Looking for the best options for tent camping near Indiana Dunes National Park? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Indiana Dunes National Park campgrounds for you and your tent. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Indiana Dunes National Park's most popular destinations.
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) 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 (6070 ha) will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles (80 km) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.
There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes. As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national park features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology. In addition, four National Natural Landmarks (including Pinhook Bog and Cowles Bog ) and one National Historical Landmark (the Bailly Homestead) are located within its boundaries. The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource. For more information on our natural features visit the Nature and Science page on the park website.
Central Avenue Beach on Lake Michigan is located nearby, less than 5,000 feet (1524 m) from the campground. Several other national park beaches are within easy driving distance. A gas station / convenience store is located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of the campground on U.S. Highway 12. The Beverly Shores South Shore Railroad station with passenger service to Chicago and South Bend is located on Broadway Avenue. Indiana Dunes Tourism and LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau have lists of other activities in the area.
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (camping reservations cancelled the day before or day of arrival) incur a $10 cancellation fee plus a forfeiture of the first night's use fee. For more information please review Recreation.gov's Rules and Reservations Policies.
$25 / night
This family-owned, nationally recognized, award-winning KOA is the closed to beautiful Lake Michigan, providing guests with top-notch services, amenities and unrivaled proximity to nearby beaches, orchards, vineyards, kayaking rivers and other popular attractions. The parklike setting features mature trees with a canopy of trees, paved roads and well maintained grounds with a peaceful atmosphere that makes this the best place to be. The attentive, friendly team will meet and exceed your expectations, whether you stay in a tent, an RV or one of the 20 lodging options including Camping Cabins, Deluxe Cabins and Glamping tents. Enjoy the heated pool, Jumping Pillow, fishing pond, bike rentals, mini golf, playground, Gem mining, cable TV, Wi-Fi, wooded nature trail, general store and Campfire Café serving Hunt Brothers pizza. Planned activities and themed weekends held throughout the summer.
$60 - $120 / night
$30 - $80 / night
Campside is situated on 5 private acres in Southwest Michigan within walking distance to Downtown Sawyer.
Located just minutes from several Lake Michigan Beaches, Warren Dunes, a wide variety of Wineries and Breweries, Campside's location is ideal for exploring the area or just relaxing.
Three fully furnished sites offer convenience and privacy. And one site where you can bring your own gear.
No cars or other campers are within sight.
Rent one or rent them all. From family gatherings to girls getaways, first time campers to bachelor parties, Campside promises a time you'll never forget.
Pinkie promise.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
$75 - $150 / night
$20 / night
Guide
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.
GuideThe campground was nice. We did a tent camp site for $32. It had bathrooms with showers and outlets and places to put your stuff. It was clean and quiet. They do have cute cottages you can rent but not sure the cost.
Legend
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.
Guide
We tent camped with 8 small kiddos. One if the largest tent sites I’ve been on. There is a small playground, and a pond for swimming and fishing. This campground gets stars from me for the gorgeous and peaceful surroundings, as well as very friendly staff. However, their two flushing toilets and two showers (free) are very outdated with some rusty nails sticking out, and we didn’t see anyone clean anything in the bathrooms for the few days that we were there (which meant a very full garbage and lots of dead bugs everywhere). Ice was an affordable $2 per bag, but bring your own firewood... it was $10 for a few pieces of fallen branches which did not even fit in the firepit. Near the campground is an awesome playground (Lincoln Township Park), as well as an adorable family owned Ice Cream shop (Sycamore Drive-In).
Guide
Decent campground. Pool, laundry, nice playground, ponds and basketball hoop. Less than 15 min to Indiana Dunes National Park.
Legend
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 
GuideWe 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.
GuideA 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.
GuideYou 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.
LegendWe 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
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.
TravelerThis 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.
Guide
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. Best part is that it’s a 3 minute drive to a public beach with great swimming and a beautiful sunset. Owners and staff are kind and I think there’s a little store and bar on site. $20 per tent site.
GuideYou gotta love Indiana dunes national lakeshore! A quick drive from chicago this campsite is a real good place to get away from the city and enjoy the outdoors. It’s one of my favorite places to go within an hour’s drive. The campsite has everything you need. Modern bathrooms and showers, running water. Good for tent camping. It’s clean and a quick drive to a quiet beach at Beverly Shores. I highly recommend!
LegendWe 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.
GuideI prefer this campground a lot more compared to the state park one, especially if tent camping. They have a section of walk in sites that are nicely spread apart, while still only being a few minutes walk to parking and the shower house.
Scout
After camping in Maryland it was nice to have a large more inviting spot. Perfect for tent camping. Camp store has all you need. The dunes are epic and swimming in Lake Michigan was great. Have returned many times and is our go to park.
Guide
...although you probably wouldn't want to camp in the Indiana winter. I grew up coming here mostly to sled on the hills! But, there is a lot more to do. It surrounds Worster Lake and there are cabins, RV sites, and tent sites along with horse trails and bike trails. In the winter, there's sledding hills and ice fishing. The campgrounds are pretty standard, nothing special. If you live in the area, it's a fine little getaway.
Guidetook my son on a father son camping trip! normaly i would bring my 32 foot camper but we roughed it for the weekend and tent camped. sites were smooth and level and well taken care of. lots of nice walking and biking trails and a big electric motor only fishing lake and nice beach.
GuideFirst time to Indiana with a quick trip to the Dunes. We were disappointed the state park was full but found this campground close by. The tent sites were very private as we were the only ones there for the night. Plenty of space tucked among the trees. Bathrooms seemed newer and were very clean. The only thing that disappointed us was the lack of COVID precautions. No mask worn by the office worker or wiping down of desk or credit card machine. Would still recommend for the future.
Traveler
Great site, not far from Chicago, but feels well away from city life.
Tent sites around rim of a lake. RV sites and cabins as well.
Beautiful forest surrounds the lake, lots of hiking in the surrounding enormous forest preserve. Lake has fishing and boats as well.
GuideI came for a 4th of July weekend tent camping one year. In my humble opinion I experienced a party type atmosphere with a bunch of season rv type campers. Tight group of people who spend the summers there. If you have a golf cart it seemed popular. Just not our cup of tea but, if it's yours it might be worth checking out.
ScoutI had a peaceful stay in a tent site here. I tried an RV resort park first and my site was right next to train tracks and packed in next to the other sites. This spot was more spacious and fairly quiet with good showers. A great place for a stop when visiting the dunes if the park campgrounds are full.
ScoutStayed here 2 nights in the group tent camping area. Plenty of space to spread out and good firepits. Love the secure entrance and key card access. Pool and bathrooms were clean, although the bathroom could use a slight update. The only complaint of the weekend of the garbage pickup at 11pm, very loud, and the fireworks being set off until after midnight (outside of the campground so out of campgrounds control). Will definitely be back if we are in the area!
Guide
We arrived on a busy July evening without reservations to find a single-nigth cancellation already paid for by a camper who left early. Our luck! We spent the afternoon on the lakeside and drove back to the site to set up for the evening. Our site had a picnic area/firepit a short walk away from the parking area, which is great for tent camping, but less suitable for our camper van. Nonetheless, friendly staff, clean bathrooms, and lots of privacy make this gem worth booking.
GuideCamped here because the dunes campgrounds were full. Very clean and newly renovated. The tent sites were nice and located around the perimeter.
My boys did like that there was a very nice pool.
My only complaint were the showers. The woman’s bathroom was very clean but the showers did not spray out enough of a stream to wash well.
We paid $30 a night for 4 people. when my husband came on Saturday it was an extra $5.
Scout
We have only stayed in the tent sites but love it. Our kids ride around the circle on their bikes, they love the train rides, its always fun to walk around the grounds and learn about the history. Nice short trip in to St. Joe or Benton Harbor. We got take and bake pizza from Silver Beach Pizza and cooked it over the fire.
Bathrooms are clean, showers are warm. We enjoy this place.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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