Indiana Dunes National Park
15,349
Acres
2.7 million/year
Annual Visitors
$25
Entry Fee
June through September
Best Time to Visit
National Park Service
National Park
Indiana Dunes became the nation's 61st national park in 2019, though the lakeshore has been a public resource since 1966. The park covers 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline less than 50 miles from downtown Chicago.
Our Indiana Dunes Articles
When to Visit Indiana Dunes
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Month-by-Month Conditions
Tap any month for details
Month
High
Low
Crowds
Roads
Jan
88°
73°
Low
Open
Feb
85°
70°
Low
Open
Mar
76°
60°
Low
Open
Apr
64°
47°
Low
Open
May
52°
33°
Light
Open
Jun Best
43°
23°
Heavy
Open
Jul Best
40°
20°
Heavy
Open
Aug Best
43°
23°
Peak
Open
Sep Best
52°
33°
Peak
Open
Oct
64°
47°
Light
Open
Nov
76°
60°
Low
Open
Dec
85°
70°
Low
Open
Best months to visit
Crowd level (low to peak)
Campgrounds in Indiana Dunes
Central Avenue Walk-in Sites
$25/nightThe Central Beach Walk-In Sites has 5 sites, and you will walk a distance to get to your campsite. There is a primitive toilet (porta-potty)...
Reserve a SiteDunbar Group Site
$100/nightThe Dunbar Group Site holds up to 30 people and is located less than 500 feet from the beach. The site overlooks the Great Marsh...
Reserve a SiteDunewood Campground
$25/nightCampground consists of two loops containing 66 camp-sites (53 conventional drive-in sites and 13 walk/carry-in sites). Four sites are wheelchair accessible (numbers 15, 30, 41...
Reserve a SiteTrip Essentials
Gear and guides we recommend for Indiana Dunes. Affiliate links help support our work.
Hotels Near Indiana Dunes
Compare lodges, cabins, and hotels near the park
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America the Beautiful Pass
$80/year. Covers entrance fees at all 2,000+ federal recreation sites.
Get the Pass
Trail Shoes
Lightweight with good traction for maintained trails.
View on REI
Rain Jacket
Mountain weather turns fast. Pack a shell even on clear mornings.
View on REI
Merino Hiking Socks
Prevent blisters and keep your feet comfortable for miles.
View on REI
Getting to Indiana Dunes
Gateway Towns
- Porter, IN
- Chesterton, IN
- Michigan City, IN
Nearest Airports
- ORD Chicago O'Hare International 55 mi
- MDW Chicago Midway 45 mi
- SBN South Bend International 50 mi
Indiana Dunes Map
VC Visitor Center
CG Campground
Nearby Park
Nearby National Parks
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