RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near New Chicago, IN
41 campgrounds and RV Parks near New Chicago, IN. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
41 campgrounds
5742 campsites
111 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near New Chicago, IN
Lakeshore Camp Resort
Portage, IN (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(926 sites)
+8
Indiana Dunes State Park
Chesterton, IN (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(140 sites)
+6
Sand Creek Campground
Chesterton, IN (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(195 sites)
+6
Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park
Cedar Lake, IN (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+3
Cedar Lake Bible Retreat and RV Park
Cedar Lake, IN (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+5
Dunewood - Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Beverly Shores, IN (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(66 sites)
+4
Emerald Trails Campground
Crete, IL (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(140 sites)
+7
Michigan City Campground
Michigan City, IN (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(153 sites)
+8
Lake Holiday Camp-Resort
De Motte, IN (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(112 sites)
+7
Oak Lake RV Resort
Indiana (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(277 sites)
+12
Pioneer Family Campground, Inc.
Lake Village, IN (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(85 sites)
+10
Pingala RV Resort
Oak Park, IL (34 miles away)
Most common amenities
Showers Pet friendly Dump station Tables Grills Firewood Playground Laundry Toilets RV storage
Campgrounds near New Chicago, Indiana
New Chicago sits in Lake County in northwest Indiana, roughly 45 miles southeast of downtown Chicago and about 10 to 15 miles inland from the Lake Michigan shoreline. The town works well as a base for RV travelers targeting the Indiana Dunes, the Cedar Lake area to the south, and the wider Calumet region.
The closest developed options run the full range from state park to private resort. Indiana Dunes State Park at Chesterton offers electric sites within walking distance of the Lake Michigan beach and books through the Indiana DNR reservation system. Lakeshore Camp Resort in Portage is a large membership park with full hookups and family amenities open to the general public through its rental inventory. Sand Creek Campground, southeast of Chesterton, is a smaller private option with tent and RV sites.
South of town, Cedar Lake Bible Retreat and RV Park and Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park sit on Cedar Lake itself, offering a quieter setting with lake access, wooded trails, and an alcohol-free environment tied to the on-site retreat center.
Things to do near New Chicago
Lake Michigan is the anchor. Indiana Dunes National Park stretches along the southern shore with trails through dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forest, plus swimming beaches and bird-watching areas. The adjoining Indiana Dunes State Park adds the Three Dune Challenge and a nature center, with more than three miles of beach and dunes rising nearly 200 feet above the lake.
Cedar Lake, south of New Chicago, is the main freshwater draw. Guests at Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park have access to a private beach, free canoes and kayaks, tennis and basketball courts, and lakeside trails.
Family-focused activity is concentrated at the private resorts. Lakeshore Camp Resort operates multiple pools, a lake with beach, boat rental, mini golf, and weekend entertainment on site. Deep River Water Park, casino gaming in the Region, and the South Shore Line commuter rail into downtown Chicago are all within short driving distance.
Camping spots and RV parks near New Chicago, IN
Seasonal patterns and closures
- spring
March - May
57° / 37°F 87 mmWet and variable; May brings frequent thunderstorms
- summer
June - August
79° / 63°F 100 mmPeak season; dunes sites fill months in advance
- fall
September - November
59° / 43°F 80 mmCooler and drier; most private parks close by mid-October
- winter
December - February
34° / 21°F 53 mmCold and snowy; lake-effect squalls off Lake Michigan
The camping season in northwest Indiana is heavily front-loaded toward late spring through early fall. Most private campgrounds in the Hobart and Chesterton area operate from April through October, with Sand Creek Campground specifically listed as open from April 15 to October 15. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park, by contrast, advertises year-round operation on its own site, so shoulder-season and winter stays are possible there when other private parks are closed.
Indiana Dunes State Park remains open year round, but its campground fills quickly during summer and around holiday weekends because sites sit within walking distance of the beach. Weekend inventory at both the state park and the national park's Dunewood Campground typically disappears well in advance for June, July, and August.
Winter camping is limited in practice. Cold snaps and lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan can affect water service at private parks even when sites remain technically open, so travelers should confirm hookup availability before booking November through March.
Top Hosts near New Chicago, 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
Indiana Dunes State Park uses the Indiana DNR central reservation system, bookable online through ReserveAmerica or by phone at 1-866-622-6746. Standard electric sites can be reserved up to six months in advance, with availability opening at noon each day. Sites not pre-booked are held for first-come, first-served arrivals.
Private parks handle their own bookings. Lakeshore Camp Resort accepts reservations through its website and office for the sites and cabins available to the public. Sand Creek Campground takes reservations by phone, and staff typically assign sites at check-in.
Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park and Cedar Lake Bible Retreat and RV Park take reservations directly through the ministry office and their own websites. Booking early is strongly advised for summer weekends across the region, particularly for anything within a short drive of the dunes.
What RV travelers should expect
Sites and amenities vary widely. Indiana Dunes State Park offers electric hookups with 20, 30, and 50 amp service, modern restrooms and shower houses, and a dump station, but no water or sewer at individual sites. Cedar Lake Ministries RV Park provides full hookups with 30 and 50 amp service, a keypad-access bathhouse, playground, and lake access, with a 40-foot length limit on RVs. Lakeshore Camp Resort has 115 full-hookup sites open to the public plus cabins, multiple pools, and organized weekend activities, though reviewers frequently note tight spacing between sites and highway and rail noise.
Sand Creek Campground offers a mix of electric-water and full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp service, a pool, and a dump station. Expect summer humidity, mosquitoes near wetlands, and heavy weekend traffic on US-12 and I-94 approaching the dunes.
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 New Chicago, IN
Do I need a special license to drive a motorhome rental in New Chicago, Indiana?
A regular driver's license is all you need for nearly every RV rental in New Chicago, Indiana. Indiana does not require a CDL or special endorsement for personal recreational use as long as your motorhome stays under 26,000 pounds, and the vast majority of Class B campervans, Class C motorhomes, and travel trailers on RVezy fall well under that threshold. RVezy also requires approved drivers to be 25 or older, and your ID is verified inside the platform so there is no extra paperwork. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring an International Driving Permit from your home auto club. Then you are cleared to roll out toward the Indiana Dunes.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsHow much does it cost to rent an RV in New Chicago, IN?
An RV rental in New Chicago typically runs from about $95 a night for a compact campervan to $250+ a night for a roomy Class A motorhome that sleeps the whole family. Travel trailers from local hosts often land between $110 and $180 a night, which makes for an affordable RV rental in New Chicago compared with Chicago hotels just 35 miles west. To save more, look for midweek pickups, shoulder-season dates in May or September, and listings with generous mileage included. Pro tip: filter by Instant Book and message a couple of hosts to compare add-on fees like generator use or dump-station service before you commit.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=New%20Chicago%2C%20IndianaWhat's included for protection and peace of mind when I rent an RV in New Chicago?
Every RVezy booking in New Chicago comes with a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance built in, so you are never stranded on I-65 or US-12 without a lifeline. The protection plan covers most physical damage to the vehicle during your trip, and you choose your coverage level during checkout (the host does not pick this, you do). It gives you meaningful financial protection plus the confidence to actually enjoy your RV camping in New Chicago instead of stressing over every gravel road. Pro tip: review the coverage tiers on the booking page and pick the one that matches how adventurous your route looks.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy if my plans change?
Good news: booking an RV rental in New Chicago is low-risk because RVezy (not individual hosts) sets the cancellation policy for every trip on the platform. There is a money-back grace period right after booking, plus structured refund tiers that depend on how far out you cancel and whether something unexpected like severe weather or a natural disaster comes into play. That means you can lock in your summer Indiana Dunes trip months ahead and still have flexibility if life shifts. Pro tip: book early to grab the best Lake Michigan rigs, then review your cancellation window on your confirmation page.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV trip from New Chicago?
Absolutely, plenty of hosts offer pet-friendly RV rental in New Chicago, and finding one is as easy as flipping the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy. From there you'll see rigs where dogs (and sometimes cats) are explicitly welcome, often with a small cleaning fee. Your pup will love the area, too: Indiana Dunes National Park allows leashed dogs on most trails and beaches outside the swim areas, and Lemon Lake County Park in nearby Crown Point has a fenced dog park. Pro tip: message the host before booking to mention your dog's size and breed. Most owners appreciate the heads-up and respond within hours.
nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/pets.htmCan the RV be delivered to my campground or driveway?
Yes, RV delivery in New Chicago is one of the best perks for first-time renters. Many RVezy hosts will tow or drive the rig straight to your campsite at Indiana Dunes State Park, Dunewood Campground, or even your own driveway in Hobart, Portage, or Merrillville, then level it, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system. That means zero stress about backing a 30-foot trailer into a wooded site on your first try. Just use the Delivery filter when searching. Pro tip: delivery fees are usually based on round-trip mileage, so picking a campground within 25 miles of New Chicago keeps costs low.
nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htmHow far can I travel on an RV road trip from New Chicago?
You're in a fantastic launch spot. An RV road trip from New Chicago puts you within easy reach of incredible destinations: Indiana Dunes National Park sits just 20 miles north, downtown Chicago is about 35 miles west, Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan is 50 miles east, Starved Rock State Park in Illinois is roughly 110 miles southwest, and the Amish countryside around Shipshewana is 75 miles east. Many hosts offer RV rentals with unlimited mileage or generous daily allowances (usually 100 to 150 miles per day included). Pro tip: if you're plotting a longer loop toward Mackinac Island or the Wisconsin Dells, message the host first and ask about a flat-rate mileage package.
in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/indiana-dunes-state-park/Where are the best campgrounds near New Chicago, Indiana?
You have fantastic options within a 30-minute drive. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground in Chesterton has 140 electric sites, heated shower houses, and is a short walk to Lake Michigan beaches. Dunewood Campground inside Indiana Dunes National Park (Beverly Shores) offers 66 wooded sites with modern restrooms, open seasonally. Sand Creek Campground in Chesterton is a full-hookup favorite for families. For something quieter, try Oak Lake Family Campground in Wheatfield. Pro tip: Indiana state park sites can be reserved up to six months out at camp.IN.gov, and summer weekends sell out fast, so book the moment your dates open.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/258887When is the best time of year for an RV trip from New Chicago?
Late May through early October is the sweet spot for RV camping in New Chicago, with peak conditions in June, July, and August when Lake Michigan water temps climb into the 70s and beach days are at their best. Summer highs average in the low to mid 80s with warm, humid evenings perfect for campfires. September and early October bring crisp 60s, fewer crowds, and stunning fall color along the dunes. Spring (April to mid-May) is cool and great for birding during the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. Pro tip: a weekday trip in early June delivers summer weather without the July 4th campground rush.
weather.gov/lot/I've never rented an RV before. What should I expect?
First time renting an RV? You're going to love how easy RVezy makes it. At pickup (or delivery), your host gives you a hands-on walkthrough of every system: how to run the propane stove, work the slide-outs, dump the tanks, hook up shore power, and operate the awning. You can take notes, record video, and ask anything. Many hosts in the New Chicago area specialize in beginner-friendly Class C motorhomes and travel trailers under 25 feet, which are easy to drive on I-94 and US-12. RVezy support is also one tap away in the app, 24/7. Pro tip: plan a short first leg, maybe just 20 miles to Indiana Dunes State Park, so you can settle in before any longer driving.
nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htmWhat happens if something goes wrong on the road?
You are covered around the clock. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so if you get a flat on the Indiana Toll Road, a dead battery at Dunewood Campground, or a lockout at a rest stop on I-65, help is one phone call away. The roadside team handles tire changes, jump-starts, fuel delivery, and towing to a qualified service center. You can also message your host directly through the app for quick troubleshooting on quirks specific to their RV. Pro tip: save the RVezy support number to your phone before pickup, and snap a photo of the spare tire and jack location during your walkthrough.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I cross into Illinois or Michigan with my New Chicago RV rental?
Yes, interstate trips are normal for RV rentals in Indiana, and many travelers do exactly that. From New Chicago you are roughly 35 miles from downtown Chicago and about 50 miles from Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan, and your RVezy coverage travels with you across U.S. state lines. Crossing into Canada is sometimes possible depending on the host and coverage, so message them through the listing before booking if that is your plan. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because coverage does not extend there. Pro tip: a Chicago-Michigan-Indiana three-state weekend is a classic, and the South Shore Line train can shuttle you into the city for a no-drive day.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel mileage should I budget for?
Realistic fuel planning makes any New Chicago RV trip smoother. Class B campervans average 18 to 22 MPG, Class C motorhomes run 8 to 12 MPG, and bigger Class A rigs typically get 6 to 10 MPG. Travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle but expect a 25 to 40% MPG hit while towing. Indiana gas prices usually sit a touch below the national average, with stations along I-80/94 in Lake County being convenient and competitive. For a typical 4-day trip to Indiana Dunes and back with some local exploring (around 200 miles), budget roughly $80 to $160 in fuel for a Class C. Pro tip: GasBuddy plus the Pilot/Flying J app saves real money on longer routes.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground?
For the best campgrounds near New Chicago, earlier is always better. Indiana Dunes State Park opens reservations up to six months ahead at camp.IN.gov (the Indiana DNR system), and summer weekends often book within minutes of release. Dunewood Campground in Indiana Dunes National Park is reservable at Recreation.gov, typically up to six months in advance for the upcoming season. Private parks like Sand Creek Campground and Oak Lake are a bit more flexible but still fill around July 4th and Labor Day. Pro tip: set a calendar reminder for exactly six months before your trip date at 8 a.m. Eastern, and have your account, payment info, and site preferences ready to go.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/258887What's driving an RV around New Chicago actually like?
Driving an RV around New Chicago is honestly pretty manageable. The area sits at the crossroads of I-80, I-90 (Indiana Toll Road), I-94, and US-30, all flat and well-maintained, which is a dream compared to mountain RVing. Traffic does build heading west toward Chicago during weekday rush hours (roughly 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.), so plan around it. Watch for low railroad bridges on older streets in Gary and Hammond, and skip Lake Shore Drive in Chicago entirely since it has clearance restrictions. Winter brings lake-effect snow from November to March. Pro tip: use an RV-specific GPS like Garmin RV or the CoPilot RV app to auto-avoid low clearances.
in.gov/indot/traffic-and-construction/What amenities can I expect at campgrounds near New Chicago?
You'll find a great mix. Most established parks near New Chicago offer 30/50-amp electric, water hookups, dump stations, hot showers, and Wi-Fi at the office. Indiana Dunes State Park has 140 electric sites plus a centralized water-fill station and dump station, heated bathhouses, and a camp store in summer. Dunewood Campground has potable water and modern restrooms but no hookups, so you'll boondock-style camp with your RV's onboard tanks. Sand Creek Campground offers full hookups including sewer. Pro tip: if you're staying at Dunewood, top off fresh water and empty your tanks at the dump station before arrival, then plan a mid-week refill at a nearby full-hookup park if you're staying longer than four days.
nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htmWhat features come inside a typical RV rental in New Chicago?
Even a modest campervan rental in New Chicago packs a lot in. Expect a queen or double bed, a kitchenette with sink, two-burner propane stove, microwave, and refrigerator, plus a wet bath (toilet and shower combo). Larger Class C and Class A motorhomes add slide-outs, full bathrooms, dinettes that convert to beds, a TV with antenna or smart TV, roof-mounted air conditioning, and a propane furnace. Many hosts include outdoor camp chairs, a folding table, basic kitchen kit, and linens. Generators and Wi-Fi hotspots are common add-ons. Pro tip: scroll to the bottom of any listing to see the full amenities checklist, and message the host if you need anything specific like a CPAP-friendly inverter or a kid's car seat.
in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/indiana-dunes-state-park/What add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts in New Chicago typically offer a menu of helpful add-ons: generator use ($15 to $40/day), camp kits with bedding and dishes ($50 to $100 flat), bikes, kayaks, propane refills, and extra mileage packages. Pickup is usually at the host's home or a nearby meeting spot, with a 30 to 60 minute walkthrough included. Mileage policies vary; some listings include 100 to 150 free miles per day, while others offer RV rental with unlimited mileage (filter for it on RVezy). Pro tip: bundle your add-ons at the time of booking rather than asking the day of pickup, because hosts often discount package deals and it locks in availability for things like that second kayak.
visitindiana.com/things-to-do/outdoors/rv-camping/How does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment on RVezy is straightforward and fully handled through the platform, so you never hand cash to a host. You pay with a credit or debit card at booking; some bookings split the total into a deposit now and a balance closer to your trip date. A refundable security deposit (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the RV) is pre-authorized on your card a few days before pickup and released after the host confirms the rig came back in good shape. Avoid issues by taking dated photos and video of the interior and exterior at both pickup and drop-off. Pro tip: keep receipts for fuel and propane fills so the post-trip checkout is fast and friction-free.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksIs New Chicago a good base for a family RV trip?
It is one of the best in the Midwest for a family RV trip. New Chicago sits in Lake County just 20 minutes from the Indiana Dunes' miles of swimmable Lake Michigan beach, 15 minutes from Deep River Waterpark (open Memorial Day through Labor Day), and about 35 miles from kid-favorite Chicago spots like Shedd Aquarium and Navy Pier. Many family-friendly RVs on RVezy sleep 4 to 8 with seatbelted travel seats, bunk beds, and outdoor entertainment hookups. Pro tip: book a pet-friendly, delivery-included Class C, have it set up at Indiana Dunes State Park, and use the South Shore Line in Miller to day-trip into Chicago without moving the RV.
nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/thingstodo.htmNearby cities with campgrounds
Chicago, ILGrand Rapids, MIMilwaukee, WIIndianapolis, INAddison, ILElk Grove Village, ILCarlisle, OHEaton Rapids, MIWestfield, INChenoa, ILHolt, MICrystal Lawns, ILBattle Ground, INMerrillville, INSugar Grove, ILMason, OHHudsonville, MIWalker, MIBargersville, INBrooklyn, INColoma, MIMount Pleasant, WISunnyland, ILBrookville, OH