Best Tent Camping near Beverly Shores, IN

Several tent camping options are available near Beverly Shores, Indiana, with Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park serving as a primary tent-focused campground. These walk-in sites provide clean, private camping spots with reasonable access to Lake Michigan beaches. The campground is organized with site one located at the front of the trail, while sites two through five require hiking farther down the trail and turning left. Tent campers seeking more amenities might consider Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday in nearby Michigan, which offers tent sites alongside other accommodation types.

Tent campsites at Central Avenue feature basic amenities with toilet facilities but no drinking water or electrical hookups. Sites require a permit and can be reserved in advance. Pets are allowed at this location, but alcohol and fires are prohibited. The terrain consists primarily of natural surfaces with minimal development. Campers should plan to carry in all necessary supplies including water, as there are no hookups at the walk-in sites. Walk-in access means vehicles must be parked separately from the camping area, creating a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience.

Primitive tent setups near Beverly Shores offer good separation between sites for privacy and a more natural camping experience. The walk to beach areas is manageable for most campers, providing easy access to Lake Michigan's shoreline. Sites are situated far enough from main trails to create a sense of seclusion despite being in a developed national park area. The surrounding Indiana Dunes landscape offers hiking opportunities through diverse ecosystems including dunes, forests, and wetlands. A camper noted, "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."

Best Tent Sites Near Beverly Shores, Indiana (5)

    1. Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park

    1 Review
    Beverly Shores, IN
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "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."

    2. Campside Michigan

    1 Review
    Bridgman, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 345-5084

    $75 - $150 / night

    3. Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday

    14 Reviews
    Watervliet, MI
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 849-3333

    $60 - $120 / night

    "It was small enough for our kids to ride bikes around alone and they frequented the park, which we could see from our site. Jumping pillow & mini golf were also a hit."

    "They had a hot tub and heated pool. Mini golf and bikes you could rent. The store was nice and lots to offer and the prices were very reasonable. Showers close by."

    4. Camp Shabbona Woods

    2 Reviews
    Calumet City, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

    "camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping. The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."

    5. Sweet Cherry Resort

    1 Review
    Watervliet, MI
    47 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots. I had the place to myself as it was Labor Day Monday night. Showers and bathrooms were clean. Pool looked nice."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Beverly Shores, IN

9 Photos of 5 Beverly Shores Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Beverly Shores, IN

584 Reviews of 5 Beverly Shores Campgrounds


  • H. K.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Nice but very little shade

    We stayed in the primitive tent area near the back of the park. It is walk in.

    There was a pole for a lantern, a picnic table, a fire ring and tent pad. There is one clean flush toilet and shower per each gender (the shower stall was spacious with plenty of hooks and benches). There were also vault toilets not too far away. The water spigot was pretty far away though. There were plenty of garbage cans.

    There were a few small trees but very little shade. On hot days I think a pop up shade shelter would be necessary to make it bearable.

    Overall it was pretty quiet.

    The last night we were there a large group of people with their tents showed up. There were not enough tent pads or picnic tables for all of them. I don't know if it was the park that booked so many people or if it was the group that overbooked.

  • H
    May. 26, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Great stay, come ready

    We stayed two nights in mid-May, at site number 72. Area was gorgeous, well maintained, shady and quiet. Tons of hiking trails in very close proximity to the campground! There is electricity on site, but no water or sewage at each site. However there is a water fill station and a dump station. So just come prepared. Also, they have a very strict no alcohol policy. Not that that stopped people, but don't go walking around with a beer bottle! We would definitely return.

  • Elizabeth G.
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Pleasant and quiet

    Stayed in site 43 of the Douglas loop. Douglas loop is all non electric.

    Our site was big enough for our tents, a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms/showers are really close by which is nice but you do get the lights from the bathroom facing site 43. Not a big deal but if you’re looking for more darkness then definitely choose one of the other sites around 43.

    All parking sites are paved for camper vans/trailers but no water or power hookups. All sites have nice huge tent pads that are nice and level. Only noise we heard was the train every now and then.

    The showers are individual rooms separate from the bathrooms. And there’s a gas station and liquor store near the entrance of the campground for fire wood and beer.

    I didn’t get to stay in the walk in campsites but they are very nice and close-ish to the showers.

  • Chris M.
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Clean & Spacious

    We pulled in around 4:30 in the evening. The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites. Since the weather was cooler , it was pretty sparse with other campers. We stayed 2 nights over the weekend. You are within walking distance to the beach within the park. The buildings have great architecture. The sight had 50 amp electric hook ups but no water or sewer connections, and we knew that going in. We had a back in sight #69. There was plenty of space on all sides. We have a 37’ motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around. The sight also had a wood picnic table and fire ring for a wood fire pit. We will definitely be back! I wish I had taken more photos from the beach and beach pavilion.

  • Dickie H.
    Jul. 30, 2019

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Easy camping

    You gotta love Indiana dunes national lakeshore! A quick drive from chicago this campsite is a real good place to get away from the city and enjoy the outdoors. It’s one of my favorite places to go within an hour’s drive. The campsite has everything you need. Modern bathrooms and showers, running water. Good for tent camping. It’s clean and a quick drive to a quiet beach at Beverly Shores. I highly recommend!

  • jennifer Z.
    Aug. 11, 2018

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Favorite campground in the dunes

    This is seriously my favorite campground. My family and I have been camping here for more than ten years. We have camped in the walk-ins and the drive-up spots.

    The sites are private and the bathrooms are super duper clean. Showers are great.

    You can take the train from downtown Chicago and get off at the Beverly Shores stop on the south shore line. The campsite is seriously a quarter mile walk from the stop.

    There is an awesome gas station at the corner where you can get coffee and donuts in the morning. Ice and beverages during the day and soft serve ice serve ice cream at night. There are also two wood stove pizza trucks next to the gas station.

    There is a nice sandy beach one mile walking distance through an amazing prairie. Great walk at night back from the beach after watching the sunset. Very romantic.

    Plenty if things to do in the area. Lots of pick your own berry patches and kayaking spots.

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Shamrock Park

    Great for fishing

    We wanted to stay at Warren Dunes State Park, but I think this discovery was a better choice. A clean and friendly municipal campground on the St. Joseph River. The grounds are mostly open with little shade, but we had a tent site by the river and trees. What impressed me most was that they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks. Another nice feature is the outdoor sink at the shower & restroom building for campers to wash dishes. As tent campers I wish more places had a set up like that. There’s a large stack of firewood, so it’s easy to get a bundle that’s good and dry. We did go to Warren Dunes for an afternoon. It’s busy and crowded. If you go to the beach, be aware there’s very little shade. North of there is Grand Mere State Park, which is better for hiking. In Berrien Springs, check out Zick’s specialty meats across the river from the camp.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Outer Circle

    We reserved a spot in the outer circle. We like having woods on one side. Nice campground camping….parking pad, fire ring, picnic table. Good amount of space between spots. Nice bathrooms & showers. We have a rooftop tent and we’re very happy. Loved the hike over “Mt. Tom” to the gorgeous beach and warmish lake for a swim. We choose the State Park vs. National Park so we could hike to the beach.

  • Amy M.
    May. 14, 2017

    Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    TICKS

    We stayed in the semi modern sites, which was tents and no RVs nearby, which was good. That was about it. The Interstate was directly behind the sites, so the highway traffic noise took away from the feeling you want when camping, that off the grid feeling.

    The site was clean, picnic table and fire ring. There was a water spigot close by too. We did some short hiking to sand dunes which was really cool. Nice paths lead to beautiful sunset over dunes.

    Upon returning from the hike, we set up camp. That's when we found the ticks. We found probably 10 on our dog, several on us. The couple next to our site was struggling with ticks also, and they hadn't hiked, so makes me think they were from the campground. (We stayed ON the trail carefully while hiking). We've camped a lot and never dealt with this many ticks.

    We actually ended up bailing due to how many were on us all. Spent the next 24 hours picking them off everyone in our family at home. Not good. We know it's a fact of life, but this place was infested. Bummer of a trip.


Guide to Beverly Shores

Tent campers near Beverly Shores, Indiana have several options beyond the immediate national park area. Many of the camping locations in this region sit within the distinctive dune landscapes that define the southern Lake Michigan shoreline. The sandy terrain transitions between beach areas, marshy wetlands, and wooded sections depending on proximity to the lakeshore. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity near the water.

What to do

Beach exploration: Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park provides direct access to Lake Michigan beaches within walking distance. The shoreline features sandy beaches with opportunities for swimming during summer months when lifeguards are present at designated areas.

Local wineries: Tent campers staying at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday can access nearby Michigan wine country. "We stayed in the deluxe cabin for one night and loved it! The cabin was so cute and well kept. It came with a fridge, stove, and bathroom," reports Sarah P., noting the convenience for wine tasting excursions.

Sunset viewing: The western shore of Michigan offers exceptional sunset views over Lake Michigan. Alyssa at Sweet Cherry Resort confirms this benefit: "Best part is that it's a 3 minute drive to a public beach with great swimming and a beautiful sunset."

What campers like

Family activities: Many campgrounds in the region cater specifically to families with children. Jennifer W. notes about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday: "The kids loved the jumping pillow, pool, and nightly tractor-pull train. Bathrooms were clean and conveniently located. Our site had plenty of space and lots of shade."

Clean facilities: Campground maintenance stands out as a consistent positive in review comments. "Very clean and well-kept park. Lots of fun activities on the weekends for the kids and FREE! They have movie nights, we met Disney characters, did crafts, and enjoyed the barrel train & ice cream sundaes," reports Cassie B. about her stay at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA.

Proximity to beaches: The region's primary attraction remains Lake Michigan shoreline access. According to one Campside Michigan visitor, the property offers straightforward beach access combined with basic cabin accommodations for those seeking alternatives to the best tent camping near Beverly Shores, Indiana.

What you should know

Site restrictions: Some campgrounds implement specific regulations that affect camping experience. Jeffrey L. notes about Camp Shabbona Woods: "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok. No electric or water hook ups can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite."

Urban proximity: Not all camping options provide complete wilderness immersion. Camp Shabbona Woods sits in a more developed area, with Scott M. noting: "This camp site is in a very urban area and is very small... The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."

Seasonal conditions: Weather near Lake Michigan can change rapidly with fog and sudden temperature drops, particularly in spring and fall. Storms can develop quickly over the lake during summer months, requiring proper tent staking in sandy conditions.

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Campgrounds with structured programming provide entertainment options beyond nature exploration. Katie S. from Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday explains: "They had a hot tub and heated pool. Mini golf and bikes you could rent. The store was nice and lots to offer and the prices were very reasonable."

First-timer friendly: Campside Michigan offers simplified camping experiences with both tent sites and cabin options, making it suitable for families new to outdoor recreation near Beverly Shores. The 4-site property allows for more controlled camping experiences.

Bathroom accessibility: When camping with children, clean and convenient facilities become essential. Lori S. notes about her experience: "Nice pool, hot tub, movie for kids, train ride for kids. Small sites, lots of people. Camp hosts were fantastic as were camp store employees."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Traditional RV hookups remain scarce among the tent camping areas near Beverly Shores. Monica R. suggests Coloma/St. Joseph KOA as an exception: "Sites are well maintained, clean and spacious. The store has everything you could need and if they don't, there is a gas station right outside of entrance."

Weather preparation: Michigan's lake effect weather patterns require additional preparation for campers. Devina M. advises: "Because it rained rather heavily, it makes it formed a huge collection of water. The bathrooms are semi clean, but expect mud basically everywhere... Bring rain boots for mud!"

Supply accessibility: While camping near Beverly Shores offers natural settings, commercial services remain accessible. Kit S. notes: "This place is great! Very clean and well put together. Staff is very helpful and organized. Easy in and out."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Beverly Shores, IN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Beverly Shores, IN is Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Beverly Shores, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Beverly Shores, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.