3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Camping near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore ranges from RV-friendly campgrounds with concrete pads and electric hookups to traditional tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, all within proximity to Lake Michigan. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground and Dunewood Campground provide dedicated sites for both tent and RV camping with varying amenities. The area features several mixed-use camping facilities, including Michigan City Campground, Sand Creek Campground, and Lakeshore Camp Resort, which offer additional options such as cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds maintain concrete pads for RVs while providing traditional tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables.
Access to campgrounds near Indiana Dunes requires advance reservations, particularly during summer months when beach access is most desirable. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, with some like Michigan City Campground available year-round while others such as Sand Creek Campground and Lakeshore Camp Resort operate from spring through fall. Electric hookups are common, but water and sewer connections vary by location. The region experiences cold winters and moderate summers, with spring and fall offering milder temperatures for camping. A review noted, "The campground was full, but not overcrowded. Very friendly neighbors and camp staff. There is a nice nature trail to the beach."
Campers frequently mention the proximity to Lake Michigan beaches and sand dunes as primary attractions. The 3 Dunes Challenge hiking trail receives frequent positive mentions in reviews, providing a moderate physical challenge with scenic views. Visitors report spacious sites at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground with adequate separation between campsites, though privacy can be limited in some areas. Train noise affects some campgrounds in the region, with one camper noting, "It's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long." Bathhouse facilities throughout the region are generally well-maintained, with Indiana Dunes State Park receiving positive comments about cleanliness. Winter camping options are limited but available, with one reviewer describing it as a "Winter Wonderland" with quiet conditions and friendly fellow campers.
"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."
"Conveniently located for the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore which I used as a scenic layover point in a long drive."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 / night
"The most beautiful state park in Indiana IMO."
"The campground although nearly full was relatively calm and quiet. Unlike the craziness of other Indiana state parks I have visited."
from $50 / night
"This is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter."
"It's easy access, clean spacious sites, and how quiet it was considering it proximity to S.R. 421 brought us back again this year. We visited Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park."
"I stayed here for my first trip to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore area in early June '18. It was clearly recently renovated and very nice."
"First time to Indiana with a quick trip to the Dunes. We were disappointed the state park was full but found this campground close by."
from $30 - $90 / night
"A lake with water rentals, floating water slide, playgrounds and sport courts, general store with the stardust’s “convenience mark-ups”,and water/ electric at all sites."
"We were there the week before peak season opened so none of the pools or splash pads were open, but they were very accommodating so that we could still play mini golf and ride around on the pedal cars."
from $49 - $57 / night
"About a mile walk to the lakeshore."
from $25 / night
"There is a path to the beach for walking but it is a long walk. We tried walking a wagon to the beach via the road but regretted it. A kind family drove us half the distance."
"There are sand dunes in the park just walking distance from some campsites. You can climb these dunes to the beach ( a farther walk) or take a short drive. They have restrooms/showers."
from $45 - $80 / 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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 / night
"We wanted a place close to my elderly parents house and Last Resort fit the bill. Overall it is a pleasant campground with a pool, a pond, and some weekend activities."
"We were super close to fellow campers.On the other side of the grounds around the pond (electric only) sites were much bigger and secluded. Despite the tight space, the kids loved it here."
ScoutIt was nice camping here. There is an asphalted road leading right to the campsites. The hot, adjustable showers are perfect. The sites are made of gravel paved with sand, which makes them perfectly flat. I liked that.
GuideClean lighted bathrooms and hot showers. Very shady campground but not much privacy between sites. About a mile walk to the lakeshore.
TravelerStaying through the week just on the outside of Labor Day Weekend. This place was perfect for us to come over and get away from it and enjoy the changing weather. Electric only sites, and the staff were friendly. Always enjoy coming here for good hiking and beach time.
LegendWe had an overnight stay here during some pretty nasty weather. Site 7 was perfect as it has a very wide concrete landing pad that kept us from trudging around our site in mud. Flooded roads resulted in a road race being diverted through the park. We were able to cheer them on while having dinner at our campfire. There’s a paved walkway around the circumference of the campground which allows you to take a nice stroll. Trails to the lake are easily accessible. The bathrooms and showers were clean, although a bit dated. We had a pleasant evening.
RangerWe reserved this mobile home camping experience through Hipcamp that had(overall) positive reviews. When we arrived, the area of town was run-down as was the property itself. I would not have felt comfortable staying there with kids. In addition, due to a storm the day before, the entire area around the mobile home was flooded. There was nowhere to walk, drive or park that was not under water. This was an unacceptable and unsafe situation. In addition, we needed to find a new place to stay late in the evening. We reached out to the owner to cancel and he refused to refund our money; an overall awful experience.
GuideCute spot found on hip camp. Had most of it to myself on a weeknight in September. The flowers are a very thoughtful touch.
GuideWow! What a State Park inside the National Park! Spacious, beautiful, and a big surprise on Lake Michigan South East. Indiana. Towering trees, San dunes, marshland, and fifteen miles of beach shore parklands. If you haven’t been, go! This is a year round play land. Camping is surrounded by forest, electric only, bathrooms/showers ((vault and flush), and clean for state park standards. Bring your, bikes, kayaks, beach attire, and hiking boots for spring, summer, and fall. Bring snowshoes and cross country skis in winter.
TravelerSuper accessible and affordable National Park camping! Easy access to all the Dunes, and varying level of amenities for different rigs. I just spent one night here but I wish I spent longer. Only downside is you need to pack extra bug spray for the summer mosquitoes!!
GuideThis campground has lots of spaces, but fills up quickly so plan ahead. It has clean restrooms, dump and water, but no electricity. Mosquitoes and gnats were very bad and it was very humid, so nights were challenging. Had to leave windows shut and quiet hours, so no generator. Reasonably priced and campground hosts to their jobs very seriously.
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore campgrounds provide year-round access to Lake Michigan shorelines, with seasonal camping options expanding from April through October. The region features a mix of forested tent sites and RV-compatible facilities across both the national and state park areas. Winter camping is available at select locations like Michigan City Campground, where temperatures can drop below freezing but offer a unique, less crowded camping experience.
Hike the wooded trails: Dunewood Campground connects to several hiking paths through dense forests. "The campsite had the typical amenities like a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground was clean and it was quiet. It was not a long car ride at all to Lake Michigan," notes Katrin M. from Dunewood Campground.
Swim at designated beaches: Multiple beaches within 5-15 minutes of most campgrounds offer swimming with some having lifeguards during summer months. "The beach and dunes are the star of this show, but the campground is a good supporting actor," says Greg S. who visited Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds feature on-site fishing ponds when Lake Michigan conditions aren't ideal. "We went to the dune's national park and it was awesome for swimming all day and playing in the sand for the kids," mentions Monique C. who stayed at Sand Creek Campground when visiting the national park beaches.
Mountain biking trails: For cyclists, nearby trail systems offer additional recreation options. "We spent 2 nights here and went mountain biking at Imagination Glen Park in Portage just a few miles down the road which was awesome," shares Jeffrey S., highlighting the connectivity beyond the immediate park boundaries.
Clean bathroom facilities: Despite high visitor volume, many campgrounds maintain good hygiene standards. "The shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," reports Katherine T. about Dunewood Campground.
Secluded tent sites: Some campgrounds offer more private spots away from busier areas. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. The hosts were friendly," continues Katherine T., noting the balance of privacy and accessibility.
Family-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds, pools, and organized activities. "It had a lot of really nice trails that were fairly easy to follow for being sand. The beach was well maintained, and had lifeguards during certain hours, which gave me a little bit of extra comfort in bringing my kids to the lake," shares Kaley A. about her experience at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Security features: Some private campgrounds offer enhanced security. "Love the secure entrance and key card access. Pool and bathrooms were clean," notes Beth B. about Michigan City Campground, highlighting features important for family safety.
Train noise impacts sleep: Multiple campgrounds throughout the area experience railroad disturbances. "Could hear Trains throughout the night. Great facility with showers, water fountains, and a camp sink," reports Truly W. who stayed at Dunewood Campground, showing how amenities can offset noise concerns.
Mosquito preparation essential: Wetland areas create ideal breeding conditions for insects, particularly in summer. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," warns Katrin M. after camping at Dunewood.
Varied site privacy levels: Site selection significantly impacts camping experience. "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. The middle sites are more exposed and much less private," advises Greg S. from Indiana Dunes State Park.
Sand management challenges: The fine beach sand tracks everywhere. "I just won't pick the tent site again. The sand is very dirty there," mentions Jackie H. from Warren Dunes State Park Campground, highlighting how this natural feature impacts tent camping.
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with small children. "Our site was right between the playground and beach trailhead, but still private," notes Greg S., describing the family-friendly layout at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Beach equipment transport: Plan for carrying beach gear or use vehicles. "We tried walking a wagon to the beach via the road but regretted it. A kind family drove us half the distance. Plan on driving your stuff to the beach or taking bicycles," advises Heidi S. from Warren Dunes State Park Campground.
Weekday visits reduce crowds: School-year weekdays offer significantly less crowded conditions. "The campground was full, but not overcrowded. Very friendly neighbors and camp staff," reports Jackie H., describing a positive experience despite high occupancy.
Protected swimming areas: Look for beaches with lifeguards during summer months. "The beach was well maintained, and had lifeguards during certain hours, which gave me a little bit of extra comfort in bringing my kids to the lake," repeats Kaley A., emphasizing this important safety feature.
Electric hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer only electric with limited water and sewer connections. "It is electric only but that didn't really bother us - we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty and enjoyed ourselves," shares Greg S. about managing utility limitations at Indiana Dunes State Park.
Site dimensions vary significantly: Large rigs should confirm site specifics before booking. "We have a 37' motorhome and pulled a Jeep behind it. There was plenty of room to maneuver around," reports Chris M. about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, noting the spacious accommodations.
Premium site benefits: Some campgrounds offer upgraded sites with better amenities. "We stayed in the premium sites which were 90ft pull thought with 50A service, water and sewer, and the best wifi I have seen at a campsite," explains Craig C. from Michigan City Campground, detailing the technical specifications important to RVers.
Extension cord requirements: Electrical hookups may be distant from parking pads. "Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up," advises Frank M., sharing practical advice based on experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds located in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?
The primary campground within Indiana Dunes National Park (formerly National Lakeshore) is Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park, conveniently located within the park boundaries and about an hour's drive from Chicago. For those seeking alternative options, Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park offers a more primitive camping experience near Beverly Shores. The park itself stretches for many miles along the southern coast of Lake Michigan in northern Indiana, with the campgrounds situated in wooded areas that provide convenient access to the park's trail systems and beaches.
What are the differences between Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park camping?
Indiana Dunes National Park (formerly National Lakeshore) and Indiana Dunes State Park offer distinct camping experiences despite their proximity. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground features recently renovated campsites and modern facilities in what many consider the most beautiful state park in Indiana, established in 1925. The state park tends to be more crowded than the national park campgrounds. In contrast, Lakeshore Camp Resort near the national park offers a mix of permanent and transient sites with plenty of trees, though it has stricter rules. The state park requires separate entrance fees, while the national park has its own fee structure, with each maintaining different reservation systems.
What amenities are available at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore campsites?
Campsites at Indiana Dunes National Park offer a solid range of amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park provides modern bathrooms with showers and running water. The campground has fairly spacious sites, though they can be somewhat close together. For those looking for more amenities outside the national park, Sand Creek Campground offers additional facilities including a pool and recently renovated, clean bathrooms. The tent sites there are private and spacious, nestled among trees. Most campsites throughout the area include standard features like picnic tables and fire rings.
Can you camp on the beach at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?
No, beach camping is not permitted at Indiana Dunes National Park. All camping must be done at designated campgrounds like Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park, which is located in a wooded area away from the shoreline. For those wanting to stay close to the water, Michigan City Campground is located just outside Michigan City and offers beautifully maintained facilities near the lake, including premium 90-foot pull-through sites with full hookups for RVs. While you can't camp directly on the beach, most campgrounds in the area provide relatively easy access to the lakeshore beaches for daytime activities.
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