Dunewood Campground at Indiana Dunes National Park offers tent, RV, and glamping options 1 mile from Lake Michigan beaches. Located within the 15,000-acre national park, glamping accommodations provide a comfortable alternative to traditional camping with upgraded canvas structures. The park encompasses a diverse ecosystem of sand dunes, wetlands, and oak savannas with elevation changes up to 192 feet at Mount Tom. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even during summer months, making climate-controlled glamping structures practical for year-round visitors.
What to do
Hike through diverse ecosystems: Access the extensive trail system directly from Dunewood Campground where "Foresty and beautiful" surroundings create memorable hiking experiences. Trails range from easy to moderate difficulty, winding through wetlands and wooded areas. "Management was very attentive to making sure the campground was quiet and calm," notes one visitor, creating an ideal atmosphere for nature exploration.
Visit Lake Michigan beaches: The closest beach within the national park is Kimmel Beach, accessible within a 10-15 minute drive from most glamping sites. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water," reports one camper, highlighting amenities available after beach activities. Swimming is supervised at certain hours with designated lifeguard stations.
Mountain biking: Michigan City Campground serves as a central base for regional mountain biking trails. "We stayed in a 90 ft premium pull through spot. Nice campground that is maintained," notes one visitor. For more advanced riders, Imagination Glen Park in Portage offers technical trails just a few miles from glamping accommodations.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Indiana Dunes State Park Campground maintains high standards for bathrooms and shower facilities. "Station A looked like it had been totally rehabbed in the last 5 years. Everything looked nice and the showers could be turned to your preferred temperature," reports one visitor. Most glamping options include access to these facilities or private bathroom setups.
Spacious sites: "The sight was spacious with plenty of room in between sites. Since the weather was cooler, it was pretty sparse with other campers," notes a visitor to Warren Dunes State Park. Most glamping sites include space for outdoor seating areas and fire rings separate from sleeping quarters.
Proximity to Chicago: Located approximately 50 miles east of Chicago, Lakeshore Camp Resort offers quick access to urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting. "Our purpose for camping was visiting our adult children who live in Chicago but both have roommates," notes one visitor, highlighting the resort's convenience for city trips. The South Shore commuter train provides transportation from Michigan City to Chicago without needing to drive.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter glamping requires preparation for temperature variations. Warren Dunes State Park Campground offers year-round glamping options with heated yurts. "We pulled in around 4:30 in the evening. The sight was spacious with plenty of room between sites. Since the weather was cooler, it was pretty sparse with other campers," notes one winter visitor.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping accommodations require reservations 3-6 months in advance during peak summer season (June-August). Holiday weekends often book completely by February. "We camped here on our way to Minnesota. The campground was clean and it was quiet," mentions one visitor who secured a mid-week reservation.
Noise considerations: Railroad tracks near some glamping locations create intermittent noise. "Definitely heard railroad and road noise but that's the trade off for being close to town with good cell service," notes one Dunewood Campground visitor. Sites furthest from transportation corridors provide the quietest experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Tippecanoe River State Park Campground offers family-friendly glamping options with convenient playground access. "Sites 2,3,4,6, and 7 have direct access to a playground and you can watch your children from your site," notes one visitor. These monitored play areas provide convenient entertainment for younger children.
Beach safety awareness: Rip currents can occur on Lake Michigan. "Be careful in the lake, because rip current often take young visitors out too far and into dangerous waters," warns one experienced camper. Beaches with lifeguards provide safer swimming options for families with children.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes are prevalent in wetland areas surrounding glamping sites. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," notes one visitor. Bringing appropriate repellent and screening options improves comfort for family outings.
Tips from RVers
Water and electric hookups: While some glamping sites include full hookups, others require preparation. "As is with most IN state parks there is no water hookup so you need to fill you tank up," advises one RVer at Camp Bullfrog Lake. Water stations are typically available near entrance points for initial tank filling.
Site selection: "The best sites are the ones on the outside from the beach trail to the nature center. These are up against the dunes and have some shade," recommends one experienced glamper. Interior sites often have less privacy and more exposure to sun during summer months.
Advance planning: "Gated campground so not just anyone can come in, very clean and a nice pool," notes one visitor about Michigan City Campground. Security features at many glamping facilities require advance reservations and check-in procedures, with operating hours typically ending at 8:00 PM.
