Dunes 101: Where to Go Camping at the Indiana Dunes

There are so many things to do while visiting the Indiana Dunes, you’ll definitely want to make your trip a multi-day stay. There are plenty of hotels, inns, and BnBs to stay in, but there’s no better way to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area than camping at the Indiana Dunes. Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent for the weekend, settle down for a while in your RV, or stop for a few days while on your van life road trip, the Indiana Dunes has great camping options.

Forest canopy covers most of the Indiana Dunes, keeping the sandy beaches hidden from the main roads. This offers the kind of privacy you need for an amazing camping experience! Both the State Park and National Park have designated campsites for tent and RV camping, each site within walking distance of the beach. 

Camping at Indiana Dunes State Park

The largest campground is in the Indiana Dunes State Park, and it has everything you need for comfortable camping. There are 140 campsites ready to go with electrical hookups. Water hookup is provided at specific locations. There are also heated restrooms and shower houses, a playground, handicap accessibility, pet-friendly walking paths, and during the summer, the on-site campground store is available with firewood, snacks, and other necessities.

The State Park Campground has direct access to the dunes. A short hike on Trail 4 will lead you to the top of Mt. Tom, the tallest dune in Northwest Indiana at 192 feet. Enjoy the spectacular view before heading down to the beach. The Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center is also located near the campsites. It’s a great place to learn about the ecology and history of the area or find out what park events are happening during your stay.

You can make your State Park camping reservations by visiting indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1 (866) 6 – CAMPIN. Fees vary depending on the day of the week and the site. Be sure to register early because the campground fills up early during peak season. The good news is that it’s open year-round, so the campground is perfect for an off-season getaway.

Learn more about Indiana Dunes camping in the video below:

Camping in Indiana Dunes National Park

For a camping option that’s a little off the beaten path, consider Dunewood Campground, which is part of the Indiana Dunes National Park. This campground is right off Highway 12 in Beverly Shores and about 1.5 miles from the dunes.

This campground is a little more secluded than the State Park, and it’s perfect for people who are looking for more of an old-school camping experience. You won’t find any electrical hookups at Dunewood Campground, but there are restrooms and a shower facility. Each campsite is nestled in the trees so you can really get in tune with nature!

Take a five-minute drive or a 30-minute walk through the quaint town of Beverly Shores to get to the beach. Keep in mind that during peak season, parking can be a challenge. Dunewood Campground is open April through October, and you can set up camp at one of the 54 drive-in wooded sites or one of the 13 walk-in sites. All sites are $25.00 per night and available on a first-come, first-serve basis—no reservations are accepted. Simply register your site at the main entrance kiosk, and display your registration receipt on your campsite marker post. Visit the National Park Service site for more information on rules and requirements.

Looking for vacation deals? Sign up for the free Indiana Dunes Deals Pass! Discounts ranging from a free scoop of ice cream to savings on attractions are like finding buried treasure.

Sign up at indianadunes.com/experiences.