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Established Camping

Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park

Central Avenue Walk-in Sites are located near Indiana Dunes National Park, featuring sandy terrain and diverse plant life. Temperatures range from the 20s in winter to the 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include the Indiana Dunes State Park and the shores of Lake Michigan, offering opportunities for hiking and beach activities.

Description

State Park

Indiana Dunes National Park

Overview

Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres (6070 ha) will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles (80 km) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.

Recreation

There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes.__ As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.

Facilities

There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes.__ As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.

Natural Features

Indiana Dunes National Park is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national park features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology. In addition, four National Natural Landmarks (including Pinhook Bog and Cowles Bog ) and one National Historical Landmark (the Bailly Homestead) are located within its boundaries.____ The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource.__ For more information on our natural features visit the Nature and Science page on the park website.

Nearby Attractions

Central Avenue Beach on Lake Michigan is located nearby, less than 5,000 feet (1524 m) from the campground. Several other national park beaches are within easy driving distance. A gas station / convenience store is located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of the campground on U.S. Highway 12. The Beverly Shores South Shore Railroad station with passenger service to Chicago and South Bend is located on Broadway Avenue. Indiana Dunes Tourism and LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau have lists of other activities in the area.

Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (camping reservations cancelled the day before or day of arrival) incur a $10 cancellation fee plus a forfeiture of the first night's use fee.__ For more information please review Recreation.gov's Rules and Reservations Policies.__

Fee Info

<ul> <li>$25 per night camping fee (this is an expanded amenity fee which is separate from the entrnace fee).</li> <li>A valid entrance pass or receipt is requried for all visitors. You may pay upon arrival or purchase in advance. Indiana Dunes honors Federal interagency passes (annual, senior, access, 4th grade, Golden Age, etc.). For more information, visit the Indiana Dunes <a href="https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/fees.htm" rel="nofollow">Fees & Passes</a> page.__</li> </ul>
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Location

Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park is located in Indiana

Detail location of campground

Directions

The Central Ave Beach Parking Lot is one mile (1.6 km) north of the intersection of Central Avenue and U.S. Highway 12 in the Town of Pines. NOTE: It is not possible to drive directly to the campsites. Each campsite is a walk of between .1 and .6 miles from the Central Avenue Beach Parking Lot, including a large hill with uneven terrain to get to each site.

Coordinates

41.701817 N
86.947814 W

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Reviews

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5.0

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1 Review

Reviewed Sep. 16, 2023

Nice and private.

The spot was clean. It’s far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long. Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail. You have to walk all the way down and take a left before you find sites 5, 4, 3, and 2 in that order.

Sitesite 1
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park by Don W., September 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park by Don W., September 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park by Don W., September 16, 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park has water hookups.

  • Does Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park?

    There are 5 campsites at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts