- Beach Camping
The best beach camping near Cedar Lake
96% (366) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Cedar Lake
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
96%
(24)
16mi from Cedar Lake · 2 sites
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
The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!
2. The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!
93%
(315)
39mi from Cedar Lake · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
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!! :)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$48
/ night
Sleek Acres
3. Sleek Acres
100%
(116)
48mi from Cedar Lake · 7 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
Indiana Dunes State Park
4. Indiana Dunes State Park
92%
(39)
State park 28mi from Cedar Lake · 141 sites
Take advantage of year-round family recreation on the Lake Michigan shore.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Kankakee River State Park
5. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
State park 30mi from Cedar Lake · 207 sites
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Creekside Dunes
6. Creekside Dunes
28mi from Cedar Lake · 1 site
Wooded lot very close to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, located close to downtown Chesterton, Indiana!Just minutes from your spot, discover outdoor fun at Indiana Dunes State Park, where forest, dunes, and beach await, or hike through the wetlands and scenic landscapes on the Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trail. Closer to town, wander the nature paths and boardwalks of Coffee Creek Preserve, or enjoy biking and strolls along the Prairie Duneland Trail for a mix of easy adventure and beautiful scenery — all within about 15 miles of your campsite.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
Indiana Dunes National Park
7. Indiana Dunes National Park
95%
(42)
National park 28mi from Cedar Lake · 66 sites
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Tippecanoe River State Park
8. Tippecanoe River State Park
67%
(4)
State park 47mi from Cedar Lake · 182 sites
Discover Tippecanoe River State Park's scenic trails and historic charm.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
96% (366) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Cedar Lake
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
96%
(24)
16mi from Cedar Lake · 2 sites
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
The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!
2. The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!
93%
(315)
39mi from Cedar Lake · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
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!! :)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$48
/ night
Sleek Acres
3. Sleek Acres
100%
(116)
48mi from Cedar Lake · 7 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
Indiana Dunes State Park
4. Indiana Dunes State Park
92%
(39)
State park 28mi from Cedar Lake · 141 sites
Take advantage of year-round family recreation on the Lake Michigan shore.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Kankakee River State Park
5. Kankakee River State Park
100%
(2)
State park 30mi from Cedar Lake · 207 sites
Walk among sacred land and water at this unspoiled state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Creekside Dunes
6. Creekside Dunes
28mi from Cedar Lake · 1 site
Wooded lot very close to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, located close to downtown Chesterton, Indiana!Just minutes from your spot, discover outdoor fun at Indiana Dunes State Park, where forest, dunes, and beach await, or hike through the wetlands and scenic landscapes on the Indiana Dunes National Park Cowles Bog Trail. Closer to town, wander the nature paths and boardwalks of Coffee Creek Preserve, or enjoy biking and strolls along the Prairie Duneland Trail for a mix of easy adventure and beautiful scenery — all within about 15 miles of your campsite.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
Indiana Dunes National Park
7. Indiana Dunes National Park
95%
(42)
National park 28mi from Cedar Lake · 66 sites
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Tippecanoe River State Park
8. Tippecanoe River State Park
67%
(4)
State park 47mi from Cedar Lake · 182 sites
Discover Tippecanoe River State Park's scenic trails and historic charm.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Mary Jo
October 2025
21 ft campervan
Nicky's urban farm was truly an oasis and refuge in the big city. After spending the day in Chicago, to come just 6 miles away and have grass, trees, goats, and chickens, potential for a fire in a fire pit, and calm, was priceless. Nicky and her partner are super friendly and helpful. The train does come behind her property, but they are quieter and fewer at night and did not disturb us. A wonderful stay!
See moreR
Ruben
October 2025
Tent
Great little hidden gem just outside downtown! The space is gated, peaceful, and perfect for posting up , my small tent fit like a dream. Nicole was super kind and accommodating, and the Green Line’s only a 5 minute walk (if that). Oh, and there are goats. Actual, adorable goats. Baaah. 10/10 would camp again.
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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.
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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.
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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 moreJ
Jersey
September 2025
Tent
sweet host & adorable animals! camping here was such a unique experience :)
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jim
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Very nice location in the city. Nicky was super nice and accommodating.
See moreD
Dominick
September 2025
Tent
Nicky was an amazing host with an awesome spot for relaxing and conversing. It was a very welcoming environment and met my needs perfectly. I will be back!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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 moreO
Olivia
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Perfect for couples families or even solo camping! Host was very attentive and helpful. Very clean in all aspects. Fishing was a favorite for even my kiddos ! Can’t wait to come back!
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K
Kristy
September 2025
Tent
We had a wonderful experience. Both Lisa and Earl were friendly, responsive, and accommodating. The bathroom/shower house was clean and stocked. The outdoor sink was helpful for washing hands and doing dishes. We stayed at site #6, which offered just enough privacy. The grounds were well maintained, and we loved seeing all of the bumblebees and hummingbirds.
They even offered some initial complementary firewood and fire pits have grates so that you can cook on them.
We are hoping to return soon before the season ends, otherwise we definitely plan to be back next year! Thank you, Earl and Lisa, for such great hospitality, and making our camping trip so comfortable!
See moreD
Dakota
September 2025
Tent
Won’t find a spot better than this close to the city. Accommodating and fun place to stay. Would recommend to anyone
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M
Michael
September 2025
16 ft car
A wonderful, special place. the metro and fraight lines run behind the property. The trains run on limited hours. They run very little on sun. It the city.
See moreK
Kailey
September 2025
Tent
This site was very clean and private. The owners were kind and very helpful when we had a snapped tent pole. Would definitely recommend!
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D
Diana
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Sarah and Earl are Great! They gave my grandchildren glow sticks the first night and then popsicles the next day. They come around and talk to you to make sure that everything is going well and ask if you need anything. We loved spending Labor Day weekend there! They even got to know our two dogs lol.
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P
Pui Kwan
September 2025
Tent
Thanks Earl & Lisa, they are lovely and kind couple. The campsite is wonderful and peaceful. We did enjoy the campfire, at first we couldn't fire up the woods, but just a message, Earl & Lisa came in a minute and helped us to set up the fire. Wonderful host.
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E
Ed
September 2025
Tent
My wife and I stayed at Sleek Acres (Lisa & Earl) over Labor Day weekend. We loved the property: the six sites were spaced comfortably apart and it was just a minute long walk directly to the toilet and shower. They were very thoughtful to install an outdoor sink for dish cleanup, as well. They also have lovely pond with ducks, an impressive blue heron, a small beach area with chairs, and the pond is stocked with fish. Walking on a small set of nature trails was a welcome escape from lounging at camp and a way to stretch our legs and have yet another experience without having to leave the property. The owners raise chickens and truly ‘farm fresh eggs’ are available for a very reasonable price. This was very welcome for us city dwellers who are now paying close to $10 for a dozen pasture raised eggs. We chose site #6 as its tucked away and offers a little more privacy but all sites are far enough apart that you’re not right on top of your neighbors. Lastly, Lisa & Earl made our experience quite wonderful. They are warm, genuine, and welcoming and made us feel at home. They came by in their cute electric car to see how we were doing, see if we needed anything, and then went on to clean and restock the bathroom. Their personal attention was wonderful and their quality of being ‘hosts’ is stellar. We will be back!
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