Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
Hosted by Derek · Gary, Indiana
2 sites · Lodging · 15 acres
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Derek is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Romantic
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is romantic.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
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$90
/ night2 sites
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Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
92%
(13)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
from
for NaN guests$90
/ night
Instant book
John Deere Station #2
100%
(11)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
Picnic table
from
for NaN guests$90
/ nightfrom
$90
/ night2 sites
Reviews
96% Recommend24 ratings · 24 reviews
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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Camilla P.
5 reviews
Recommends
· September 2025
With kids ·
John Deere Station #2
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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Smita D.
6 months on Hipcamp
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
Amanda L.
2 reviews
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!
Erinn R.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2025
With kids ·
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!
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Sara G.
3 reviews
Not recommend
· July 2025
With kids ·
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
It was ok for the price. Clean and the beds were comfortable. We arrived 2 hrs after check in time. The host greeted us telling we were at the wrong place and then correcting himself saying it was correct but give him a few minutes inside to finish up. Thankfully it was ready for us in a few minutes, I'm not sure of the cause for confusion. The host was very responsive. There aren't many instructions and the listing doesn't have a lot of details but he did answer questions promptly. The yard needed to be mowed. We enjoyed the animals. Goats, horses, and some cats and the bird feeder. Location was ok, everything seemed about 15 mins away and the national park is 20-40 mins depending on what area you're going. Surrounding area is a little run down but there's really cute towns close by.
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Laura T.
7 reviews
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.
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Ben J.
2 years on Hipcamp
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.
Amanda L.
2 reviews
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.
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Lindsey W.
8 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
Derek was super helpful and responsive! Cute RV and super comfy bed! Has all your amenities and nice and quiet. Highly recommend!
D
Davin K.
2 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
With kids ·
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
This was an enjoyable, out of the ordinary camping experience. Our party was comfortable in the RV, and we appreciated the refrigerator, freezer and stove. Outside, the kids enjoyed meeting the horses and playing horseshoes and bags. There was a nice firepit with Adirondack chairs and plenty of firewood. Derek was friendly and helpful. You'd hardly know you were close to the city of Gary!
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Kaarin T.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
This was such a fun place to stay! Perfect distance from Chicago without the issues of a bigger city! If you’re looking to dip your toes into camping this is the way!
A
Anna C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· August 2024
Group trip ·
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
What a great time! Clean and cozy and we loved seeing the animals.
S
Shavon H.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
With kids ·
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
We had a great week at the RV! Our family of 4 had a great time watching the horses, goats, and wildlife. We enjoyed the fire pit, and Miller Beach (about 15 minutes away) was absolutely beautiful. Derek was responsive to all of our questions and helped us with anything we needed! We’d love to come back another time.
T
Terra S.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
With kids ·
John Deere Station #2
Great experience! Derek & his father were great host. RV had everything we needed from pots and pans to towels and bedding and the main bed was amazingly comfortable. Futon was great too. Full functional bathroom & the a/c and power were a huge camping plus. Full kitchen, fridge, & indoor dining table too. Fire ring overlooking the pasture was relaxing. Free firewood was appreciated. We had fun visiting the ponies, horses, goats, cats, chickens, and dogs. Easy location to explore the Dunes and spend the day at the beach on Lake Michigan. Huge bonus that the host has a hook up with a free private parking space just three blocks away from the Rush St. beach entrance. Also had good food at New York Plate and Miller Pizza Co. in town. Easy to find location. Just over an hour from Chicago. There is another RV on-site but there creative use of a storage container provides perfect privacy. Two Adirondacks around the fire pit were perfect for sitting, as well as the bench swing, and the four top table set was perfect for outdoor dining. Highly recommend for couples or families.
Nick A.
7 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
With kids ·
John Deere Station #2
Amazing spot! The trailer was super clean and we had everything we needed with a beautiful view of the farm. Loved the horses and goats and Derek was so kind. Don’t hesitate!
C
Chana H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
My trip started off w/ late check in due to flight delay & Derek was so responsive & understanding from the start. The RV was really nice & had everything we needed. We appreciated the attention to detail such as having wood cut including kindling, gas grill, beach access. The animals were so close & it was really enjoyable/change of pace to be around them.
Gary isn’t the greatest area, be careful around there. There weren’t a lot of reviews here but Derek is AIRBNB host property listed there too. & he hashumdreds of great reviews from other listings in US. I think this is newer listing.
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K F.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Group trip ·
John Deere Station #2
I love the campsite! Derek and his wife were so friendly! The room was clean and organized! My friends and I had a BBQ and fire camp, in which the host prepared the woods and BBQ grill place for us. We also had a chance to go surround and visit the animals. They are training the horses for riding purposes so hopefully, ppl can have that service sooner. Definitely recommend you camping here!
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Hoang V.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
With pets ·
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
Wonderful experience and great host! Pet friendly and comfortable in a nice location.
Cara M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Absolutely fantastic stay at this horse camp! We stayed in a charming trailer that was cozy and well-equipped. Getting to interact with the animals, especially a sweet dog named Baby, added a special touch to our experience. The surroundings were beautiful and serene, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Derek was an excellent host—super responsive and extremely helpful. Cooking out on the grill and making emotes by the fire was just the icing on the cake. Highly recommend for a unique and delightful escape! Five stars all the way!
D
Danielle K.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2024
With kids ·
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
Derek was a great host and the RV is well maintained. The kids loved the animals as did we, we got to feed them carrots. He also provided firewood. We enjoyed playing bags and the land dogs are sweet.
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Ivelisse V.
1 year on Hipcamp
Beautiful horses! Very nice camper that is dog friendly. Short drive to the beach or Indiana Dunes.
J
Jessica S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· November 2023
Group trip ·
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
We are so happy that we chose to spend two nights in this place. I will start with how good communicative Derek was, he was absolutely wonderful and responding to every message in a timely manner that made me feel comfortable , and answering each question I was asking. Secondly, how clean the space is, and has everything we needed, heaters, water, kitchen stuff, towels, very clean sheets and soo. The space was a surprisingly amazing after driving in gary which wasn’t that flattering. We were welcomed by the sweetest dog I ever met ‘ her name is baby and she is soo cute’. Then, after we got settled, the horses came around and it was dreamy. We enjoyed the first night around the bonfire, and the wood was included with everything. Second day we met Derek and his father Frank, both were kind people, and Frank helped us with the fire since it was a fail the first night. We went to the farm and saw the animals, there was horses, goats and ponies. Very flexible and let us ho whenever we want . I really like how respectful they were of our privacy, it’s worth to mention since they were around to work in the barn. We got to ride the horses the last day before we go and it was amazing. Lastly, I would mention how he was passionate about his work and that reflects on everything, the small details of colors, how he got each piece and put them together is beautiful. The only thing maybe was the cold weather that was colder than we expected.
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Arwa A.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2023
Group trip ·
Rocking Horse Camping Ranch
The perfect weekend get away. Visited with 3 of my friends and we had the absolute best time! The land was beautiful! And the horses graze close by. We got to pet on them and play with the farm pups! The hosts were extremely helpful, friendly, and we appreciated all the amenities the camper had. Derek even let us set up our huge tent which was a nice bonus! We could not stop raving about how great it all was and we can’t wait to visit again!
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Hannah M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Location
Gary, Lake County, Indiana, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Derek Z.
Joined in August 2021Things to do nearby
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