Lake Camping Near Valparaiso, Indiana, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Looking to camp near Valparaiso, Indiana and enjoy a beautiful lake? Look no further than Mulln-Heim Vineyards (342 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (136 reviews) for highly rated options. Hipcamp offers a variety of amenities such as showers, toilets, and campfires to make your camping experience comfortable. And if you're a fan of snow sports, horseback riding, or surfing, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Prices start as low as $25 per night, with an average price of $49 per night. Start planning your lake camping adventure with Hipcamp today!

98% (899)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to camp near Valparaiso, Indiana and enjoy a beautiful lake? Look no further than Mulln-Heim Vineyards (342 reviews), East Woods on the IL River (135 reviews), and The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun! (136 reviews) for highly rated options. Hipcamp offers a variety of amenities such as showers, toilets, and campfires to make your camping experience comfortable. And if you're a fan of snow sports, horseback riding, or surfing, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Prices start as low as $25 per night, with an average price of $49 per night. Start planning your lake camping adventure with Hipcamp today!

98% (899)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lochloosa River Retreat

98%

(137)

42mi from Valparaiso · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Culver, IN

Lochloosa River Retreat – Family Fun, River Adventures and Relaxing Stays on the Tippecanoe! Welcome to Lochloosa River Retreat—your home away from home along the beautiful Tippecanoe River! Nestled on 6 peaceful acres, our hobby farm offers primitive tent camping, dry RV sites, a River View RV lodging site (RV included) and a cozy cabin stay in the Zen Shed—perfect for families, paddlers, and nature lovers looking to unwind. At full capacity, we can host up to 60 people and also offer group hosting. Paddle, float, and explore! We offer kayak and tubing trips on a scenic stretch of the river—message us to get on the float schedule. Guest enjoy playing in the shallow creek that winds through the property, as well as relaxing at camp, listening to the sounds of running water and a fire, or playing and cooling off in our saltwater pool complete with a slide and diving board. Wildlife is abundant, so bring your binoculars for birdwatching or cast a line from the riverbank. Want more comfort? Book a stay in the Zen Shed, our rustic riverside cabin or the River View RV for the ultimate glamping comfort—both perfect for a peaceful, unplugged getaway with real beds and front-row views of nature. Located near Lake Maxinkuckee and the charming town of Culver, there’s plenty to explore just a short drive away. There are also a few nature preserves nearby as well as a new Bark Park! A nearby country store (2 miles) offers pizza, chicken, ice, and other essentials. 🚿 Clean indoor bathrooms and showers 🏕️ Tent, RV sites, cabin lodging (Zen Shed) or RV lodging (River view RV) 🛶 Family-friendly tubing and kayak trips 🐾 Pet-friendly (north of the creek only) 🔥 Campfires, sunsets and stargazing galore Please review site details before booking. Pets are welcome only at campsites north of the creek, as our farm animals live on the south side. Please make sure to enter pets at booking to make sure your preferred site is pet friendly. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. We can’t wait to welcome you to Lochloosa—where adventure meets relaxation and memories are made by the river!

2. The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

93%

(315)

44mi from Valparaiso · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Chicago, IL

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!! :)

3. Rocking Horse Camping Ranch

96%

(24)

14mi from Valparaiso · 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

4. South Chain Lake RV Escape

38mi from Valparaiso · 1 site · RV · South Bend, IN

Spacious gravel RV site on South Chain Lake, west of South Bend, with water and electricity hookups, perfect for large RVs. Enjoy breathtaking lakefront views from a large deck, equipped with seating and ample space for dining or relaxing. Access a nearby boat ramp and cozy fire pit. A tranquil retreat for water enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking serenity.

5. Mulln-Heim Vineyards

100%

(686)

45mi from Valparaiso · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Baroda, MI

This is a 3rd generation "Family Farm" of a different sort I suppose. Seems there's a bit of everything here, and arguably not enough of anything. At least for conventional farming. So we've learned to do things a bit differently.Our main crop is wine and juice grapes since our topography, climate, and soil type makes it a premier location for that. But with 30+ acres of forested hillsides, low ground, and natural areas we've evolved into a mixed farm and forest enterprise. Our goal is to utilize the productivity of all our property while still retaining the basic character and usefulness of the wild areas. Letting each thing be what it wants to be and does best on it's own. Flow, not force.So our year starts early with tapping maple trees and making maple syrup. Plus there's grape trimming about this time as well. When the forest floor starts to green up a bit later, we start digging Ramps, or Wild Leeks in the woods. Most of these will go to the more trendy Chicago restaurants, but we also have some local sales. Next comes inoculating winter-cut logs with Shiitake spawn for next years mushroom production. This year we also conducted a few hands-on workshop seminars on mushroom growing as well. Then it's on to our raised bed herb & veggie gardens. (Fresh herbs are just so much fun to cook with!) We grow enough for our own yearly use, as well as some for direct sales. Summer keeps us busy tending all the different crops here and trying to keep up. But there's that steady progression of fresh veggies to eat. Yum !!! Fall brings our annual Grape U-Pick in September and October. And we try to time related crops like mums, pumpkins, and gourds for this same time frame. Makes the place a bit more interesting. Late fall is when we bring in firewood to heat the house and workshop. Stacks of wood everywhere. Hopefully before the 1st snow. In winter it's time to fire up the woodworking shop and be a bit creative. Build furniture, equipment maintenance, who knows what next years projects will include. I like to keep everybody guessing.So, that's what goes on here. You're welcome to check it out, lend a hand, relax back at camp, walk the vineyards and/or forest, or just breathe and relax. That's up to you. But I would recommend visiting a few of the fine local wineries. Seems there's a festival going on at one or another of them just about every weekend. Good music, good wine, good times. And there's the Lake Michigan beaches a few miles down the road.Yeah, this is a pretty casual place here, love meeting new people, very open to civil discussions of all sorts.However, rude, ill mannered people will probably enjoy staying elsewhere. Just say'n.

6. Harbor Country Cabins

100%

(13)

35mi from Valparaiso · 2 sites · Lodging · Sawyer, MI

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.

7. Lakeshore Camp Resort Lot 238

100%

(1)

11mi from Valparaiso · 1 site · Lodging · Portage, IN

Glamping at its best. This lot is at the highest point over looking the lake. This travel trailer sleeps 6. Made for children, the park offers a lake for fishing, boat rentals, beach, swimming pools, game room, mini-golf, kids activities, and more. Air conditioning when it is cold, heat when it is hot, stay dry on a rainy day, inside bathroom. Is this really camping? It is more like Glamour Camping; Glamping. Only 45 minutes from Chicago, and 10 minutes to the Indiana Dunes State Park.

8. Lakeshore Retreat

43mi from Valparaiso · 1 site · RV · Bremen, IN

Come find your home away from home at our peaceful lakeside campsite! Nestled on the shores of a beautiful all-sport lake, our campsite offers the perfect escape. Wake up to stunning water views and spend your days casting a line for the abundant walleye and bluegill. Whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out, this is a fisherman’s paradise. Beyond the water, you’ll discover a world of local charm. We’re just a short 15-minute drive from Rentown, a small Amish community where you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal and browse unique stores. If you’re visiting in late summer, you’re in luck — we’re only 15 minutes from the excitement of the annual Blueberry Festival in Plymouth, IN, held over Labor Day weekend. And for all the Fighting Irish fans, our location is a game-day dream. You’re just a quick 40-minute drive from Notre Dame Stadium, so you can easily catch the action. Book your spot today and get ready for a memorable camping trip filled with relaxation, adventure, and the best of Indiana’s local culture!

Camper favorites near Valparaiso

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

South Chain Lake RV Escape

38mi from Valparaiso · 1 site · RV · South Bend, IN

Spacious gravel RV site on South Chain Lake, west of South Bend, with water and electricity hookups, perfect for large RVs. Enjoy breathtaking lakefront views from a large deck, equipped with seating and ample space for dining or relaxing. Access a nearby boat ramp and cozy fire pit. A tranquil retreat for water enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking serenity.

Mulln-Heim Vineyards

100%

(686)

45mi from Valparaiso · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Baroda, MI

This is a 3rd generation "Family Farm" of a different sort I suppose. Seems there's a bit of everything here, and arguably not enough of anything. At least for conventional farming. So we've learned to do things a bit differently.Our main crop is wine and juice grapes since our topography, climate, and soil type makes it a premier location for that. But with 30+ acres of forested hillsides, low ground, and natural areas we've evolved into a mixed farm and forest enterprise. Our goal is to utilize the productivity of all our property while still retaining the basic character and usefulness of the wild areas. Letting each thing be what it wants to be and does best on it's own. Flow, not force.So our year starts early with tapping maple trees and making maple syrup. Plus there's grape trimming about this time as well. When the forest floor starts to green up a bit later, we start digging Ramps, or Wild Leeks in the woods. Most of these will go to the more trendy Chicago restaurants, but we also have some local sales. Next comes inoculating winter-cut logs with Shiitake spawn for next years mushroom production. This year we also conducted a few hands-on workshop seminars on mushroom growing as well. Then it's on to our raised bed herb & veggie gardens. (Fresh herbs are just so much fun to cook with!) We grow enough for our own yearly use, as well as some for direct sales. Summer keeps us busy tending all the different crops here and trying to keep up. But there's that steady progression of fresh veggies to eat. Yum !!! Fall brings our annual Grape U-Pick in September and October. And we try to time related crops like mums, pumpkins, and gourds for this same time frame. Makes the place a bit more interesting. Late fall is when we bring in firewood to heat the house and workshop. Stacks of wood everywhere. Hopefully before the 1st snow. In winter it's time to fire up the woodworking shop and be a bit creative. Build furniture, equipment maintenance, who knows what next years projects will include. I like to keep everybody guessing.So, that's what goes on here. You're welcome to check it out, lend a hand, relax back at camp, walk the vineyards and/or forest, or just breathe and relax. That's up to you. But I would recommend visiting a few of the fine local wineries. Seems there's a festival going on at one or another of them just about every weekend. Good music, good wine, good times. And there's the Lake Michigan beaches a few miles down the road.Yeah, this is a pretty casual place here, love meeting new people, very open to civil discussions of all sorts.However, rude, ill mannered people will probably enjoy staying elsewhere. Just say'n.

Harbor Country Cabins

100%

(13)

35mi from Valparaiso · 2 sites · Lodging · Sawyer, MI

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.

Lakeshore Camp Resort Lot 238

100%

(1)

11mi from Valparaiso · 1 site · Lodging · Portage, IN

Glamping at its best. This lot is at the highest point over looking the lake. This travel trailer sleeps 6. Made for children, the park offers a lake for fishing, boat rentals, beach, swimming pools, game room, mini-golf, kids activities, and more. Air conditioning when it is cold, heat when it is hot, stay dry on a rainy day, inside bathroom. Is this really camping? It is more like Glamour Camping; Glamping. Only 45 minutes from Chicago, and 10 minutes to the Indiana Dunes State Park.

Lakeshore Retreat

43mi from Valparaiso · 1 site · RV · Bremen, IN

Come find your home away from home at our peaceful lakeside campsite! Nestled on the shores of a beautiful all-sport lake, our campsite offers the perfect escape. Wake up to stunning water views and spend your days casting a line for the abundant walleye and bluegill. Whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out, this is a fisherman’s paradise. Beyond the water, you’ll discover a world of local charm. We’re just a short 15-minute drive from Rentown, a small Amish community where you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal and browse unique stores. If you’re visiting in late summer, you’re in luck — we’re only 15 minutes from the excitement of the annual Blueberry Festival in Plymouth, IN, held over Labor Day weekend. And for all the Fighting Irish fans, our location is a game-day dream. You’re just a quick 40-minute drive from Notre Dame Stadium, so you can easily catch the action. Book your spot today and get ready for a memorable camping trip filled with relaxation, adventure, and the best of Indiana’s local culture!

Public campgrounds near Valparaiso

Dune top view was amazing! You could see the Chicago skyline

92%

(39)

Indiana Dunes Campground

13mi from Valparaiso · 141 sites · Tents, RVs · in Indiana Dunes State Park

95%

(40)

Dunewood Campground

14mi from Valparaiso · 66 sites · Tents, RVs · in Indiana Dunes National Park

100%

(3)

Potato Creek Campground

36mi from Valparaiso · 365 sites · Tents, RVs · in Potato Creek State Park

90%

(21)

Warren Dunes Campground

38mi from Valparaiso · 186 sites · Tents, RVs · in Warren Dunes State Park

Stories from the community

R

Rachel

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Nicole and her husband were extremely inviting and accommodating. The property is beautiful and the wildlife abundant. Would definitely recommend!

M

Mary Jo

October 2025

21 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

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!

R

Ruben

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

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.

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.

G

Genesis

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

My fiancée and I loved our weekend getaway at Nichole’s site. She was very welcoming & gave us a tour of the camp site. The area was very clean & was a perfect spot for us to disconnect from the city life. She even offered the river tubing ride which we also HIGHLY recommend. It was definitely the highlight of our trip. Nicole was also very quick on her responses and helped us with the questions we had. We will definitely visit again & we recommend this stay 👍🏼💚🌳

M

Megan

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Mulln-Heim Vineyards

What a lovely camping experience! Has everything you need and more! Farmer John is delight. 10/10 highly recommend, you won’t be disappointed.

J

Jersey

September 2025

Tent

1 night at The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

sweet host & adorable animals! camping here was such a unique experience :)

jim

September 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

Very nice location in the city. Nicky was super nice and accommodating.

D

Dominick

September 2025

Tent

4 nights at The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

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!

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.

A

Amy

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Beautiful location. We really enjoyed the river and views. The hosts were great and easy to work with. We will definitely be back.

N

Nikolas

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mulln-Heim Vineyards

Absolutely stunning campsite! Plenty of space for multiple tent setups and loved having a prep table, picnic table, and additional seating. The tiki torches were also a nice touch to keep the bugs away. John was extremely kind and helpful throughout our stay. The property is beautiful and even has a short trail to walk connected to each campsite. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will definitely come back!

K

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mulln-Heim Vineyards

Tent camping is so special in John’s vineyard. Even with campers staying in the next site, we never heard them & we felt like we had the vineyard all to ourselves. In our site we were covered with a beautiful canopy of trees. Just steps outside of that you can enjoy the vineyard and once the sun goes down you have a private tree lined view of the gorgeous night sky. It is amazing! The site is equipped with basic necessities. Even though we arrived late the first night, John came out to greet us. Throughout our stay he could not have been a more gracious host.

D

Dakota

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

Won’t find a spot better than this close to the city. Accommodating and fun place to stay. Would recommend to anyone

J

JuliAnn

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

Friendly hosts, nice location! Would definitely return.

M

Michael

September 2025

16 ft car

5 nights at The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

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.

A

Annie

September 2025

Tent

1 night at The Vaudeville Urban Farm Fun!

Perfect!! exactly what we were looking for. Nicky Was so accommodating and helpful upon arrival and we hit it off with the other camper and have a new friend now! I’ll definitely plan to stay in the future!

M

Marise

September 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

The property was a pleasant surprise for being in a rural area. It was nice to have options of river access for kayaking or a salt water pool to reside in. It was clean. If you’re a tent camper your areas appeared nicely spaced out. If you have an RV you will be at the entrance just off the road (which was rarely traveled). Wide open places if you were to have a group you would have the front all to yourselves. Kayaking on the river was fun. It was a nice couple of days.

E

Emily

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa River Retreat

I loved camping here! The site is clean and well cleared with an amazing view of the river. The hosts were so welcoming and helpful!

J

Jaylon

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Mulln-Heim Vineyards

10 thumbs up! This land was a 10/10 camping experience for my large party. John is an extremely kind host, with very beautiful land and vegetation that you have to try out on your walk, and/or great to pluck if your one to grill. Plenty of areas to walk around and the different camp sites are very spacious and secluded. Very quick drive into town and the nearby beaches. Can’t recommend this place enough.