Lake Michigan Camping in Indiana: Explore the Dunes and Beyond

Lake Michigan Camping in Indiana offers a unique and diverse outdoor experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. From the stunning sand dunes of Indiana Dunes State Park to the serene campgrounds of Indiana Dunes National Park, this region provides a wealth of opportunities for camping, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

Lake Michigan Camping Indiana
Image Credit: Wikimedia

The Indiana Dunes State Park Campground is a popular destination for campers looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. With 140 campsites featuring full electrical hookups, modern restrooms and shower houses, and a range of amenities, this campground caters to a variety of camping preferences.

Amenities

  • 140 campsites with full electrical hookup
  • Modern restrooms and shower houses
  • Two playgrounds
  • Camp store
  • Dump station
  • Open year-round
  • Reservations allowed
  • Special events like Glamping Weekend

Costs

  • Tent Only: $23.00-$33.00 per night
  • Electric: $16.00-$23.00 per night
  • Shelter: $35.00-$65.00 per night
  • Youth Tent: $20.00 per night

Location

The Indiana Dunes State Park Campground is located north of I-94 and Toll Road I 80/90 and US 12 on SR 49. From Chicago, visitors can take I 94 east to exit 26B and follow the signs.

Indiana Dunes National Park’s Dunewood Campground

Lake Michigan Camping Indiana

The Indiana Dunes National Park’s Dunewood Campground offers a more rustic camping experience, with 78 campsites (54 conventional drive-in, 13 walk-in) and no electric or water hookups. However, the campground boasts modern accessible restrooms and showers, as well as large fire pits and picnic tables.

Amenities

  • 78 campsites (54 conventional drive-in, 13 walk-in)
  • No electric or water hook-up
  • Modern accessible restrooms and showers
  • Large fire pits and picnic tables
  • Half of the sites are reservable, the rest are first-come, first-serve
  • Open from April 1st to October 31st
See also  The Lake Michigan Shore Association: Preserving the Gem of the Midwest

Costs

The cost for camping at the Indiana Dunes National Park’s Dunewood Campground is not specified, but a new national park entrance fee began on March 31, 2022.

Location

The Dunewood Campground is located 1.5 miles south of Lake Michigan, and paper maps are available at the campground kiosks and the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center.

Michigan International Speedway

While the Michigan International Speedway does not have specific information available on camping, it is located in close proximity to the Indiana Dunes region, making it a potential option for those seeking a unique camping experience near the racetrack.

Indiana Dunes National Park Campsites

In addition to the Dunewood Campground, the Indiana Dunes National Park offers several other campsite options, including the Central Avenue Walk-in Sites and the Dunbar Group Site.

Types of Campsites

  • Dunewood Campground: 54 conventional drive-in sites, 13 walk-in sites
  • Central Avenue Walk-in Sites: walk-in sites available
  • Dunbar Group Site: group site available

Rules and Regulations

When camping in the Indiana Dunes region, it’s important to be aware of the specific rules and regulations for each campground.

Indiana Dunes State Park Campground

  • Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance
  • Check-in time is 2:00 PM, check-out time is 12:00 PM
  • Quiet hours are from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Indiana Dunes National Park’s Dunewood Campground

  • Half of the sites are reservable, the rest are first-come, first-serve
  • No electric or water hook-up available

Additional Information

For more details on Lake Michigan Camping in Indiana, visitors can contact the following:

Indiana Dunes State Park

  • Phone number: 219-926-1390
  • Address: 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304
  • GPS Coordinates: 41.65592, -87.06209
See also  Who Owns Lake Michigan?

Indiana Dunes National Park

  • Phone number: 219-395-1882
  • Address: 1100 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304
  • GPS Coordinates: Not specified

References

  1. https://www.chestertonin.org/289/Campgrounds
  2. https://www.southshorecva.com/things-to-do/indiana-dunes/camping/
  3. https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/indiana-dunes-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IN&parkId=570035
  4. https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/indiana/state-park/indiana-dunes/all
  5. https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

Leave a Comment