Notable Campgrounds
- Best for national park access: The National Park Services offers one campground on-site at Indiana Dunes National Park in Dunewood Campground.
- Best for camping with hookups: Nearby Indiana Dunes State Park has campsites with electric hookups.
- Best for serenity: Dunewood Campground has 13 walk-in tent-only campsites.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- While Indiana Dunes National Park is larger than Indiana Dunes State Park, the state park has more modern campground facilities.
- Both are popular parks, so campers should book early.
- Indiana Dunes State Park campground is open seasonally from late April through late October, and reservations may be made 6 months in advance.
- Reservations open November 15 for the following camping season at Indiana Dunes National Park’s Dunewood Campground. Otherwise, reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance.
- Dunewood Campground closes November through March.
When to Go
Summer is peak season due to the bounty of lake recreation, including boating, kayaking, and swimming. Plan for full sun while hiking dunes, and carry plenty of water and sunscreen. Spring and fall are generally cool, with good weather for many types of outdoor recreation. The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is celebrated each May, offering birdwatching tours led by experts. Due to its northern location, Indiana Dunes National Park has cold, snowy winters. The national and state park campgrounds are closed, though winter recreation can be enjoyed in both parks.
Know Before You Go
- The national park previously went by the name Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
- While sewer and water hookups are not available at individual campsites, potable water and dump stations are available at both the national park and state park campgrounds.
- Restrooms and showerhouses are located near the lakeshore for cleaning up after playing on the sandy beaches.
- While tent camping at the walk-in sites at the national park, campers must bring their own water.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Marvel at Lake Michigan from a perch on a towering sand dune.
On the shores of Lake Michigan, epic sand dunes rise over turquoise waters. Just 40 miles from the large city of Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Park feels worlds away. Open year round, the park has a range of activities. Check out the hiking trails along the dune peaks, enjoy the sandy beaches, or go biking on one of the exquisite trails. In the snowy winter, explore the lakeshore while cross-country skiing. After a busy day, find a picnic table with a view of the surrounding natural beauty. Venture into Michigan City, Indiana, to find breweries, restaurants, and more.
On the shores of Lake Michigan, epic sand dunes rise over turquoise waters. Just 40 miles from the large city of Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Park feels worlds away. Open year round, the park has a range of activities. Check out the hiking trails along the dune peaks, enjoy the sandy beaches, or go biking on one of the exquisite trails. In the snowy winter, explore the lakeshore while cross-country skiing. After a busy day, find a picnic table with a view of the surrounding natural beauty. Venture into Michigan City, Indiana, to find breweries, restaurants, and more.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Indiana Dunes National Park
Dunewood Campground is just south of Lake Michigan, making this your family style jam for a close drive to the lake. The perks? You avoid the fray of a stay too close to boom bay, but are able to retire to a peaceful pad. With roughly sixty conventional campsites and over ten walk-in/drop-in sites, its first-come, first-served ways make Dunewood a Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Summer is peak season due to the bounty of lake recreation, including boating, kayaking, and swimming. Plan for full sun while hiking dunes, and carry plenty of water and sunscreen. Spring and fall are generally cool, with good weather for many types of outdoor recreation. The Indiana Dunes Birding Festival is celebrated each May, offering birdwatching tours led by experts. Due to its northern location, Indiana Dunes National Park has cold, snowy winters. The national and state park campgrounds are closed, though winter recreation can be enjoyed in both parks.
Know Before You Go
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp for free in Indiana Dunes National Park?
There is no free camping available within Indiana Dunes National Park. The park has one designated campground, the Dunewood Campground, which requires a fee for camping. The campground offers campsites with basic amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. Reservations can be made during the peak season, while some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can you camp overnight at Indiana Dunes?
Yes, you can camp overnight at Indiana Dunes. The Indiana Dunes State Park has a campground with 140 campsites, offering electric hookups, restrooms, and showers. The campground is located within the park and is just a short walk from the beach. Additionally, Indiana Dunes National Park offers the Dunewood Campground, which has 66 campsites with restrooms and potable water available. Note that neither of these campgrounds is directly on the beach, but they are close to the shoreline. You can learn more about camping options and make reservations through the Hipcamp website.
How do I get a campsite reservation at Indiana Dunes National Park?
Securing an Indiana Dunes National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Indiana Dunes National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Indiana Dunes campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
When should I reserve camping in Indiana Dunes National Park?
Most Indiana Dunes National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure an Indiana Dunes National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Indiana Dunes campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —