There’s a certain rhythm to a cross-country trip, especially when you’re navigating the heart of the Midwest. The miles of corn and soybean fields can be beautiful in their own way, but finding a good place to pull over, empty the tanks, and just reset can sometimes be a challenge. You’re often caught between the chaos of a big city like Chicago and the tourist-heavy areas of the Michigan lakeshore. That’s where a place like Last Resort Campground in the small, quiet town of Hanna, Indiana, feels like a true sanctuary. It’s not just a name; it really does feel like a peaceful, reliable haven tucked away among shady hardwood trees, offering a much-needed pause for road-weary travelers.
Located just off the well-traveled US-30, this campground serves as a perfect buffer zone. It’s far enough from the city to feel relaxed, yet close enough to major attractions to be incredibly convenient. The main draw in this part of northern Indiana is undoubtedly the magnificent Indiana Dunes National Park, which is only about a 25-mile drive from the campground. Here, you get the surprising and beautiful contrast of 15 miles of sandy Lake Michigan beaches backed by over 50 miles of forested hiking trails. It’s a unique ecosystem and a fantastic place to explore. If you’re looking for a bit of civilization, the charming town of Valparaiso with its growing foodie scene is less than an hour away, as is the famous campus of Notre Dame in South Bend. This region is also a hotspot for birders, especially during the spring warbler migrations. For us RVers, Last Resort Campground provides the perfect home base to explore all of it, without having to stay in a more crowded and expensive area.
Using a private campground for a dump-only stop has a different feel than a public park or a truck stop. At Last Resort, if you’re not staying overnight, the friendly staff will often escort you to the dump pad to make sure you find it easily. You can expect the facilities to be well-maintained and the lanes to be more spacious than what you might find at an older state park. It’s a family-friendly atmosphere. On summer weekends, especially around checkout time on a Saturday or Sunday morning, you might encounter a short queue for the dump station, but it’s generally a relaxed and patient crowd. For those staying longer, they even offer an optional pump-out service on busy event weekends, which is a great convenience.
The amenities here are what really make it a standout stop, especially for a multi-day stay. They offer a full-hookup section with both 30 and 50-amp electric, potable water, and sewer right at your site. This is perfect for a mid-journey reset, allowing you to deep-charge your batteries, do a thorough tank cleaning, and not have to worry about a thing. Even if you’re just using the central dump station, having access to potable water and electricity nearby means you can easily rinse your hoses and even run a few things in the rig while the kids burn off some energy at the playground.
What really elevates the experience are the comfort facilities. They have a newly tiled bathhouse with hot showers and coin-operated laundry machines. Being able to take a proper shower and do a load of laundry without steaming up the inside of your rig is a true luxury on a long trip. They also have trash dumpsters conveniently located near the exit, which simplifies your cleanup immensely. For those traveling with pets, the campground is very welcoming, with on-leash walking loops that circle a pleasant little fishing pond. It’s a great place for everyone in the family, two-legged or four-legged, to stretch their limbs.
You will need to plan for a couple of things. The campground does not have on-site propane or fuel services. Both are available in the nearby town of La Porte, which is about five miles to theeast. As always, it’s a smart move to phone ahead to any new-to-you fuel station to make sure they can accommodate your rig and fill your specific propane tanks. There are also no RV repair services located right at the campground, but this is a well-traveled region, and the office keeps a list of reliable mobile techs who can service the area if you run into any mechanical trouble.
When it comes to cost, prices in the Midwest are generally quite reasonable. While the exact rates weren’t published at the time of this writing, you can historically expect to pay somewhere between $10 and $15 for a dump-only visit. For an overnight stay at a full-hookup site, prices typically range from $40 to $55. Your best bet is always to give them a quick call to get the most current pricing and to confirm what payment methods they accept, as cash is often king at smaller, independent campgrounds.
A few final tips for a smooth visit: if you prefer peace and quiet, try to book a weeknight stay. The weekends can be lively with family crowds and occasional campground festivals. Also, stock up on your groceries and major supplies in a larger town like Valparaiso before you arrive in Hanna, as the local options are more limited. If you’re planning a day trip to Indiana Dunes, remember that the national park has a day-use entrance fee. You can save time by purchasing your pass online before you go, which lets you skip the line at the gate. And one last piece of practical advice: you’re near a very large body of water, and the lake-effect humidity can bring out the mosquitoes in the summer. Be sure to pack plenty of good bug spray.
So, what’s the final verdict? Last Resort Campground absolutely lives up to its name. It’s a trustworthy, comfortable, and well-equipped safety net for any RVer whose tanks are getting full after enjoying the adventures around Lake Michigan. The robust amenities, including full hookups, showers, and laundry, combined with its fantastic proximity to one of the Midwest’s most beautiful national parks, more than make up for the lack of on-site propane. Just be sure to call ahead to confirm the details, and you’ll find it’s the perfect place to rest and recharge.
4707 W 1300 S, Hanna, IN 46340
(219) 797-2267
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
camplastresort.com