Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore camping offers a mix of forested sites and beach access along Lake Michigan's southern shore. The area features over 15 miles of shoreline with sand dunes reaching up to 200 feet in elevation. Seasonal temperature swings are substantial, with humid summers averaging 85°F and winters often dropping below freezing with lake-effect snow.
What to Do
Beach swimming and sunbathing: Just a short walk or drive from Dunewood Campground, Lake Michigan provides clean swimming areas with lifeguards during peak hours. "The closest beach within the national park is Kimmel Beach which is beautiful. There are some biting horseflies at the beach, but not at the campground," notes Katie O.
Dune climbing: Try the popular 3 Dune Challenge at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. "The 3 dune challenge is not really a challenge if you are moderately healthy but it is fun and scenic! The cool soft sand feels fantastic, definitely best hiked barefoot," shares Greg S. The highest dunes offer views across the lake to Chicago's skyline on clear days.
Fishing opportunities: Several small lakes provide fishing access beyond the main shoreline. Anglers report good catches at multiple locations around the parks. "We caught a bunch" in the small lake at Lakeshore Camp Resort, according to Rino S., though he adds that "there's some garbage on the shore. I would not swim in it, although we did fish in it."
What Campers Like
Private wooded sites: Many campsites offer decent spacing with mature trees. "The sites are decently private with good tent pads. Shower house was clean with good hot water. A camper sink for dishwashing was a nice bonus," writes Katherine T. about her stay at Dunewood Campground.
Updated facilities: Recent renovations have improved several campground amenities. At Michigan City Campground, "the shower/bathroom situation is actually fairly nice for a campground! The water pressure was great, and the hot water was amazing," according to Cassiey K.
Winter camping options: Unlike many Midwest parks, some campgrounds remain open year-round. "Michigan City Campground is open year round. They also have many monthly sites available with winter water, as well as seasonal and overnight spots," notes Jennifer T., making it a good option for off-season glamping near Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
What You Should Know
Railroad noise: Train tracks run near several campgrounds in the area. "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long. If you're a heavy sleeper and you can deal with that, you'll be just fine but us tent camping there was nothing to block the sound," warns Kaley A.
Insect issues: During warm months, biting insects can be problematic in certain areas. "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening," reports Katrin M. about her experience at Dunewood Campground.
Crowding during peak season: The popular beaches fill quickly during summer weekends. "The weekend traffic can be a bummer," notes Kirk B. about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. Advance booking is essential, especially for premium glamping accommodations near Indiana Dunes.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: For families with young children, some sites offer direct playground views. At Tippecanoe River State Park, "sites 2,3,4,6,&7 have direct access to a playground& you can watch your children from your site," advises Cynthia K., though she suggests to "avoid if you dislike the sound of children playing."
Security features: Parents appreciate secure camping environments. Beth B. mentions that at Michigan City Campground she "love[s] the secure entrance and key card access." This extra security measure helps families feel safer when camping with children.
Educational programs: Nature centers offer kid-friendly programs throughout the season. "The visitor center is nice, fairly large and the workers were very friendly. They had one of the nicer programs that I have been to in the state," reports Kaley A. about programs available at the park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. "The middle sites are more exposed and much less private. The best sites are the ones on the outside from the beach trail to the nature center," advises Greg S. about Indiana Dunes State Park Campground.
Utilities and hookups: Electric-only sites require preparation. "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," suggests Greg S. Water fill stations are typically available near entrance areas.
Premium RV site options: Several campgrounds offer upgraded sites with full hookups. At Warren Dunes State Park Campground, Jeffrey S. found that "this campground was very nice and clean and for a packed park was very quiet and we did not feel too close to the sites next to us." He also noted, "Two dump stations made wait minimal," which is helpful for RVers planning departure logistics.
