Indiana Dunes National Park protects 15,000 acres of lakefront, dunes, bogs, and marshes on the edge of Lake Michigan in northeastern Indiana. Dunewood Campground is the principal campground in the park with 78 sites (53 drive-up sites and 25-walk-in sites). The first-come first-serve campground is open seasonally from April to October.
Sites are $18 per night (price as of 2018), and amenities include flush toilets, showers, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase just outside the campground. The beach on Lake Michigan is only a mile from the campground, and several day hikes are nearby, including Dune Succession Trail.
Dunewood Campground is tucked away in a lush oak forest, but train and freeway noise is pervasive. Marshes are also close by, so don’t be surprised if mosquitoes pay a visit.
The drive-up campsites for tents and RVs are well spaced along paved loops to allow ample privacy. The walk-in sites receive fewer visitors and work as overflow space for those who don’t mind packing in their camping gear a short distance.
To get to the campground: Take Interstate 96 to exit 26 and drive north on Route 49 (from Interstate 90/84 take exit 31 to pick up Route 49 farther to the south). Drive 1.6 miles north of I-96 to Route 12 and turn right. Proceed 4.6 miles to Broadway and turn right. Make a quick left and then a right, following signs leading to Dunewood Campground.
Campground address: Dunewood Parkway, Indiana Dunes National Park, Chesterton, IN 46304
Campground coordinates: 41.671509, -86.983514 (41° 40′ 17.43″N 86° 59′ 00.65″W)
 | Dune Succession Trail This one-mile loop depicts the ecological transition from sand dunes to forest on the shore of Lake Michigan. |
when does the campground open for the season?
Hi, Is Dunewood open for those without cars. I plan to bike and would like to stay here overnight.
Yes and the walk-in sites would be perfect for you.
If I choose a walk in site, where is the closest public parking?
parking for the walk-in sites is within the campground on the loop road in front of the walk-in sites.
How close are you to other people camping?
I’ve never camped somewhere that didn’t take reservations. Do people people line up early? Does anyone know a time?
Hi Steven,
We’ve never had an issue and are actually going this weekend.
What time is it necessary to arrive on Fri. July 11 to get a first come camp site. We are senior citizens and don’t think we can do a walk-in site
Did you get the answer? Or did you end up going and found a good spot? If so what time did you arrive?
[…] our favorite place to go camping in Indiana is Dunewood Campground. This campground is different from the others, offering both beach and dune views, right on the […]
What time is check-in/check-out for the drive-up lots?
[…] our favorite place to go camping in Indiana is Dunewood Campground. This campground is different from the others, offering both beach and dune views, right on the […]
[…] our favorite place to camp in Indiana is Dunewood Campground.This campground is unlike any other, located on the edge of Lake Michigan with beach and dune views. […]