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Best Tent Camping near Indiana Dunes National Park

584 Reviews

Indiana Dunes National Park offers several tent camping options, including the Central Avenue Walk-in Sites located in Beverly Shores. These walk-in tent sites provide a natural setting with a degree of privacy from the main park areas. Camping near the dunes requires preparation for sandy conditions and changing weather patterns. Additional tent camping can be found at nearby locations like Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland, Illinois, which offers tent sites with more developed amenities.

Tent campsites at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites require a short hike to reach, with site 1 located at the front of the trail and sites 2-5 farther down. These sites lack drinking water and electric hookups, though toilets are available. Reservations are required for these sites. At Camp Shabbona Woods, tent campers find more amenities, including drinking water, showers, toilets, and trash disposal. The terrain is predominantly open with young trees that provide limited shade. Fire regulations vary by location, with fires prohibited at Central Avenue but permitted at other nearby campgrounds.

Walk-in tent areas typically offer more seclusion than standard campgrounds, with Central Avenue sites being far enough from trails to provide privacy while still offering reasonable access to beach areas. Sweet Cherry Resort in Michigan also provides tent sites in a cleared area a short distance from parking, with clean bathroom facilities and proximity to public beaches. According to one visitor at Central Avenue, "The spot was clean. It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long." Urban tent campers should note that locations like Camp Shabbona Woods, while convenient, may experience noise from nearby emergency services and urban activity.

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

Best Tent Sites Near Indiana Dunes National Park (5)

    1. 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."

    2. Campside Michigan

    1 Review
    Bridgman, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (248) 345-5084

    $75 - $150 / night

    3. Camp Shabbona Woods

    2 Reviews
    Calumet City, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (312) 636-0018

    $30 - $80 / night

    "camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping. The campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."

    4. Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday

    14 Reviews
    Watervliet, MI
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 849-3333

    $60 - $120 / night

    "It was small enough for our kids to ride bikes around alone and they frequented the park, which we could see from our site. Jumping pillow & mini golf were also a hit."

    "They had a hot tub and heated pool. Mini golf and bikes you could rent. The store was nice and lots to offer and the prices were very reasonable. Showers close by."

    5. Sweet Cherry Resort

    1 Review
    Watervliet, MI
    49 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots. I had the place to myself as it was Labor Day Monday night. Showers and bathrooms were clean. Pool looked nice."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Indiana Dunes National Park

9 Photos of 5 Indiana Dunes National Park Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Indiana Dunes National Park

584 Reviews of 5 Indiana Dunes National Park Campgrounds

  • H. K.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Camp Bullfrog Lake

    Nice but very little shade

    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. 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.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2021

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Choose your site carefully

    General: Dunewood campground is located within Indiana Dunes National Park, established in 2019 (The national seashore was established in the 1960s). The Park is spread out for many miles along the coast of northern Indiana and depending on the direction you approach the campground from, it can be confusing. We approached from the east and the visitor center is nowhere near the campground and since we arrived after 6 pm, we had no maps or other information. Fortunately, there was cell service, and we went to the NPS app for some information. The campground is divided into two loops plus a walk-in section for a total of 66 sites; all require advance reservations. Don’t confuse it with the nearby state park called Indiana Dunes State Park. 

    Site Quality/Facilities: The sites are very wooded with sufficient privacy between them. Unfortunately, our site (31) was quite possibly the worst one for a campervan(would not be suitable for an RV at all) but would have made a fantastic tent site(wood stakes separated the“driveway” from the rest of the site). 13 of the 34 sites in the Mather loop were empty both at 7 pm and 7 am the next morning yet since they were all reserved, we were not able to move. The pads were all paved and most of the sites were generous in size. None of the sites have any hookups. We did hear occasional trains passing nearby. 

    Bathhouse: Large, clean restroom facility with showers, not the norm for national park campgrounds. 

    Activities: hiking, beach walking. There were some trails that could be accessed from the campground, but we did not explore these. After going to the Visitor Center the next morning and reading the NPS app, we decided to try the Diana Dunes Dare. The story behind this is fascinating but alas, it was humid and buggy, and we could see more rain was on the way so we only did one of the three loops (If you do all three, you can get a sticker). While there is no fee to enter Indiana Dunes National Park, there is an “amenities” fee of $6 per car ($3 if you have the senior pass) from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 

    We had originally planned to spend two nights here but between the weather and bugs, and our site not working for us, we only spent one night. I would have given this campground three stars based on our personal experience, however, overall, the campground and facilities were well maintained and nice.

  • 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.

  • H
    May. 26, 2022

    Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

    Great stay, come ready

    We stayed two nights in mid-May, at site number 72. Area was gorgeous, well maintained, shady and quiet. Tons of hiking trails in very close proximity to the campground! There is electricity on site, but no water or sewage at each site. However there is a water fill station and a dump station. So just come prepared. Also, they have a very strict no alcohol policy. Not that that stopped people, but don't go walking around with a beer bottle! We would definitely return.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Nice campground near the Indiana Dunes National Park

    We followed the signs for Indiana Dunes National Park and found ourselves here. There is also a campground directly in the park but this one is just down the road. I think it’s still part of the same place but with a self-check-in there wasn’t anybody to ask. 

    The camp host left a list of available campsites on the check-in kiosk. We found just two sites still open and took one of them. Our site was a large pull-through with a separate area for the picnic table and a tent. Right across the road was the large restroom complete with showers and flushing toilets. After setting up camp, I heard people in the woods right on the other side of the hill. I walked up the path and found that the neighboring campsite winds back there. We could sort of see them, and definitely hear them, but we still felt separate. The camper and car in the pull through spot provided a nice barrier so our dog didn’t get distracted by people walking by. 

    The National Park entrance is a few miles down the road. The beach was packed but the trails were emptier. We enjoyed hiking to the summit of 2 dunes. We stopped at the picnic area to have lunch in the shade. There’s also a trail that leads out from camp. However dogs are not allowed on the entire trail so we skipped it. 

    This is a nice National Park that’s only an hour from Chicago.

  • 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.

  • Elizabeth G.
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    Pleasant and quiet

    Stayed in site 43 of the Douglas loop. Douglas loop is all non electric.

    Our site was big enough for our tents, a picnic table and fire ring. The bathrooms/showers are really close by which is nice but you do get the lights from the bathroom facing site 43. Not a big deal but if you’re looking for more darkness then definitely choose one of the other sites around 43.

    All parking sites are paved for camper vans/trailers but no water or power hookups. All sites have nice huge tent pads that are nice and level. Only noise we heard was the train every now and then.

    The showers are individual rooms separate from the bathrooms. And there’s a gas station and liquor store near the entrance of the campground for fire wood and beer.

    I didn’t get to stay in the walk in campsites but they are very nice and close-ish to the showers.

  • 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.

  • 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 

Guide to Indiana Dunes National Park

Tent camping near Indiana Dunes National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the region. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure.

Local Activities for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Affordable Tent Camping Options

  • Prices for tent camping can be quite reasonable, with options like Sweet Cherry Resort offering tent sites for around $20, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious campers.

Attractions Near the Campgrounds

  • Stay at the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday and take advantage of nearby attractions, including beautiful beaches and family-friendly activities like movie nights and crafts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Indiana Dunes National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Indiana Dunes National Park is Central Avenue Walk-in Sites — Indiana Dunes National Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Indiana Dunes National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Indiana Dunes National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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