The best luxury campgrounds near Merrillville, Indiana

Looking for a camping adventure near Merrillville, Indiana? Hipcamp has over 80 options for you to choose from, all with creature comforts in mind. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newbie, we've got something for everyone. From lakeside retreats to cozy cabins, you can find the perfect accommodation that suits your style. And with top campsites like Heritage Farm Stay Adventure (196 reviews), The Riding Stable and Resort (42 reviews), and Have A Lake Of Your Own! (45 reviews), you can trust that you're in for a great experience. Enjoy popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and trash facilities, and indulge in activities like fishing, wind sports, and snow sports. With an average price per night of $65 and options as low as $35, why wait? Start planning your camping getaway today!

85% (28)

Top-rated campgrounds near Merrillville

Looking for a camping adventure near Merrillville, Indiana? Hipcamp has over 80 options for you to choose from, all with creature comforts in mind. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a newbie, we've got something for everyone. From lakeside retreats to cozy cabins, you can find the perfect accommodation that suits your style. And with top campsites like Heritage Farm Stay Adventure (196 reviews), The Riding Stable and Resort (42 reviews), and Have A Lake Of Your Own! (45 reviews), you can trust that you're in for a great experience. Enjoy popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and trash facilities, and indulge in activities like fishing, wind sports, and snow sports. With an average price per night of $65 and options as low as $35, why wait? Start planning your camping getaway today!

85% (28)

Top-rated campgrounds near Merrillville

1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

96%

(24)

7.3mi from Merrillville · 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. Tippecanoe River Stays

80%

(5)

47mi from Merrillville · 5 sites · Lodging

Nestled along the scenic banks of the Tippecanoe River, our unique collection of accommodations offers something for every type of traveler, from rustic adventurers to those seeking a cozy retreat with modern comforts. Whether you're looking to fully disconnect in a primitive cabin surrounded by nature or enjoy the charm of a rustic studio with essential amenities, our property provides a variety of experiences to suit your preferences. - Primitive Cabin #1: This is a primitive cabin overlooking the Tippecanoe River. There's a toilet facility near the cabin. It includees one double bed with NO sheets or pillows provided. There's an upper bunk area that sleeps two, a picnic table, and firewood. - Primitive Cabin #2: The cabin has 1 double bed and loft sleeping. No beds, sheets, pillows or blankets are provided in the loft. The cabin has no electricity or no water inside but does have a flushing toilet near and a hand wash station nearby. - German Haus - a private rustic studio cabin with Queen bed, a twin daybed, kitchenette, 2 chairs, kitchen table, and shower bathroom. It's great for the outdoor type person. - The Kite Suite: This is a family suite with King bed bedroom, a queen bed with overhead single sleeper, and available rollaway. It has a full bathroom, WIFI, TV, kitchenette with MW, coffee pot, toaster oven, sink, and utensils. - The Oriental Suite: This suite has a Queen bed and single daybed sleeper with a jacuzzi tub bathroom for single/double occupancy. Has a sitting room, wide screen TV, Internet TV, kitchenette, fridge, MW, toaster oven, full kitchen utensils, and coffee pot. Overlooks River and woods.

3. RC River Retreat

25mi from Merrillville · 1 site · Lodging

Relax and unwind on the river! Whether alone, a couple, group or family everyone will enjoy this beautiful home. Relax by the river, fire pit or fireplace and enjoy! This home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, kitchen, living room and some nooks and crannies to relax. With Wi-fi, Dish tv, charcoal and gas grill (bring your own charcoal or propane), games, books and indoor/outdoor stereo system. 2 public ramps within 5 miles to launch your watercraft or just fish off of the dock. Non-smoking. The space We have done our best to offer you and your guests a comfortable stay. Each room has plenty of storage. There are dressers and closets for your belongings. The kitchen should have all your cooking needs. Guest access The house is all yours! The garage and the shed are for the private use of the owners. Other things to note There are many outdoor games (corn hole, Ladder Ball, yard Yahtzee, yard Jenga and Yard Connect Four). So there's no surprises; we have satellite dish for internet. Due to the limited options of our rural location, this may result in spotty internet that is also impacted by the weather.

4. The Dunes Escape

15mi from Merrillville · 1 site · Lodging

We live 4 miles from the National Lake Shore ..

5. Crash Pad

35mi from Merrillville · 1 site · Lodging

Welcome to the Crash Pad – Your Chicago Home Away From Home! Looking for comfort, convenience, and a touch of city charm? You’ve found it. The Crash Pad is a refreshed 2-bedroom apartment that sleeps up to 4 guests, perfectly situated close to Lake Michigan and just minutes from the best food, entertainment, and culture that Chicago has to offer. What You’ll Love: • A fully functional kitchen, living room, and laundry – all the essentials plus a few luxuries to make your stay effortless. • Comfortable private bedrooms: relax and recharge after a busy day exploring. • Modern bathroom with flush toilet and a refreshing shower. • Prime location: walk to local restaurants and bars, bike to the lake, or hop on public transit to see more of the city. Whether you're in town for the sights, the food, or a weekend getaway, the Crash Pad gives you a cozy, convenient base. Sleep well, explore much – you’re in Chicago.

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

Erinn

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

I Loved camping at Rocking Horse Camp. Derek is a wonderful host. It is such a a peaceful place. I can't wait to go back!

S

Sara

July 2025

With kids

2 nights at Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

We enjoyed staying by Derek's RV with our 3 kids. It is cozy, comfortable and romantic with the animals and nice nature. The highway is quite close, you can hear it, but otherwise everyting was great. Nice beaches, restaurants are close. Derek is very helpful and kind. I recommend it!

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.

L

Lindsey

July 2025

With kids

5 nights at Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

This spot is a gem on the outskirts of Gary, IN that you would never know was there. Our family of four enjoyed camping here. It was a hot July so we were thankful for the camper with AC. The camper was well supplied with bath towels and bedding provided. It was so nice to step out onto the porch and see horses and goats grazing as well as listen to the birds and wildlife. We enjoyed the fire with supplied firewood. It’s close enough to Chicago that we took a day there. Most of the time we went to the beach. The host was so kind to allow us to park in town for free and walk to the beach. We were there for the Fourth of July and Marquette beach park was a great spot to watch fireworks. Our stay was pretty smooth despite a few hiccups but the host was readily available and helpful if we ever needed him. I would stay here again.

C

Carly

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Tippecanoe River Stays

Linda is such a great host. I felt very safe and welcomed. The primitive cabin #2 was well sealed from bugs and extremely clean! Would love to come back