Dunbar Group Site
The Quick Take
Dunbar Group Site is exactly what it sounds like -- a single reservable spot designed for large gatherings within earshot of Lake Michigan. Sitting less than five hundred feet from the beach and overlooking the Great Marsh, the location is genuinely hard to beat for a group outing at Indiana Dunes. But let's be clear about the trade-offs: this is a bare-bones setup. There are no showers, no potable water on site, and no electrical hookups. Restrooms and parking are a short walk away in the Dunbar Beach lot, so you're not roughing it in the wilderness, but you're not glamping either. At a flat rate that splits nicely across a full group of thirty, it's one of the more affordable ways to get a crowd onto the Lake Michigan shoreline. Best for scout troops, family reunions, or friend groups who want beach access without the chaos of a public picnic area.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 1 sites are reservable.
Book at Indiana Dunes LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups. Generators permitted during designated hours.
Accessibility
The site is not wheelchair accessible. No Roads
Rules to Know
- Fires:Prohibited Activities Driving over 15 MPH on campground roads Bicycles / vehicles off of paved roads Campfires outside of the provided grates Damaging of trees especially cutting or driving nails in trees Digging / leveling the campsite Bathing / washing at water outlets Disturbing / hunting / capturing wildlife or plants Fireworks See campground for a complete list of regulations
- Generators:Quiet hours are daily, 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
- Bear Safety:Prohibited Activities Driving over 15 MPH on campground roads Bicycles / vehicles off of paved roads Campfires outside of the provided grates Damaging of trees especially cutting or driving nails in trees Digging / leveling the campsite Bathing / washing at water outlets Disturbing / hunting / capturing wildlife or plants Fireworks See campground for a complete list of regulations
- Occupancy:A maximum of 30 people on the site.
- Stay Limit:Stays are limited to 14 days in a 30-day period.
Pro Tips
Book as early as the reservation window allows -- this is the only group site in the park, so competition is real during summer weekends. Midweek dates in June or September are your best bet for availability and smaller beach crowds.
There's no potable water at the site, so bring more than you think you need -- thirty people in summer sun near a beach will burn through water fast. Fill large jugs at home rather than relying on store-bought bottles.
The overlook of the Great Marsh is spectacular at dawn and dusk for birding. Bring binoculars -- the marsh is a major stopover on the Mississippi Flyway, and spring migration in late April through May is peak season.
Photos
NPS Photo / S. Rossi
NPS Photo / S. Rossi
NPS Photo / S. RossiGetting There
Directions
From Broadway and Lake Front Drive, head west on Lake Front Drive. At the stop sign at Dunbar Ave turn south. The parking lot is at the top of the hill on the west side of the road.
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