Indiana Dunes State Park
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Mention the word “Indiana” and images of flat land and endless cornfields come to mind. However, the state is more varied in geography than it’s ever given credit for. And, Indiana Dunes State Park is a testament to exactly that, which makes it the perfect destination during your RV road trip.
Formed over thousands of years from sand and debris dropped by the winds coming up off of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes State Park is anything but cornfields and flat land. It’s a wildlife paradise featuring more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan with an active wildlife and birding initiative, hiking trails, and more. As an Indiana State park, it is also a great place to visit either while passing through to another location or for its own dedicated trip.
If someone tells you to go take a hike, your best bet for a place to do that is Indiana Dunes, State Park. The park has 16.5 miles of trails in total, and all offer spectacular scenery. While you’re there, consider taking part in the ‘3-Dune Challenge.’ This challenge requires you to climb the three tallest dunes in the park any day of the year. It’s a self-guided challenge trail that begins at the Nature Center.
It’s hands down the toughest trail in the park with 552 vertical feet to climb. Your reward isn’t just bragging rights but breathtaking views from atop each of the dunes! You’ll also be awarded a 3-Dune Conqueror Sticker from Indiana Dunes Tourism.
You are on the lakeshore, after all. Expect plenty of water fun activities to pack your visit to Indiana Dunes State Park, between the beach and lake, and the many nearby creeks, estuaries, and rivers, there is no shortage of water fun to be had! Our recipe for the perfect day? Just add coastlines, dunes, trails, and plenty of water.
Luckily, there’s no shortage of lakes, creeks, and waterways to satisfy your inner aquaphile. Prepare your arms—and eyes—for mile after mile of majestic water routes, dune-lined shores, and stunning views of the surrounding communities. Take it easy and rent a boat or bring your own watercraft and embark on an adventure over lake chains and lush parklands. Either way, it’s one of the best ways to get to know the Indiana Dunes area.
Fishing season? Try seasons. With this many inland lakes, creeks, shorelines, and deep waters, we’re hooked on the sport all year round. Follow the salmon runs in spring and fall. Take the bait and brave the elements on an ice fishing excursion.
Or, make the big catch from one of North America’s biggest bodies of water. Whether you’re looking for a little still-water meditation or open-water adventure, you’ll find it here.
Indiana Dunes is home to a variety of spectacular wildlife, but none more so than its birdlife. More than 360 species of birds have been spotted along the shore of Lake Michigan in Indiana. The Park offers guided or self-guided tours of its birdlife—great ways to spend an afternoon learning more about birdlife and being entertained
During your guide, you’ll be able to spot all kinds of birds from the Red-Tailed Hawk to smaller birds like Indiana’s state bird: the cardinal. So, whether you have beginner or advanced identification skills, Indiana Dunes is a great place for birders. All you need is a guidebook, a good set of binoculars, and some curiosity! Indiana Dunes State Park is also a stop on the Indiana Birding Trail, so if you are especially interested in birding, be sure to check it out.
Indiana Dunes State Park offers one campground centrally located within the park,. There is a total of 147 sites with 134 of those being electric. The campground has access to restrooms and showers and also has a camp store on-site offering just about anything you’ll need for your camping trip. Reservations are also accepted and recommended as the campground fills up during the summer months.
Located in the Indiana Dunes National Park, which completely surrounds Indiana Dunes State Park, Dunewood Campground is conveniently located. However, it is only open seasonally from April 1 through November 1. So, if you’re visiting outside of that window, Dunewood will not be an option. Dunewood has 67 sites in total with 54 accessible for drive-in RVs although length is limited in some sites so be sure to call in check before reserving a site. Also, there are no electric or water hookups but there is potable water located at several locations throughout the campground and an RV dump station.
Sand Creek Campgrounds is just a short 16 minute-drive from Indiana Dunes State Park. Open April 15 through October 15 annually, it’s a great choice for your summer getaway. Sandy Creek offers 25 full hookup sites and 55 with water and electricity. Rates vary based on time of visit so make sure to check that out before committing to your reservation. Your stay also grants you access to the campground pool, basketball court, 24/7 shower and bathroom, forest pitches, and more.
Nearby Michigan City Campground is a great place to stay during your trip to Indiana Dunes State Park. A mere 13 miles from the park, Michigan City Campground offers everything you could need during your RV trip with full hook-up sites in a variety of semi-shaded and shaded options. They also have premium sites for big rig units. On top of that, the campground also boasts a pool, a bar, a fishing bond, free Wi-Fi, a laundry room, and a playground for the kids. Reservations are accepted online.
Lakeshore Camp Resort
In nearby Chesterton, Indiana (just 10 miles from the Dunes) Lakeshore Camp Resort is another great choice for a place to shack up during your RV road trip. All 115 of their campsites are full hookup with water, sewer, and 30 amp electric. They have a gravel driveway, picnic table, and fire ring. And, sites can accommodate up to a 40’ camper. The resort includes an on-site restaurant, laundromat, Wi-Fi Café, camp store, game room, and a boat rental. They also put on activities including themed weekends full of family fun.
There are no restaurants or dining facilities on-site at Indiana Dunes State Park. So, if you’re planning to stay there or spend a full-day, make sure to pack plenty of snacks and supplies for meals in your RV. After all, it comes with a fully functioning kitchen!
Indiana Dunes is a tourist destination, so the area has built up quite a great selection of restaurants for tourists. You’ll have your pick with everything from diners and pubs to cafés and ice cream parlors. Northside Diner, in nearby Chesterton, Indiana is a go-to for breakfast. Start your day with a platter of biscuits and gravy. You can order yours stacked with hash browns, bacon bits, chopped ham, crumbled sausage, and even eggs!
The dunes at Indiana State Park are a great place to visit during your RV trip. Enjoy the dunes, beach, fun in the water, great food, and more. You won’t regret this visit and will walk away with a newfound appreciation for a state you filed away as filled with nothing but corn.