Camping near Indiana Dunes National Park
Indiana Dunes National Park offers several established campgrounds ranging from primitive to fully developed sites for tent and RV camping. Dunewood Campground within the national park provides drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in sites with facilities including toilets, drinking water, and trash disposal, though without electrical hookups. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground in Chesterton features electric, water, and sewer hookups suitable for both tent camping and RVs. Private options like Michigan City Campground and Sand Creek Campground expand lodging options with cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites.
Camping availability follows seasonal patterns with several campgrounds operating only from April through October. The Dunewood Campground requires a $25 site fee plus a $25 park pass specific to Indiana Dunes. Most campgrounds feature drinking water, fire rings, and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. The region experiences high humidity and significant mosquito activity during summer months. One camper noted, "The mosquitos here are insane! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on."
Proximity to Lake Michigan beaches represents the primary draw for most campers visiting the dunes region. The nearby Beverly Shores area provides additional amenities within walking distance of Dunewood Campground. According to one visitor, "From the campground you can walk to the small Village of Beverly Shores which has a cool restaurant, higher end liquor store, gas station, ice cream, firewood, beach supplies and food trucks." Most campgrounds are situated within 1-2 miles of shoreline access points. Train noise affects some camping areas, with multiple visitors mentioning hearing trains throughout the night. Sites in the region typically feature packed sand or dirt surfaces that may be uncomfortable for tent camping but generally provide good drainage during storms. Wildlife encounters, particularly with raccoons, are common at night throughout the camping areas.
