Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center

For whatever reason, the coordinates used from the Dyrt app lead me to the science center with the actual coordinates in the woods and inaccessible. It wasn’t until I got all set up that I realized I was 7 minutes away from the visitor center. The science center was sketchy, I don’t recommend-make sure you’re at the visitor center!

Just needed a safe place to stay overnight. Quiet and safe. Next morning grabbed coffee and a cinnamon roll at the gift shop.

There were other campers and cars. It was quiet and felt safe. Bonus there is a porta potty in the parking lot. When I went to sleep i was the only car on that side. When I woke up there were 2 more cars. A lady said in the morning she saw my vehicle and thought ok looks like a good spot. Maybe about 10 total all the way around the building. Nature, flowers and trees in the area. Not just a parking lot.

I’d pulled up to the Indiana Dunes State Park overly optimistic that I’d find last-minute camping on Labor Day weekend.

I was stopped by a park ranger at the entrance booth when I arrived at 2am. They suggested I go to the visitor center where they allow overnight parking.

The lot was large and well-lit with plenty of other overnighters. Luckily it wasn’t too cramped and there are dark spots if you’re sensitive to light.

Port-o-potty’s were available during visitor center off hours. And it beat staying at a travel center.

The natural beauty of Indiana is underrated! Highly recommend if you’re stopping through and without a camping spot.