The best waterside campgrounds near St John, Indiana

You’ll find over 460 waterside campsites scattered around St John, each with its own character and quirks. Average nightly rates hover around $75, but you can snag a spot for as little as $48 if you book early. Standout sites like The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (222 reviews), CSC Permaculture Project (102 reviews), and Gun Smoke Ranch (75 reviews) draw regulars for their access to the water and straightforward approach—nothing fussy, just solid camping. You’ll have toilets, showers, and pet-friendly spots at most camps. snow sports, fishing, and horseback riding are all on the cards. Bring extra layers; rivers and lakes can mean unpredictable weather. If you want to wake up to water views and get your boots muddy, St John delivers.

93% (419)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

96%

(24)

13mi from St John · 5 sites · Lodging · Gary, IN

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. Indiana Dunes National Park

95%

(40)

66 sites · Dune Acres, Indiana

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

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

You’ll find over 460 waterside campsites scattered around St John, each with its own character and quirks. Average nightly rates hover around $75, but you can snag a spot for as little as $48 if you book early. Standout sites like The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (222 reviews), CSC Permaculture Project (102 reviews), and Gun Smoke Ranch (75 reviews) draw regulars for their access to the water and straightforward approach—nothing fussy, just solid camping. You’ll have toilets, showers, and pet-friendly spots at most camps. snow sports, fishing, and horseback riding are all on the cards. Bring extra layers; rivers and lakes can mean unpredictable weather. If you want to wake up to water views and get your boots muddy, St John delivers.

93% (419)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

96%

(24)

13mi from St John · 5 sites · Lodging · Gary, IN

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. Indiana Dunes National Park

95%

(40)

66 sites · Dune Acres, Indiana

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

Toilets

Campfires

Showers

Public campgrounds near St John

95%

(40)

Dunewood Campground

30mi from St John · 66 sites · Tents, RVs · in Indiana Dunes National Park

Stories from the 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!