Dunewood Campground
The Quick Take
Dunewood is Indiana Dunes' only traditional campground, and it splits the difference between roughing it and sleeping in your own bed back in Chicago. The two-loop layout with a mix of drive-in and walk-in sites means you can roll up in an RV or haul your gear a short distance for something quieter. There are hot showers and modern restrooms, though you won't find electrical hookups or a camp store on-site -- the trade-off for a campground that still feels like actual woods rather than a parking lot. Beverly Shores has a gas station and convenience store a five-minute walk north, so you're not completely off the grid. At twenty-five bucks a night inside a national park less than an hour from downtown Chicago, this is one of the better deals in the system. Best for families and weekend warriors who want dunes access without the backcountry commitment.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 66 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
15 ADA-accessible campsites. Most sites are packed gravel. Accessible sites 15,30,41, and 55 are paved. Some walk-in sites have stairs. Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
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 8 people per site.
- Stay Limit:Stays are limited to 14 days in a 30-day period.
Pro Tips
The walk-in sites (there are thirteen of them) are noticeably more secluded than the drive-in loop. If you're tent camping and want breathing room from RV generators, specifically request one of these when booking on Recreation.gov -- they go fast on summer weekends, so book at least two weeks out for Friday arrivals.
The campground sits within easy biking distance of the Dunewood Trace trail, which connects to the beach in about a mile. Bring bikes or plan to walk -- driving to the beach from camp is technically possible but pointlessly complicated. The West Beach area and Cowles Bog trailhead are both reachable without getting back on Highway 12.
No firewood is sold on-site, and you cannot gather it in the park. Pick up a bundle at the Beverly Shores gas station on your way in -- they're at the corner of Highway 12 and Broadway, which you'll pass anyway. Stock up on ice and anything else you need at the same stop, because once you're settled in camp, that quarter-mile walk gets old fast.
Photos
NPS graphic
NPS Photo / S. Rossi
NPS / Joseph GruzalskiGetting There
Directions
From I-94 Depart I-94 at exit 26B, take ramp right and follow signs for IN-49 North 1.0 mi Keep left to stay on IN-49 / N State Road 49 0.8 mi Take ramp left 338 ft Turn sharp right onto US-12 E / W Dunes Hwy 4.7 mi Turn right onto Broadway at gas station on the corner 322 ft . Turn left onto Golf Wood Rd
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