV is returned in the agreed condition. Pro tip: do a thorough video walk-around with your host at pickup and again at drop-off in Gary; timestamped footage of the exterior, interior, and tank levels is the single best way to ensure a smooth deposit refund.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksI am nervous about driving an RV through Chicago. Any tips?
Totally understandable, and easy to solve. Gary sits about 30 miles east of downtown Chicago, but you do not have to drive through the city to enjoy your trip. Head east on I-94 or US-12 toward Indiana Dunes and you will never touch Chicago traffic. If you do want to visit downtown, park the RV at your campground and take the South Shore Line train from Miller Station or Beverly Shores straight into Millennium Station. Many Gary-area RVezy hosts also offer delivery and pickup, so you do not have to drive in city traffic at all. Pro tip: if you are set on driving, target a Sunday morning; the Borman Expressway and Chicago Skyway are typically much calmer, and you can avoid Skyway tolls by sticking to I-80/94.
in.gov/indot/traveler-information/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Chicago, ILGrand Rapids, MIMilwaukee, WIIndianapolis, INAddison, ILElk Grove Village, ILEaton Rapids, MIWestfield, INChenoa, ILHolt, MIBattle Ground, INCrystal Lawns, ILMerrillville, INSugar Grove, ILHudsonville, MIWalker, MIBargersville, INBrooklyn, INColoma, MIMount Pleasant, WISunnyland, ILBrookville, OHLansing, MIWaterford, WI