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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

  • K
    Jun. 8, 2021

    Michigan City Campground

    Decent Campground Close Enough to Many Activities

    Decent campground. Pool, laundry, nice playground, ponds and basketball hoop. Less than 15 min to Indiana Dunes National Park.

  • Michael C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2021

    Lakeshore Camp Resort

    Trees and Rules

    Close to Indiana Dunes National Park. Easy access. Lots of rules thrown at you from the get go. Don’t park on the grass, Don’t drive over 5 mph, Don’t have alcohol outside your space. Lots of rules. Few smiling faces. Lots of trees. A mix of semi permanent residents and transient sites 

  • A
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Michigan City Campground

    Getaway to the Windy City

    We stayed at this campground last fall. 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. Also jumped on the South Shoreline commuter train that took us into downtown Chicago for a day trip.

  • Rae M.
    Sep. 2, 2019

    Sand Creek Campground

    Perfect while visiting Indiana Dunes

    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. It was our first time tent camping and the sites were very clean and nice. The bathrooms were also well maintained and camping staff very friendly and helpful.

  • madeleine B.
    Sep. 5, 2020

    Weko Beach Campground

    really, 3.5 stars

    the beach is cool! you can drive right up! but to park in the daytime is $10, on top of the campground fee. i was prepared to pay it, though, because my hip was sore and walking from the campground was out of the question.

    campground sites can be on top of one another. shrill yip dogs of the campground host in the first loop. asked to move and they gave me something in the higher loop, a bit closer to the beach. i was pretty happy there.

    drinking/party feel with bars and breweries everwhere.

    if i were to visit the area again, i’d reserve ahead at indiana dunes national park cg instead. nature is why i camp.

  • Debbie S.
    Apr. 18, 2021

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Wow! A water paradise.

    You will be amazed with the beauty of this park. Whether you are seeking family time or solitude, it won’t disappoint.

    Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.

  • J
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Big clean sites with lots of trees!

    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!

    There is a small paved parking area at each site big enough for 2 cars or epic sidewalk chalk for the little ones.🙂. Plus clean restrooms. No hook ups means it’s perfect for tents and small campers.

    The nearby state park campground is a sea of packed RVs. I’m so glad we’re here!

    There are several beaches within 5-10 minutes.

    The only downside- Mosquitoes! Bring the bug spray.

  • Art W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2021

    Lakeshore Camp Resort

    One step above WALMART

    This campground hosts many permanent or monthly campers, as evidenced by semi permanent structures, fences etc. There is a small lake that offers swimming and fishing, but we did not use this area. It is a huge area, with 4 shower and bathroom facilities, but they were old and needed maintenance and updating. One of us was brave enough to shower there, the other one preferred to take a sponge bath in the van. Each site that we saw had electric and waste water and potable water, so this was convenient. There is a loud highway nearby. The camp is a ten minute drive from West Beach area of Indiana Dunes National Park. As we ate breakfast on the supplied picnic table, the neighbor next to us had a loud argument with another resident involving a presumed theft, and police visited.

  • Tara S.
    Jul. 25, 2019

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Quiet campground, except for the train

    We enjoyed our stay at Indiana Dunes National Park with a few exceptions. First of all, as many of the other reviewers have mentioned, the bathrooms and showers were dirty. The noise from nearby trains was very loud, and it definitely felt like an urban camping experience. The campsite was clean and spacious, with plenty of room for our two tents and a hammock. 

    We really enjoyed hiking the Long Lake Trail through dunes and woods and the Cowels Bog Trail to a secluded beach. We watched the sunset from the nearby Kempil Beach. It was so lovely, but we spent much of the evening picking up trash, which was everywhere. I'm glad I paid a visit to our newest national park, but I'm not sure I would go out of my way to return.

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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