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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Indiana Dunes National Park

592 Reviews

While you may not think of Indiana first when you think of nature lovers’ bucket list spots, Indiana Dunes State Park is an underrated gem. With a tandem national park, Indiana Dunes has one major campground in the state park and one in the national park.

There are a few campsites in the state and national park sections, but reservations are always a good idea. You can reserve a spot ahead of time on the state park website. Of the two, you may find the national park area is usually a bit more secluded. With more than 100 large, RV-friendly sites, RV and tent campers can enjoy this patch of Indiana. The best camping near Indiana Dunes State Park is in the national park or Dune Acres. You should be able to get a spot when you want one, but if you want more amenities, you can stay in nearby Chesterton, IN.

Map showing campgrounds near Indiana Dunes National Park, IndianaExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Indiana Dunes National Park (51)

    1. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer."

    "A shout out to Dune Wood campground in Indiana Dunes National Park. Big, clean sites. They are sand/dirt pads and they rake them clean between each guest. We were impressed!"

    2. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, IN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-1952

    $23 / night

    "The state park is located within the boundaries of the Indiana Dunes National Park (formerly National Lakeshore), so don't get confused by this."

    "The most beautiful state park in Indiana IMO."

    3. Michigan City Campground

    22 Reviews
    Indiana Dunes National Park, IN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 872-7600

    "Less than 15 min to Indiana Dunes National Park."

    "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."

    4. Sand Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    Chesterton, IN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 926-7482

    $30 - $90 / night

    "We spent the weekend exploring America’s 61st National Park- Indiana Dunes National Park. The National Park campsite was full and recommended this place about 10 minutes away."

    "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."

    5. Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 426-4013

    "The walk to the beach access is a beautiful one, and the beach is astounding! Pet friendly!"

    "Happened upon this Gem when driving the coast of Lake Michigan.  Watched the solar eclipse from the beach.   The DBR had a viewing area setup for adults and kids.  "

    6. Lakeshore Camp Resort

    16 Reviews
    Portage, IN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 762-7757

    $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."

    7. Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park

    1 Review
    Beverly Shores, IN
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / 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."

    8. Last Resort Campground

    11 Reviews
    Hanna, IN
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 797-2267

    "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."

    9. Potato Creek State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    North Liberty, IN
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 656-8186

    $20 - $90 / night

    "Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust. Be ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up."

    "I feel this is one of the best state parks in Indiana. Come with your own water as they don’t have water hookups at your campsite but there are some nearby. The sites are very spacious and clean."

    10. Weko Beach Campground

    20 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 465-3406

    $50 - $30 / night

    "you can drive right up!"

    "Couple minute walk to the beautiful Lake Michigan beach. Waist deep most areas, waves can get big tho."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Indiana Dunes National Park

63 Photos of 51 Indiana Dunes National Park Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Indiana Dunes National Park

592 Reviews of 51 Indiana Dunes National Park Campgrounds

Guide to Indiana Dunes National Park

Explore the joys of camping with your furry friends near Indiana Dunes National Park, where several campgrounds welcome pets and offer a range of amenities for a comfortable stay.

Tips for camping with dogs near Indiana Dunes National Park

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Michigan City Campground

  • At Michigan City Campground, pets are welcome, and the campground features clean facilities and a friendly atmosphere.
  • This campground offers spacious sites with electric hookups, making it convenient for RV travelers with pets.
  • Enjoy the nearby attractions, as the campground is close to local beaches and parks, perfect for walks with your dog.

Pet owners like the amenities at Lakeshore Camp Resort

  • Lakeshore Camp Resort provides a variety of amenities, including electric hookups and a market for supplies, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your pet.
  • The campground features a small lake with water rentals, making it a fun spot for families and their furry companions.
  • With a pet-friendly policy, this campground allows you to enjoy your vacation without leaving your pet behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find pet-friendly camping at Indiana Dunes?

For pet-friendly camping near Indiana Dunes National Park, Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park is your primary option within the park boundaries. This campground features clean, spacious sites with sand/dirt pads that are raked between guests. While exploring other nearby options, Michigan City Campground offers pet-friendly accommodations less than 15 minutes from the national park with amenities like a pool, laundry facilities, and a playground. Both locations welcome pets but require them to be leashed at all times and never left unattended at campsites.

What pet-friendly amenities are available at Indiana Dunes campgrounds?

Pet-friendly amenities near Indiana Dunes include designated dog walking areas at Lakeshore Camp Resort, which offers easy access to the national park. The campgrounds typically provide waste disposal stations with bags and receptacles for pet waste. At Weko Beach Campground, pets can enjoy access to certain beach areas during off-peak hours, though daytime parking fees apply. Most campgrounds in the area offer water spigots where pets can hydrate, shaded campsites to keep pets comfortable in summer, and nearby trails suitable for dog walking. However, pet-specific amenities like dog parks or washing stations are limited.

How do Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park differ in their pet policies?

Indiana Dunes National Park and State Park have similar but distinct pet policies. At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, pets are allowed in most camping areas and on certain designated trails, but are prohibited on the main swimming beaches and in most buildings. The National Park generally permits leashed pets in more areas, including most hiking trails and the less-developed beach areas. Both parks enforce a 6-foot leash requirement, and owners must clean up after their pets. The State Park tends to have stricter enforcement in high-traffic areas, while the National Park offers more pet-accessible shoreline areas.

Are dogs allowed in Indiana Dunes National Park?

Yes, dogs are allowed in Indiana Dunes National Park, but with important restrictions. Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times throughout the park, including trails and permitted beach areas. They are welcome at Sand Creek Campground, a recommended alternative when the national park campgrounds are full. However, dogs are prohibited in certain beach swimming areas during peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and must remain outside park buildings unless they are service animals. Pet waste must be properly disposed of in all areas of the park, and violations can result in fines.

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