Enjoy camping year-round along the bottom tip of Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes State Park. It is Indiana’s most popular state park and a Circle Lake Michigan Camping Tour stop.
Located less than an hour from downtown Chicago, this park lets you connect with nature. You can even see the downtown skyline from the beach. The only downfall is the nearby industrial and train noise.
Please note
Indiana Dunes National Park surrounds the state park. Each park has a separate entrance fee.
During the summer, mainly on the weekends and on good beach days, the wait to get into the park can reach 3 hours or longer. Plan accordingly and arrive early in the day or late to avoid the crowds. Even the staff will have to wait in this line. Check-in on Sundays and holidays is at 5:00 p.m. due to the busy nature of the park.
Indiana Dunes State Park Campground
The Dunes has a campground with 140 campsites, divided into east and west loops. The larger west loop stays open year-round. The east loop is only open from April 1 to November 1, when the seasonal check-in station and camp store are open. The camp store sells firewood, ice, camping essentials, souvenirs, food, and snacks.
All sites have electricity. Water is available at the host site. The two-lane dump station is across from the entrance of the campground.
All the roads and campsites are paved in the campground. The sites are relatively level, but you might need to put a board or two down under a tire.
Each site has an electrical pole, a wooden picnic table, and a fire ring. There are trees throughout the campground that provide some shade to most spots.
There is a modern bathhouse and vault toilet in each loop. You can find water faucets throughout the campground.
Both loops have a playground. The Nature Center is located to the east of the campground.
A shelter, located along the north edge of the campground between the loops, is available on a first-come basis.
November 1 – March 31 Camping Info
Campers check in at the main gate in the off-season. The main restroom with showers is insulated and open. The dump station is open. Firewood is available for purchase at the main gate.
Things to do at Indiana Dunes
- Camp
- Hike
- Fish
- Enjoy the beach
- See the savannas or blowouts
- Swim
- Visit the nature center
- Get food, snacks, and souvenirs at the Pavilion
- Visit the national park
There are 16 miles of hiking trails, most of which can be accessed from the campground. The beach trail, which starts at the northwest corner of the campground, provides a short path to the beach.
The Calumet Trail, an all-purpose trail for biking, walking, running, hiking, and cross-country skiing, lies adjacent to the state park. It is a great way to access parts of the national park.
Special Events
The campground has a huge Halloween festival the weekend before Halloween. Campers go all out decorating their campsites. Book 6 months ahead to ensure a spot.
The Nature Center is open year-round and has programming on weekends. Additional interpretive events are added during the high season.
I stayed at the Indiana Dunes State Park campground for three nights in October 2023. Fortunately, the mercury reached 80°, resulting in a beautiful beach day. I plan to camp here again and again.
Indiana Dunes State Park Address 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304
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