Your Complete Guide To Camping At the Indiana Dunes

Indiana Dunes recently unveiled the first National Park in Indiana. So, what could be better than spending a summer night camping on the beautiful south shore of Lake Michigan? Read below for the complete guide to camping at Indiana Dunes.

Where are the best campgrounds for camping at Indiana Dunes?

There are many different options for camping at Indiana Dunes. Whether you want a primitive camping experience or a more luxurious one, you will be able to find it! Here are the available campsites (in order of proximity to the beach):

Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
Located less than a mile from the beach, this campground is one of the most popular in the area and fills up quickly. Every site has full electrical hookup, modern restrooms and shower houses.

Dunewood Campground (Part of Indiana Dunes National Park)
The campground is just over a mile south of Lake Michigan with wooded sites.  There are 66 sites (54 drive-in sites and 12 walk-in sites; 4 sites are fully accessible). Restrooms and showers are available while electric and water hookups are not offered. Half of the campground are reservable online at recreation.gov, while the other half are available first come, first served at an automated kiosk at the campground entrance (so be early!).

Lakeshore Camp Resort
Lakeshore Camp Resort has 125 full hookup campsites and 12 cabins available for rent to the general public. The resort is conveniently located just 4 miles from the beach. The campsite offers a fun-filled camping experience with access to many amenities for children and adults alike.

Woodland Village RV Lots
Woodland Village offers 70 spacious RV lots within their mobile home park. They are open year round for daily, weekly or monthly rentals. Located just 10 minutes from West Beach.

Sand Creek Campground
This peaceful, family-oriented campground is just 16 minutes from the Indiana Dunes State Park. It offers everything a camper could want, including full-electric and water hookups, clean restrooms, hot showers, a picnic shelter, a fire pit, a pool, and more. The campground also offers large and small cabin rentals.

Sunset Hill Farm County Park Campground
Sunset Hill Campground is a seasonal campground located in beautiful Sunset Hill Farm County Park. This campsite can accommodate large group sites as well as family camping. It has primitive toilets and electric is not available. It is a short 16-minute drive from the beach.

Michigan City Campground
Nestled on 40 acres just 5 miles (about 17 minutes) from Lake Michigan, Michigan City Campground’s camping season lasts from April 1 to October 31. The campground features three types of cabins, two types of cottages, campsites and full RV hook-ups. Amenities include a pool, playground, WIFI, fishing pond, camp store and laundry room.

Donna Jo Campground
This quiet campground offers a serene setting for families who want to enjoy nature while still having some comforts of home. Campers will enjoy the small picturesque pond, hiking trails, and the playground. Donna Jo’s offers restroom and laundry facilities. The campground is a 40-minute drive from the parks.

How do I make reservations for camping at Indiana Dunes?

You’ve decided to go on your adventure, so now how do you make a reservation for camping at Indiana Dunes? The two best ways to make reservations to camp at the Indiana Dunes State Park Campground is to go to camp.in.gov or to call 1 (866) 6 – CAMPIN. Reservations for Dunewood Campground can be made here. Most of the out-of-park camping locations also require reservations to be made on their respective websites. Prices vary based on location and time so it is imperative to register as early as possible. Most campgrounds fill up as the date of your visit gets closer.

Can I hike at Indiana Dunes National Park during my camping experience?

The answer is YES! Indiana Dunes has 14 trail systems that cover over 50 miles. When camping at Indiana Dunes, hiking can provide a fun chance to traverse the various habitats and experience the cultural history of the Dunes.

• Bailly Homestead, Chellberg Farm, Little Calumet River and Mnoké Prairie Trail System
• Calumet Dunes Trail System
• Cowles Bog Trail System
• Dune Ridge Trail System
• Glenwood Dunes Trail System
• Great Marsh Trail System
• Heron Rookery Trail System
• Hobart Prairie Grove Trail System
• Paul H. Douglas Trail (Miller Woods)
• Mount Baldy Trail System
• Pinhook Trail System
• Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk
• Tolleston Dunes Trail System
• West Beach Trail System

What else is there to do while camping?

There is so much to do at Indiana Dunes! Many species of birds migrate to Lake Michigan each year, which means that Indiana Dunes offers a unique and cool bird-watching experience. The gorgeous beaches offer the chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy the sun. The lake is a great spot for the avid fisherman and is perfect for boating fanatics. Pay a visit to the Indiana Dunes website to plan a full getaway.

Don’t forget to also stop by the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center for a personalized tour of Indiana Dunes. The visitor center has an exhibit room and knowledgeable staff who provide a dearth of information about the ecology and history of the park.

What camping items should I bring?

Since the several campgrounds at Indiana Dunes offer several types of experiences, each campsite may require more or less gear than others. It is important to research your site before visiting, but here are some common items to consider:

• Tent, poles, stakes
• Sleeping bag for every camper
• Pillows and extra blankets
• Outdoor chairs
• Lantern
• Trash bags and food storage containers
• Cooler, ice, water bottles, and other eating utensils
• Swimsuits, hiking shoes, and rain gear
• Sunscreen, first-aid kit, and insect repellent
• Firewood and matches

Indiana State Nature Passport

Indiana Dunes State Park is part of the Indiana State Nature Passport! Check-in and explore participating locations throughout the state to earn great prizes! The more you visit, the more you win. This program is 100% free, but property entrance fees apply when you visit. Learn More.