Dunewood Campground
4.46170 reviewsGolf Wood Road, Beverly Shores, IN, 46360
Dunewood Campground
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$25.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$25 per night camping fee, separate from the park entrance fee. Additional fees for Federal passes apply.
About this campground
Nestled within the stunning Indiana Dunes National Park, Dunewood Campground invites you to experience nature at its finest with 66 thoughtfully designed campsites. Choose from 54 convenient drive-in sites perfect for RVs and car camping, or embrace a more intimate connection with nature at one of 12 secluded walk-in sites. Four fully accessible sites ensure everyone can enjoy this natural paradise. After a day of adventure, refresh in the modern restrooms and showers while the diverse habitats of wetlands, forests, and rolling dunes surround you with their ever-changing symphony of wildlife.
Dunewood Campground accommodates both tent and RV campers. Primitive sites are available, while group camping and glamping options are not offered.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure places you at the heart of a landscape rich with stories spanning centuries. Within easy reach, the mystical Cowles Bog preserves one of the finest examples of ecological succession in North America, while the historic Bailly Homestead stands as a testament to the area's French-Canadian fur trading heritage. These landmarks weave together tales of natural wonder and human history, reminding visitors that Indiana Dunes National Park serves as both an ecological treasure and a living museum of the region's cultural evolution.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Dunewood with its own spectacular palette. Summer arrives with golden warmth and breathtaking sunsets that melt into Lake Michigan's horizon, though wise campers pack mosquito repellent to fully enjoy the long, adventure-filled days. When autumn sweeps through, the surrounding forests explode in a tapestry of crimson, gold, and amber, creating perfect conditions for scenic hikes. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland where cross-country ski tracks weave through snow-dusted dunes and frozen wetlands, offering a completely different but equally magical camping experience.
ElevationThe campground rests at the gentle elevations characteristic of the Great Lakes region, where subtle changes in height create the diverse microclimates that make this area so ecologically rich.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the melodic calls of over 350 bird species that call these 15,000 acres home, where towering dunes give way to mysterious wetlands and ancient forests create cathedral-like canopies overhead. Dunewood Campground serves as your basecamp for exploring one of the most biodiverse regions in the Midwest, where each habitat transition reveals new wonders - from rare orchids blooming in hidden bogs to hawks soaring above oak savannas. Every trail promises discovery, whether you're seeking the perfect sunrise photography spot or simply listening to the whispers of wind through beachgrass.
Geological RegionDunewood Campground sits within a geological wonderland where ancient forces sculpted 15 miles of spectacular Lake Michigan shoreline into a mosaic of living landscapes. Here, wind and water continue their 14,000-year collaboration, building massive sand dunes that slowly migrate inland, creating a rare convergence of oak savannas, mysterious swamps, pristine bogs, secret marshes, remnant prairies, winding rivers, and deep forests. This incredible diversity packed into Indiana Dunes National Park makes it a living laboratory where visitors can witness the powerful forces that shape our planet, all within a single camping trip.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers four fully accessible sites (Nos. 15, 30, 41, and 55), with paved surfaces and proximity to restrooms. Paths to facilities are designed for mobility-impaired visitors.
Sites SizeMany users describe the campsites as large and spacious. 'Ample space between sites,' 'huge sites,' and 'perfect for larger tents and setups' were common comments.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies across the sites, with some reviewers stating, 'The sites are large and well-spaced,' while others mentioned that sites near roads or the main loop had less seclusion.
Total Campsites66 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy, choose sites away from the main road. Walk-in sites provide a secluded feel.
Best CampsitesSites 15, 30, 41, and 55 are wheelchair accessible and highly recommended.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Noon
Check-out
Noon
Stay Limit
14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 people per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo loops containing 66 sites. Walk-in sites are grouped within one loop.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 1 - November 2, closed during winter season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all sites require reservations.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations also forfeit the first night's fees.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is situated within Indiana Dunes National Park, offering a wide range of activities such as hiking, bird watching, swimming, and biking. Seasonal opportunities include ice skating and snowshoeing during winter. The nearby Lake Michigan provides opportunities for beach activities.
Hiking
Indiana Dunes National Park features 50 miles of hiking trails. Trails range in difficulty and traverse various ecosystems, including dunes, wetlands, and forests.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in nearby Lake Michigan, which is easily accessible from the campground. Specific fish types and fishing conditions are not detailed.Swimming
Swimming is available at nearby Lake Michigan beaches, 1.5 miles from the campground. However, some reviews noted closures due to seasonal or safety reasons.Biking
Biking is encouraged, with trails leading to various park destinations. User reviews recommend mountain bikes for rugged trails, though road bikes with wider tires can also navigate many routes.Boating
Boating is allowed on Lake Michigan. Specific facilities for docking or rentals are not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
The park is a haven for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Specific species are not detailed, but the area is described as rich in natural diversity.Beach activities
The nearby Lake Michigan shoreline offers beach activities like sunbathing and picnicking. The beaches are noted as the park’s 'most significant recreational resource.'Cultural and Educational Programs
Seasonal ranger-led programs are available, covering a range of topics from local ecology to historical landmarks. Schedules are posted near restrooms.Winter Activities
Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Specific trails for these activities are not detailed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are common in Lake Michigan.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be confined to fire rings. Fireworks are prohibited. Firewood must be brought by campers; cutting trees is not allowed.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes are common. Nearby roads and train tracks cause noise. Poison ivy is present near campsites.
Active alertsClosure of Marquette Trail for paving until the end of the year.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include hospitals in Michigan City and Chesterton. A ranger station is located at the visitor center on Highway 49.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 - November 2
Trash and recyclingThere are no on-site trash or recycling facilities. Campers must pack out all trash and recycling, per the campground's pack-in, pack-out policy.
Proximity to water features1.5 miles from Lake Michigan beaches.
Common complaintsNoise from trains and highways, mosquitoes, and lack of privacy between campsites.
HostHosts are available and frequently patrol loops. They assist with check-ins and address issues like noise complaints.
Campground Map
Golf Wood Road, Beverly Shores, IN, 46360
Driving directionsComing from south of the park, follow I-94 to exit 26B. Take the right ramp and follow signs for IN-49 North for 1.0 mi (1.6 km). Keep left to stay on IN-49 North (State Road 49) for 1.7 miles (2.7 km). Make a sharp right onto US-12 E / W Dunes Hwy. In 4.7 mi (7.5 km) turn right onto Broadway. In about 300 feet turn left onto Golf Wood Rd to reach the campground.
Access is via paved roads, and the campground is easily reachable from major highways like I-94. Seasonal closures apply; the campground is closed from November 2 to March 31.Nearby places
Gary (15 miles), Michigan City (12 miles), Chesterton (8 miles), Porter (10 miles)
Nearby supplies
A gas station/convenience store is located ¼ mile north of the campground at the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and Broadway Avenue. Nearby stores in Michigan City and Chesterton provide groceries and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
4.5
170 reviews
Dunewood Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Dunewood Campground are generally positive, with an average campground-specific sentiment of 4.31. Many praise the spacious sites, clean facilities, and proximity to Lake Michigan. Noise from nearby highways and train tracks, as well as mosquitoes, are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 170 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include clean and heated restrooms, spacious campsites with good privacy, friendly and helpful hosts, and the availability of hot showers. Many users appreciated the campground's proximity...
Based on 170 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most frequent complaints involve the abundance of mosquitoes, noise from nearby highways and trains, and the lack of on-site trash facilities. Some users noted issues with site privacy near main...
Based on 170 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring mosquito repellent, earplugs for traffic and train noise, and sufficient potable water. A bike is recommended for easier access to nearby beaches and trails.
Based on 170 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight mosquito issues and high activity levels, while fall visitors report quieter surroundings and well-maintained facilities. Winter closures limit accessibility, and spring...
Based on 170 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The hosts were amazing and the bathrooms were spotless.' 2. 'Mosquitoes were unbearable, but the sites were nice and private.' 3. 'Great bathrooms, warm showers, and helpful staff made our stay...
Based on 170 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 42 is frequently praised for its spaciousness and proximity to restrooms. Site 57 is noted for its privacy and tree coverage. Site 15 is convenient for mobility-impaired visitors.
Based on 170 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible sites (Nos. 15, 30, 41, 55) receive positive feedback for their paved paths and proximity to facilities. Some walk-in sites have stairs, which may be a challenge for some individuals.
Based on 170 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash not exceeding 6 feet. The campground is noted as pet-friendly, with ample space for walking dogs.
Based on 170 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025