Everything you need to know about camping at Indiana Dunes National Park
Here's everything you need to know about camping at Indiana Dunes National Park's Dunewood Campground.
Everything you need to know about camping at Indiana Dunes National Park Here's everything you need to know about camping at Indiana Dunes National Park's Dunewood Campground. Check out this story on IndyStar.com: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2019/02/26/indiana-dunes-camping-dunewood-campground-cost-rules-state-national-park/2977978002/
Chris Sims, Indianapolis Star Published 12:28 p.m. ET Feb. 26, 2019 | Updated 12:57 p.m. ET Feb. 26, 2019
A portion of Indiana Dunes recently became the state's first national park thanks to a bill signed Feb. 15 by President Donald Trump.
The area was renamed Indiana Dunes National Park from Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
The Dunes' new status will likely bring campers from all over the country, but there are only so many campsites available.
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Irene and Cal Couch of Fort Wayne, Ind., have been coming to the Indiana Dunes State Park to camp for years. (Photo: Susan Plageman/IndyStar file photo)
Fortunately, the Indiana Dunes State Park also has a campground nearby, just in case the nearby national park fills up.
Here's what you need to know about camping at Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park:
Can I camp at Indiana Dunes National Park?
Yes. Dunewood Campground is located at Golf Wood Road and Dunewood Parkway in Beverly Shores, Ind.
When is Dunewood Campground open?
Camping is allowed April 1 through Nov. 1.
No advance reservations are available. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Checkout is at noon. If staying an additional night, campsites must be renewed by 9 a.m. Campers are allowed to stay 14 nights in a 30 day period.
How much does a campsite cost?
Cost is $25 per night. There is a 50 percent discount for senior and access passes. Payments are made during registration at an automated kiosk. Credit, debit and gift cards are accepted including MasterCard, Visa and Discover.
How many campsites are available?
There are 66 campsites at Dunewood Campground with 54 drive-in sites and 12 walk-in sites. Campers can drive through the campground to look for open sites.
Are there any amenities?
There are no electrical or water hookups. The site offers restrooms and showers. There is accessibility for visitors with mobile impairments.
Are there any rules I should know?
Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Sites are limited to a maximum of eight people.
All tents and equipment must be set up on the camping pad.
RVs, campers and vehicles must remain on the pavement.
Some sites are limited on RV length.
Pets must be attended, caged or on a leash. The leash must be shorter than six feet long.
For other rules, visit www.nps.gov.
Any other tips?
Lake View Beach on Lake Michigan is located 1 1/2 miles north of the campground. There are multiple national lakeshore beaches within driving distance.
Can I camp at Indiana Dunes State Park?
Yes. The address is 1600 N. Co. Road 25 E. in Chesterton, Ind. Call (219) 926-1952 for more information about the campground.
When is the campground open?
The campground is open year round. Only a family-style bathroom with a shower and two frost-free spigots are left open for campers during the colder months until the frost is done for the year. Contact the campground about access to amenities during this time. Full amenities are available May through October.
Reservations are recommended and can be made online at indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling (866) 622-6746. Checkin and checkout is at 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Checkin and checkout is 5 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. Reservations are available up to six months prior to visit. Walk-ins are first-come, first-served. Stays are limited to 14 consecutive nights.
How much does a camp site cost?
Cost is $23 Sundays through Wednesdays, $30 Thursdays through Saturdays and $33 on holidays. A one-time state park admission of $7 for in-state vehicles and $12 for out-of-state vehicles is required for the duration of your stay with your receipt.
There are 140 campsites available. All sites have a level camp pad for tents, campers and RVs.
All sites have 50-amp electrical hookups. The site offers restrooms, showers and a water supply. There is a playground and a gift/sundry shop on site.
Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Generators must be shutdown during this time.
Campsites are limited to a maximum of six people.
RV length is limited to 55 feet.
At least one person must be 18 years or older. The responsible person registering must remain at the site for the duration of the stay.
Sites are limited to one main camping unit with one additional tent and one dining fly subject to the property manager's discretion.
Dogs, cats or other pets must be attended, caged or kept on a leash shorter than six feet.
For other rules, visit www.in.gov.
The campground is located less than a mile from the beach at Lake Michigan and has a walking trail. Multiple hiking trails and a nature center are located nearby.
Chris Sims is a digital producer at IndyStar. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
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