Everything You Need to Know About Camping at Indiana Dunes State Park,

We love camping at Indiana Dunes State Park. It is one of our favorite places to camp, and for good reason! With more than three miles of sandy beaches, sand dunes that climb almost 200 feet high, miles of hiking trails and surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Park, this campground is the perfect spot to explore this unique coastline.

This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

Cardinal (Indiana’s State Bird)

We are excited to show you a peek at the campground facilities, and our “must-do” family activities when we visit. We’re also sharing our picks for local amenities such as grocery, dining, and pharmacies.

Our complete guide to camping at Indiana Dunes State Park!

Let’s Go Camping at Indiana Dunes State Park!

Our family has enjoyed SO many outings and camping trips at the Indiana Dunes State Park, and we always look forward to returning! We always get excited when we can see the two old structures on either side of the road, as we drive into the park.

Entrance to Indiana Dunes State Park

After passing by the old buildings, your first stop will be the Gatehouse, where you will pay the park’s entrance fees. Maps and information about the park can also be found here, as well as information about swimming conditions at the park’s beach.

** This area of Lake Michigan can often be dangerous to swim in due to rip currents. For your safety, always check current swimming conditions before entering the water and only swim in designated areas, when and where there is a lifeguard on duty.**

Gatehouse, Indiana Dunes State Park

Once past the Gatehouse, you will immediately come to a clearly marked roundabout. The first exit, on the right, will take you toward the campground (the other two exits go to beach parking).

The road to the campground winds through the woods, through some of Indiana’s native trees and vegetation. Our favorite tree is the Sassafrass, which has three different leaf shapes and was once used to make root beer (we think the Sassafrass tree’s leaves look like a T-Rex footprint, the state of Michigan, and a teardrop)!

Sassafrass sapling.

Time to check-in!

There will be a clearly marked sign indicating where to make the left turn to enter the campground. The Gate House will be the first structure you’ll see and it is where you will take care of checking-in/out of the campground.

Campground Gate House

Current schedules for the Park’s nature programs are also posted at the Gate House. The Nature Center does an outstanding job of creating a variety of fun and engaging programs for people of all ages.

We’ve joined them to dissect owl pellets, study very authentic replicas of scat, hold a hummingbird for release after banding, searching for salamanders and watching in amazement as water rolled into a ball on the leaves of the Jewelweed (a.k.a. Touch-Me-Not plant).

Chipmunk (“Please don’t feed the wildlife. Thank you!”)

There is so much natural beauty within the Indiana Dunes State Park. The Park’s programs are a great way to get to know native wildlife, plants and ecosystems and to learn how we can all do our part in helping to protect them.

Be sure to look at the Park’s calendar to see what is happening during your visit!

Check out our list of Inspiring Kids Books About People Who Love Nature

Camp Store and Firewood

After checking-in at the Gate House, you’ll pass the Camp Store immediately on your right. And look… a Little Free Library right out front!

If you have extra books at home, this would be a great place to donate for other campers to enjoy. We like to drop off nature themed children’s books when we visit.

Camp Store next to the Gate House

Inside the Camp Store you’ll find a variety of items such as snacks, beverages, light groceries, sunscreen, children’s activities and Indiana Dunes State Park apparel and gear.

*** Alcoholic beverages are prohibited within the Indiana Dunes State Park. ***

While there are concessions available at the beach during the summer months, there are currently no dining options within the State Park (our picks for local dining listed below).

Some of the selection at the Camp Store.

Bagged ice and firewood can also be purchased at the Camp Store. If you choose to bring your own firewood, it must be from within the State of Indiana and comply with the Indiana Dunes State Park’s Firewood Rules.

Why the fuss over firewood?!

There are currently 140 known pests/pathogens that can hitch a ride on firewood and into an environment they don’t belong. Some of these pests can destroy trees, which means less food and homes for native/migratory animals and less beauty and shade for visitors.

The Indiana Dunes actually offers the best bird watching in the state, with over 350 species living in, or migrating through, the area. Each year, to celebrate the variety of birds and their various habitats, the Indiana Audubon Society hosts the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. Our “feathered friends” are one of the many species counting on us, to do our part and help keep invasive pests from moving into their neighborhood!

For more information on pests and firewood, please visit the Indiana Dunes State Park and Don’t Move Firewood websites.

Campground

The Indiana Dunes State Park campground currently has about 138 campsites to choose from, within the main campground, all of which have a fire pit, picnic table and access to an electrical outlet.

The campground is divided into two sections, the East Loop and the West Loop, with restroom buildings and playgrounds found in each. Fresh water is centrally located between the two loops, just past the Camp Store.

Raccoon outside of Nature Center.

Plenty of trash receptacles can be found throughout the campground. Please be sure to close the lids after placing your garbage in the container and avoid leaving items outside of the receptacle.

Camping food scraps are not a healthy diet for curious raccoons and other wildlife. We can all “pitch-in” and make sure garbage is properly disposed of and food at our campsite is properly secured (yes… raccoons can open coolers) to help make camping at Indiana Dunes State Park a great experience for everyone.

East Loop

The East Loop is located closest to the Nature Center and the majority of the hiking trails within the Park. Trail 8 is our family’s favorite with a boardwalk over water and a scenic, quiet bench to lookout over the marsh.

Portion of Trail 8

There is no shortage of space to let the kids run, in and around, the campground. The East and West Loops both have a playground and bikes are a frequent sight on the roads throughout (please drive slowly, kids try but they’re often not good at “looking out”).

East Loop Playground

The East Loop playground is located near the Restroom Building, making potty breaks quick and easy! Thank goodness!

East Loop Restroom/Shower Building

The entire campground is nicely treed, so be on the lookout during the day for beautiful birds overhead.

“Remember, to please follow Firewood Rules for me!”

Some of the campsites in the East Loop have wooded/sandy areas behind them. Look for those spots along the northern edge, with woods backed sites also along the eastern edge between sites #91-94.

Sandy East Loop campsite

We recently camped at Site #94, near the trail to the Nature Center. There is a vault toilet located in this corner of the campground, making middle of the night bathroom visits quick We have to plan ahead for these things, between us, we have five kids… a 2 a.m. potty break is bound to happen!

Site 94 (our spot)

Sites #85-90, along the southern edge, also are backed by wooded areas and are located closer to the East Loop’s restroom building, playground and water.

West Loop and Beach Trail

If you are planning on spending a lot of time at the beach during your camping trip, the West Loop might just be the spot for you. This portion of the campground is located closest to the beach and is where the Beach Trail starts.

Hiking a trail at the Dunes.

Campsites with wooded areas behind them can be found along the northern and western edges of the West Loop. There is a vault toilet in the NW corner of the loop, right at the beginning of the Beach Trail.

Indiana Dunes State Park campground.

The Restroom Building is located directly in the center of the West Loop and has a bike rack and bulletin board outside.

West Loop Restroom/Shower Building

With all of the native trees throughout the campground, you’re sure to see (and hear) lots of adorable, busy squirrels gathering their food and chasing each other.

“I love the Indiana Dunes!”

Be on the lookout, throughout the Indiana Dunes, for a variety of wildlife, including Monarch Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Sandhill Cranes, Piping Plovers, Chipmunks, Deer, Red Foxes and Raccoons. There are animals that are migratory and some that call the Dunes home during all four seasons!

We love coloring at our campsite after a busy day of exploring. We recommend printing some the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’s coloring pages to take on your camping trip. They feature some of the plants and animals that can be found within the Indiana Dunes.

Beach Time!

If you are like us, there is no resisting the beach… even while camping! Thankfully, there is a lovely walking trail that connects the campground to the beach.

** Driving from the campground to the beach is also an option, but please know, during the summer months (especially weekends) the parking lots are often at maximum capacity before noon. We know this from personal experience, a couple of times! While camping, we recommend taking the scenic Beach Trail to enjoy the outdoors as you head to the lake. **

The Beach Trail begins between campsites #23 and #25, found in the NW corner of the West Loop. The journey, from the campground, will start out as a dirt trail, and eventually switch to a boardwalk about halfway through. There will be a few places to stop and rest, once on the boardwalk.

Portion of trail that connects campground to beach.

The Beach Trail ends at the edge of the parking lot, near the Pavilion and Comfort Center.

View from bridge at the end of the Beach Trail.

There are plenty of restrooms and changing rooms, located within the Comfort Center, as well as outside showers for a quick rinse before heading back to your campsite.

Comfort Center near beach

During the warmer months, the Indiana Dunes State Park also provides plenty of garbage cans found throughout the parking lot and beach area, including on the sand. Please remember to be mindful of your items, as it can get quite windy along the shoreline.

Sailboats are a frequent sight!

Did Someone Say “Sand Dune”?!

Of course, no trip to the beach would be complete without climbing Devil’s Slide sand dune. The sand dune is almost 100 feet tall and is a “must do”!

Devil’s Slide sand dune near beach, MUCH taller than it looks!

Climbing a sand dune takes a LOT of energy and we always work up quite a thirst by the time we reach the top. Be sure to take plenty of water with you. There are a few shady spots at the top to sit, take a drink and enjoy the view!

Looking out from Devil’s Slide.

Can’t get enough of climbing the dunes?! Plan a day to take a hike up the three tallest sand dunes in the 3 Dune Challenge. You’ll start at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center and wind through a variety of trails leading you to Mt. Jackson, Mt. Holden and Mt. Tom. The dunes range in size, with Mt. Tom coming in as the highest at a towering 192 feet.

We recommend taking plenty of snacks and water and also using the restroom at the Nature Center before beginning the challenge.

Family-Friendly Fun to Enjoy While Camping at Indiana Dunes State Park

• Visit the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
• Explore the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
• Volunteer with the Trash Trekkers Program, a drop-in volunteering opportunity
• Participate in a beach clean-up hosted by Mermaid Straw, a local business that organizes monthly clean-ups April through September (view calendar).
• Borrow a Backpack for Birders at the Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center

Local Grocery, Dining and Gas

The town of Chesterton has the closest shopping, pharmacy and dining options to the Indiana Dunes State Park. All of our picks can be found within ten minutes of the park, making visits quick and easy!

Grocery

• JEWEL OSCO: Tons of organic options with the store’s exclusive organics line “O Organic”… they even have organic instant coffee! (Find on Map)
• STRACK & VAN TIL: Northwest Indiana owned grocery chain which carries plenty of frozen, perishable and non-perishable food items with a great organic selection, as well. There is a floral department also, just in case you are celebrating a special occasion while camping. (Find on Map)
• ALDI: Conveniently located just south of I 94, at Indian Boundry Road. This location recently opened in 2021.

Local Dining

• THIRD COAST SPICE CAFE: Locally owned cafe, with a focus on using local ingredients on their menu and choosing organic options when available. The cafe is open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features “build your own” omelets, hash, flapjacks, smoothies and griddle sandwiches for lunch (vegan options are available). The chicken served is free of antibiotics, hormones and preservatives. (Find on Map)
• TIGER LILY CAFE: Plenty of burger, sandwich and salad options to choose from, on the menu, for lunch and dinner at this locally owned cafe. (They also offer a vegan menu). Check hours before going. Currently, Tiger Lily Cafe is only open Tuesday-Saturday and is not open for breakfast. (Find on Map)

Pharmacy

• Walgreens: (580 Indian Boundary Road, 46304)
• CVS: (505 E 1100 N, 46304)

Gas Stations

• Speedway (752 Indian Boundary Road, 46304) Near Jewel Osco.
• Family Express (1681 Pioneer Trail, 46304) Near Strack & Van Til.

Know Before You Go

Listed below is information that helps us plan our trips for camping at Indiana Dunes State Park. We’ve also included links to the park’s social media outlets which keep us up-to-date on the latest news and activities.

Camping at the Indiana Dunes State Park

• Reserve a Campsite
• Camping Fees
• Firewood Policy
• Property/Trail Map
• Indiana Dunes State Park Activity Calendar

Getting in Touch with the Indiana Dunes State Park

• Website: https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm
• Address: 1600 N. 25 E., Chesterton, IN 46304
• Phone Number: 219-926-1952 (Park office)
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Check Out Our Other Adventures in Indiana:

• Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
• Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Happy Camping!

We hope you enjoy your time camping at Indiana Dunes State Park!