Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"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."
"We stayed in the off season in a site close to the laundry facility and office. Great campground for families. Our site was smaller however, no one was around us so it seemed bigger."
$30 - $90 / night
"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."
"Privately-owned and just a short distance from Indiana Dunes. The owner was very nice and helpful at check-in."
$49 - $57 / 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."
"If you love a campground 3 minutes from Lake Michigan with plenty of amenities, this is your place. The Mount Randall campground has 2 loops with all electric sites."
"We were with a large group so had a site you could drive right up to. Electricity hookups, bathrooms and showers, picnic tables and fire pit, etc. Easy access to the dunes and the beach."
$20 - $90 / night
"The first time we stayed in one of the cabins. The cabins are large, bathroom was very clean, large screened in porch. Only con was that the cabins all share one large firepit."
"Nice lake for boating and fishing, great for bike riding. Campsites have really nice fire ring with grates for cooking as well as picnic tables."
$50 - $30 / night
"Couple minute walk to the beautiful Lake Michigan beach. Waist deep most areas, waves can get big tho."
"Close to the lake with a beach that was not very crowded and enjoyed watching the sunset. I stayed in a cabin here that was cozy and comfortable."
$20 - $138 / night
"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."
"The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy. There is no privacy between the sites (no trees, etc)."
$12 - $50 / night
"We visited this park twice (once in Sept 2020 and again in June 2021). Both times we stayed in the cabin campground and both times had very good experiences. "
"The sites were a good size, complete with fire pit, grill grate, and picnic table, and the entire campground was well maintained. The pit toilets were cleaned daily and were always well stocked."
"Lots of very friendly other campers, a heated pool, playground for the kids, nice size lots with fire pits, picnic tables, electric& water (including at tent sites)."
"But even without the cave there was still a playground, pool and little walking trail near the waterfall. Close to nearby Lake Michigan and beaches."
GuideWe visited this park twice (once in Sept 2020 and again in June 2021). Both times we stayed in the cabin campground and both times had very good experiences. Each time we went mid-week so there was hardly anyone else there, and that was great. The cabins are small but perfectly fine for our group with two bunk beds, a small loft, and a small table inside. They have electricity so charging phones and devices is not a problem. Cabins 4 and 5 are up this small driveway and are slightly separated and I would recommend those if you can. We never had to go to "town" so not sure how far it is to any stores.
Each time we rented a canoe and did a paddle/float trip on the river that ended at the canoe rental location. Would not hesitate to stay here again.
TravelerI 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. It was actually my first time ever staying at a private campground, so I don't have much to compare it to. But it had 2 sets of bathrooms, a pool, a basketball hoop (I don't recall if it was a court, but I think it was just one) and a prayer room. I didn't look for laundry, because I didn't need it, but the map indicates they do have it.
The main office sold firewood and ice. Otherwise, just a few lantern batteries and such. Not a "store" by any means. But it's like a 5 minute drive to grocery and gas. Great location, in fact. Less than 10 minutes from the interstate.
Light-sleepers will have difficulty anywhere in the region because of train traffic, but it was respectably secluded. Vampires beware: there's a 8-10 foot cross at the entrance. But didn't notice any garlic strewn about.
Would stay again.
(No pictures because I found this site right after I returned. Map from website because the site is glitchy and you might not find it otherwise.)
TravelerThis is a nice, family friendly campground. Lots of very friendly other campers, a heated pool, playground for the kids, nice size lots with fire pits, picnic tables, electric& water (including at tent sites). Pool has an ADA lift chair. 2 shower/bath houses, camp store, a real bear cave you can tour in (free), a creek that meanders through it. The resort sits on the St. Joseph river & this park has a boat ramp & dock for fishing. There is a gate that campers need a code to get into so it keeps out unwanted’s. Nice staff. Yolanda is a great manager. Security, a ‘honey wagon’. Laundry center. Quiet hours are 10p-8a. It’s near Buchanan Michigan and the RED BUD Motor Cross track. Very friendly people, always stopping and talking.
GuideThis is a beautifully kept campground just outside Michigan City, IN. It is gated so will need to call in once you arrive to enter. 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. The cement patio was large with a picnic table and an adjacent fire pit. There is swimming pool and a game room, and a small store with the essentials, and propane.
You are close to Indiana Dunes and the downtown area of Michigan city. Good food, shops are close by.
By the way there are a number of cabins/mini homes to rent.
TravelerAlthough we would normally wait until the last minute to book a site, we booked early this time, and were glad that we did. All tent sites were reserved a week before our trip, so best to plan ahead. We chose sites 4, 5, and 6 to accommodate our group of 7. Each site had morning shade only, and the shade from the forest to the east of the sites closed in around 5 p.m. This campsite allows up to 2 tents per site, but it was nice to spread out a bit. We chose the sites that we did expecting to have a view of the river, but the maps are misleading– there is no river view, although it’s only a few feet to the river. It’s probably for the best though, since there is a boat ramp that runs through the campground that gets plenty of use. Despite the fact that we had a fair amount of rain during our trip, our sites never got muddy, because the soil is very sandy. An annoyance when your feet are constantly dirty, but great when it’s a stormy weekend. The sites were a good size, complete with fire pit, grill grate, and picnic table, and the entire campground was well maintained. The pit toilets were cleaned daily and were always well stocked. The showers were also clean, HOWEVER, as a tent camper, you’re not allowed to use the showers.(?!!) I mean, really, what are we? Heathens? We were chased away until we removed the blue placard given at check-in. The Park has a lot of hiking trails, and other activities. The town of Winamac was pretty small, but there are canoe, kayak, and pontoon rentals nearby. We also saw a paintball court close by. Firewood($6/bundle) and ice($2/bag) are available at the park gate. There is a private, certified, gentleman selling dry, well-seasoned firewood about a mile or two north of the park on US 35, east side of the road. He charges$20 for more than 10 times the amount of wood provided by the park.
TravelerCouple minute walk to the beautiful Lake Michigan beach. Waist deep most areas, waves can get big tho. The campgrounds beach is NOT pet friendly, but there is a flat boardwalk that takes you to a pet friendly area of beach of neighboring Warren dunes state park. Clean easy to locate water/trash/office areas. Friendly staff. They check the loops frequently and keep things tidy. Sandy but drivable roads(be careful in a washout). Flat nice sized lots. Clean bathroom/shower house! (Males and females share showers, could be concerning during busy season). Peaceful and quiet. Loved everything about our trip. (Be warned the camping lots are sand too, you will have sand everywhere! But its worth it!)
TravelerWe 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.
ScoutFrom the start you feel welcomed. My site was small compared to other campsites. It was still big enough for our tent and a table and pit. We had to park in a nearby parking space because our site was surrounded by other sites and common area. There is no electric in "tent city" either, but it is near the roundhouse and showers. There is an outdoor shower as well. That was awesome. The events were great forLabor Day weekend. This was our first time at and adult only resort or clothing optional. The people were friendly and helpful to others. This convinced us that this is how we will camp from now on.
GuideI visited Palos early this week (mid-April) for a very very chilly three days. The tent sites are right next to the water which is beautiful but can get very windy. There is no privacy between the sites (no trees, etc). There are small and medium cabins, some heated with their own bathrooms, that feature bunk beds and are great for getting out of the cold. The central bathrooms are clean, heated and offer showers. The water is not yet potable so bring your own or check with the park team to ensure it's drinkable when you go. The hiking here is AWESOME with a bajillion different routes right from the campground. We hiked 10 miles and saw tons of animals and birds including a snake, loads of herons and songbirds, deer, a raccoon and a Cooper's Hawk. I will definitely be back!
Cabin camping near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore offers a unique blend of nature and comfort, making it an ideal getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are included in the Indiana Dunes cabin rentals?
While Indiana Dunes National Park doesn't have cabins, nearby options offer various amenities. Potato Creek State Park Campground has spacious cabins with clean bathrooms. Camp Bullfrog Lake offers both small and medium cabins, with some featuring heat and private bathrooms. Typical cabin amenities in the region include beds, electricity, picnic tables, and fire rings. Many have climate control for year-round comfort. Basic cabins typically provide shelter and sleeping space, while upgraded options might include kitchenettes, private bathrooms, and furnished outdoor areas. Always check specific amenities when booking as they vary significantly between locations.
Are there cabins available to rent within Indiana Dunes National Park?
Indiana Dunes National Park itself doesn't offer cabin rentals directly within park boundaries. However, visitors looking for cabin accommodations near the dunes have several options in the surrounding area. Tippecanoe River State Park Campground offers cabin rentals that make for a comfortable alternative to tent camping while still enjoying the natural surroundings. For those wanting to explore Indiana Dunes while staying in cabin accommodations, you'll need to look at nearby state parks and private campgrounds that serve as excellent base camps for day trips to the national park.
What are the sustainable cabin options in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?
While Indiana Dunes National Park doesn't offer cabin rentals directly, environmentally conscious travelers can find sustainable options nearby. Weko Beach Campground emphasizes conservation with its proximity to Lake Michigan and connection to Warren Dunes State Park via boardwalks that protect sensitive dune ecosystems. Sun Aura offers an alternative community-focused camping experience that emphasizes minimal environmental impact. When seeking sustainable accommodations near Indiana Dunes, look for properties that emphasize water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and natural habitat preservation. Many nearby campgrounds are increasing their sustainability efforts through solar power, recycling programs, and native landscaping.
How much does it cost to rent a cabin at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore?
While Indiana Dunes National Park doesn't offer cabin rentals, cabins at nearby alternatives range widely in price. At Michigan City Campground, which provides excellent access to Indiana Dunes, premium accommodations with amenities like cement patios and full hookups command higher rates. Sand Creek Campground is another option near the Dunes with varying price points. Generally, cabin rentals in the region range from $50-150+ per night depending on size, amenities, and season. State park cabins tend to be more affordable while private campgrounds with luxury features cost more. Most require minimum stays during peak summer months.
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