Camp at the Indiana Dunes.
The Indiana Dunes are split into two parks – an Indiana state park and a National Park. Read about the National Park here. Read about the State Park here.
Getting there
Realistically to get to the Dunes you will have to drive. You can take the South Shore but you’ll have to walk 1.5-3.5 miles from various stations to get to different parts of the Dunes. There is no public transit. You can also take your bike on the South Shore and then bike to the parks. Bikes are allowed in specific areas of the Dunes. You can also ride your bike to the Dunes at least partially along the Lake. It is approximately 36 miles.
If you take the South Shore from Millennium Station (130 E. Randolph, Lower Level) the cost one-way to Miller $7.50, Portage/Ogden Dunes $9.00, Dune Park $9.00, Beverly Shores $10. Fares are Half off for Children Under 14, Seniors 65 and Older, Passengers with Disabilities. If you to take CTA to Millennium Station then add $2.25-$2.50 onto the cost.
Camp at the Indiana Dunes – National Park
When: Open April 1 through October 31. Closed during winter, Nov 2 – Mar 31.
Where: Dunewood Campground at Indiana Dunes National Park, Golf Wood Road & Dunewood Parkway, Beverly Shores, IN indu_communications@nps.gov or 219-395-1882. Take the South Shore train to Beverly Shores stop and walk 2 blocks. Or bring your bike on the South Shore.
$25.00 per night camping fee. All camp sites can be reserved in advance here starting six months before the check-in date. Sites are can be reserved beginning on November 15 for the following camping season.
Image from National Park Service Dunes National Park
Camp at the Indiana Dunes – State Park
When: Open year round.
Where: Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N. 25 East, Chesterton, IN 46304. Take the South Shore train to Dunes Park stop and walk 1.5 miles. Or bring your bike on the South Shore.
Camping, cabins, shelters, group camps: 1-866-622-6746. Book online and list of amenities here.
Rates range from $12-44 plus taxes and an Entrance Fee per person apply for all camping from late April through early November. For camping and rates at other times call (219) 926-1952. Amenities are reduced from November to April. Entrance fee: $7 Noncommercial vehicles with Indiana license plates, every day, including holidays, $12 Noncommercial vehicles with out-of-state license plates, every day, including holidays, $2 Daily Fee for each person, age 5 and older, entering as a pedestrian or on a bicycle.
No booze allowed in the state park.
Image from State of Indiana website
