The best waterside campgrounds near Hobart, Indiana

In Hobart, waterside camping means waking up to the sound of frogs and casting a line before breakfast. With over 1,100 waterside options, you’ll find sites along slow rivers, tucked beside quiet ponds, and perched on the edges of lakes where herons fish at dawn. Average stays run about $52 a night, but you can pitch your tent for as little as $35. Most sites offer toilets, hot showers, and allow campfires—handy for grilling the day’s catch. If you like spotting turtles or watching deer at dusk, you’re in the right spot. Locals rave about The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (222 reviews), The Once a Pond A Time Campsites (94 reviews), and Gun Smoke Ranch (75 reviews). Grab your rod, lace up your boots, and get ready for wildlife-watching, hiking, and fishing right outside your tent flap.

92% (551)

Top-rated campgrounds near Hobart

In Hobart, waterside camping means waking up to the sound of frogs and casting a line before breakfast. With over 1,100 waterside options, you’ll find sites along slow rivers, tucked beside quiet ponds, and perched on the edges of lakes where herons fish at dawn. Average stays run about $52 a night, but you can pitch your tent for as little as $35. Most sites offer toilets, hot showers, and allow campfires—handy for grilling the day’s catch. If you like spotting turtles or watching deer at dusk, you’re in the right spot. Locals rave about The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (222 reviews), The Once a Pond A Time Campsites (94 reviews), and Gun Smoke Ranch (75 reviews). Grab your rod, lace up your boots, and get ready for wildlife-watching, hiking, and fishing right outside your tent flap.

92% (551)

Top-rated campgrounds near Hobart

1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

96%

(24)

4.3mi from Hobart · 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

2. Harbor Country Cabins

100%

(13)

42mi from Hobart · 2 sites · Lodging

I become owner of this property in 2017. The cabins were built in the late 90's financed by the previous owner. The property was vacant for decades prior to that. In the 1950's, the property was a drive-in motel called the 'Harbert Motel'. We have an arial photo from this time period which showed a number of small bungalows for guests, each with its own carport. I love all the stories I hear from locals who have been around long enough to remember how things 'used to be'. Southwest Michigan has an interesting history and has been a 'destination' from city dwellers for close to 100 years. Even Al Capone and his goon's frequented the area as they moved illegal good during the days of prohibition. Learn more about this land: Breweries, Wineries, Berry Picking, Art Studios, Farmers Markets, hiking trails, biking trails, Lake Michigan boating, kayaking, fishing, canoeing.......all those things and more await you in Southwest Michigan. We have 6 'tiny house' style cabins on 1-acre property we call - Harbor Country Cabins. Harbor Country Cabins is located along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail. Our resort offers a unique lodging and gathering location in the center of Harbor Country, near Southwest Michigan’s premier destination for beaches, breweries, wineries, dining and summer fun. With 12 queen bunk and 4 twin bunk beds spaced across 6 cabins, our property can hold up to 28 people. Price in this listing is for rental of all 6 cabins.

3. Indiana Dunes National Park

95%

(41)

66 sites · Dune Acres, Indiana

Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Public campgrounds near Hobart

95%

(41)

Dunewood Campground

19mi from Hobart · 66 sites · Tents, RVs · in Indiana Dunes National Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Camilla

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

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.

s

smita

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

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.

Amanda

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

Love this place so much, this was my second time back and plan to come again next summer. Beautiful spot and beautiful beach 10 min away. It’s close to Illinois so it’s a short drive. Highly recommend

B

Ben

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

Great host, great place! Tips: bring bug spray and the water heater is a 6 gallon dudad. Great for camping, though. Enjoyed the rocking swing.

Amanda

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

I loved this place sooo much. The location was perfect and the private beach that we were able to go to from the Host was AMAZING! I unfortunately had to come later and leave earlier but I already booked another stay cause I cannot stop thinking about it! This was absolutely needed after a rough week. Cannot wait to go back. Highly recommend.

D

Davin

November 2024

Weekend Trip to Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

Derek was super helpful and responsive! Cute RV and super comfy bed! Has all your amenities and nice and quiet. Highly recommend!