The best camping in Indiana Dunes National Park, IN

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.