This campsite was kept clean, the bathrooms were clean and always had toilet paper. The showers have awesome hot water ! Something I looked forward to every morning to start my day along with my coffee and was a happy camper :D the staff seemed to make their rounds , I ran into quite a few of them and they were all very pleasant . I really like camping here and enjoying all that this area has to offer . I had a great time ! read more

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Great campground in the National Lakeshore! If you want to commune with nature, this is the place! This is no parking lot camp ground! Quiet and heavily wooded. Clean bathrooms and private showers. Close to beaches, shopping, casino. No hook ups, but if you have a NPS compliant generator you're good to go! One has options of reserved or open campsites. We feel it's a hidden gem! We'll be back for a quick get away! read more

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We reserved one of the walk-in sites (site 67) for two nights last week. The sites themselves seemed well maintained and the bathhouse was honestly one of the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground. Those are the good things. Unfortunately, from our campsite you could hear both the highway and the train all. night. long. Not an ideal camping experience at all. Next time will try the IN Dunes State Park campground instead. read more

Really clean and nice, close to the dunes and easy access to stores. Most definitely will return. (More details in tips section from me) read more

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If you're looking to go camping with the conveniences of the modern world nearby, this is the place to be. Located off of golf way rd and duneway pkwy, this campground is located roughly about an hour from Elkhart, if that's where you're coming from. They have a few options as far as sites go. Sites 1-34 are reservable online and the remainder of the sites are first come, first served. Also keep in mind, sites 1-54 you're able to park your car/RV. However, sites 55-67 are walk in only. There are showers and restrooms located center of both areas. There are also water stations which are very convenient. Most of the campsites are fairly close, but far enough where you are not sitting on top of each other. This time around I opted for the walk In. For starters, let's just say to be prepared for whatever weather may come. My luck, it poured the entire time and was windy. Furthermore, each site has designated fire rings that have a grill. The experience was awesome, it's $25 a night that you pay at the automated kiosk. There are rangers that drive around during the day and there are signs posted with all the latest updates, rules/regulations. Overall, great experience, definitely look forward to coming back! read more

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Seriously amazing camp ground. We had a blast. Great sites and clean washrooms and showers and very family friendly. read more

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Dunewood campground near the Indiana Dunes State Park isn't called Dunewood campground on their sign when you arrive, so it's a bit confusing. It's miles from lake access, which was disappointing. I was mislead by the booking site. When you arrive, you get a volunteer campground host that's so enthralled talking about herself that it takes forever to check in. Even she complained about the campground, setting our expectations low. FYI, none of the sites have power or water, yet the campground was full, which doesn't seem possible, given what you DON'T get. There is a dump station. Then we get to our space 45 and it's extremely out of level, so much so that it's almost impossible to level our 32' motorhome. When finally done my entry step was 10" off the ground. The spaces are small and more appropriate for tent camping where a level car isn't needed. Then there's the train that comes by regularly, just a block away. You hear the horn blow like it was next door. I'm glad we stayed only one night. As for Indiana Dunes State Park about 5 miles away, THERE ARE NO DUNES! Maybe there's one dune, but no "dunes". It's just a bunch of sand with trees and brush growing in the sand, making all of the so-called sand dunes totally unusable for kids to play and hike, etc. You have to go to the Indiana State park entrance to access this so-called "dune". BTW, that dune is next to the Porter Beach parking lot. They charge $7 for Indiana residents to get in the state park and $12 for non residents, which is a true rip for what you get. And get this......the entry gate is open until 11pm to collect that entry money, not like the typical state park routine of shutting down at 5 or 6pm, letting people come in for free to see the sunset. It was also off season, mid Sept when there's few visitors. The parking lot was almost totally empty when we got there at 5pm. After checking out "the dune" we went over to the campground within in the state park to check it out, thinking we might move there to get hookups. But even though we paid $12 to get in the state park, they wouldn't let us take a quick 5min drive through the campground to check it out. Just rude. Indiana really sucks with their state park policies, very unfriendly for travelers. I don't recommend coming to Indiana for that reason. It's one of the worse states we've been to, and this year we visited 25 states. That night we decided to leave Indiana and go to Michigan where gas is cheaper and park policies are more friendly, helpful, and thoughtful. We were at the state park for 1hr, and paid $12. I was so unimpressed with Indiana I didn't take one photo. Not one. The state isn't worthy. read more

I'm not what you would call an expert camper, and neither was my friend I headed up there with. We were more concerned how we were going to sneak in booze as opposed to things like...silverware. This was a great little campground off the dunes and I had a great experience. The walk-in sites were really spread apart and you couldn't see or hear your neighbors at all - this is even with every site taken! It was quiet, clean and relaxing. We picked a spot way in the back (#19 the best spot ever) and set up for a great evening. The whole "process" of getting a spot was quite tricky and I became easily confused. If you aren't used to the whole process here's how it goes: 1. Arrive EARLY, especially if you are going on a Saturday. The sites renew at 10 a.m., check out is noon. I recommend getting there around 9:15 a.m. to get there before people leave and have first dibs. 2. Stop at the little ranger house and pick up a yellow envelope. The envelope has two parts. One part is to reserve your spot on the reservation board, the other is to put money in once you pick your spot. 3. Drive to the walk-in site parking lot. Take a look at the board and see what spots are available, pick a spot and then clip your piece of paper (without the money) to the board. 4. Grab your stuff and walk to the site. If the site is somehow taken, you can't do anything about it - first come, first serve basis. 5. Repeat 3 & 4 until you find a spot. 6. Go back to the ranger hut and deposit your money. 7. Drag your crap through the woods and set up camp! *Hint* The spots towards the front are easier to get to, but also noisier and your neighbors are closer. The mid-20 numbered sites seemed to be the best spots. Also, I saw a lot of online bickering in regards to alcohol. Here's the deal, be courteous, be responsible, get some plastic cups and that giant keg for the picnic table is not a good idea. They come around around 9 or 10 to "check" the site and lecture you about peeing in the woods (I got caught with my pants down). Keep it on the DL and don't be a jerk and you'll be a happy camper! read more

Stayed here on our way out west from the east coast (5/21/18), and then again on our way home (6/7/18). The first time we came at 8pm and paid at the self pay station. We didn't see anyone around and maybe one or two other campers. The second time we came at 7, had no problem finding a spot but it was much more crowded. When we came in early June the mosquitos were crazy! Definitely bring bug spray!! The mosquitos swarm as soon as you get out of the car or tent. It's also pretty buggy in the bathrooms and showers. The bathrooms are pretty clean and there are 4 hot water showers. Tent sites aren't very private, and the trains can be heard throughout the night. Overall we had two good experiences here. read more

Dunewood Camp Ground - Campgrounds Near Me

I would really only recommend this place for the walk-in sites. The sites along the lot are exposed and practically right in a traffic lane. We got there on Friday morning at 10am (only an hour and a half drive from Chicago) and there were only 4 of the 24 sites left. (It was memorial day weekend) We chose site W-24 a lovely, privately wooded site. They're really serious when they mean "No Alcohol." Although signs were posted everywhere we softies are used to camping in California where rangers couldn't give 2 F--ks. We figured as long as we're respectful and quiet they wouldn't bother us --- WRONG! Around 11pm a ranger hear my depositing our bottles in the recycling. A few minutes later he returned and gave us a 20 minute tedious lecture on the rules of the park while going through all our stuff (coolers, tents, trash bags) We had had a few beers with dinner and a bottle of wine, WERE NOT at all drunk, rowdy or dancing on tables. He decided not to kick us out of the camp site, instead left us with a $75 ticket. Other than that, we only spent our evenings at the site, the rest of the time we watched the sunset from Mount Baldy, hiked around one of the old pioneer trails, and played Frisbee at the Indiana Dunes State Beach. We bought all our food at the Jewel-Osco about 10 miles away (also a great place to purchase firewood) and returned back to Chicago relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated. read more

Birthday weekend trip! The Indiana Dunes State Park is booked for the rest of the summer...BTW. We arrived around 12 on Friday to find that out...but were directed to Dundewood! Lovely campsites! There are a number of special gems in this campground. First, the sites are well planned and spacious. Second, the bathrooms are REAL (no pit toilets) and clean. Complete with a shower that had water pressure that blew me away. I mean really, really strong. The best shower I have ever had, anywhere. Hotel, motel, Holiday Inn? Nope, Dunewood! On Saturday night, the rangers offered a presentation about the Dunes that was informative and interesting. The ranger was super nice and really knew everything about the Park! I was really impressed with the photo slide show. The only downside was that I was eaten alive by mosquitoes but that is because it rained all of Friday night and they came out fighting on Saturday! My flesh must taste good.....oh, also if you go, there is a Marathon gas station across from the entrance of the park that has really good, old school soft serve ice cream. In chocolate, vanilla, and swirl. Damn, that stuff was good on a hot day! read more

I love this campground. It's very clean and well maintained. Very clean restrooms and showers. I live in the area and it feels like you are miles away. I highly recommend camping here. read more

Dunewood Camp Ground - Campgrounds Near Me

For anyone in Chicago who doesn't have a car, but wants to go camping, THIS is the place!! For $8.50 each way, you can take the South Shore Line from Millennium Station, and be at the Beverly Shores depot in just about 1 1/2 hours. A dog in a carrier is allowed on the South Shore Line, as well as the campground itself (as long as it's leashed), and along the nearby lakefront and beach. You can't bring your bike on the train unless it's a fancy schmancy folding contraption. We were able to store two sleeping bags, the tent, a beach chair and umbrella, cooler, and dog carrier with us in our seats, or on the overhead luggage compartment without too much trouble. The camp store across from the train stop rents bikes ($5/hour, $12/three hours, $30/all day). Most of their items (sunblock, etc.) are heavily marked up. I bought sunblock for $6.99 that still had the $2.99 price tag from wherever THEY bought it from, just sayin'... There's a portable pizza truck parked outside on Fridays and Saturdays, and it's worth every penny! The sausage pizza for $7 was awesome, the Choke & Shroom for $8 was even better. They also have the best bottled root beer ever. The gas station is a better bet for ice, drinks, firewood ($4.50), and cheaper cigarettes than you'll get in the city. I bought six packs while I was there, only smoked 1/2 of one, but save a lot of money for when I return back home. Get the ice cream cone, too, you won't be disappointed. Once you arrive at the Beverly Shores stop, you have about a 10 minute walk into the walk-in campsite area of the campground. We selected site #58 because it backed up against the woods. After we selected our site, we walked back to the campground entrance (about 7 minutes) and entered it into the electronic registration box. It only accepts credit and debit cards, which was fine with us. I'm not sure what you do if you only have cash; Friday - Sunday we never saw the "office" open, but perhaps the Camp Manager would be able to take it? If the campground is busy, you can still see and hear your neighbors, but most people are quiet and polite (I hate to say it, but it probably has a lot to do with the campground's ban on alcohol). The camp pads are rocky, and although I usually don't mind nothing more than a sleeping bag in my tent, I think next time we'll need some kind of sleeping pad if we want to get an appropriate amount of sleep. Some sorry son of a B came by at night, and stole our graham crackers and our pancake mix, so I would highly recommend you lock things up or keep them in your tent with you. It was probably just a fluke, but I wouldn't take a chance the next time around. Oh, and BRING TICK SPRAY! The nasty little buggers came out at night in full force! The mosquitos are also pretty overwhelming once the sun sets. There are three showers right off of the walk-in parking lot, and as a previous reviewer stated, the water pressure IS awesome!! There's a sink outside of the showers with hot and cold water for washing dishes, or just refilling water bottles, as well as spigots along the road/path throughout the campground. You can charge mobile phones or whatever else outside of the showers/bathrooms, or inside the rest rooms (outlets next to the mirrors and sinks). The bathrooms were well-stocked with toilet paper, and clean. It's a good walk from the walk-in sites to the lakefront beach, but well worth it. The first day we went, Friday afternoon around 2 p.m., the Lake was so choppy it reminded me of the Atlantic Ocean. Gorgeous! The beach wasn't too populated that day, and a lot of people brought their (well behaved) dogs. Saturday was busier, probably because it was also Summerfest (a relatively small celebration), involving decorated golf carts in parade, music being played, grilled chicken and corn on the cobb, and some mighty strong sangria, in support of various Beverly Shores groups and, for whatever reason, the Lithuanian Olympic team? There were games for kids on the beach, and lots of friendly neighbors having a good time. Myself, my boyfriend, and my dog had a fabulous time -- we're looking forward to visiting again!! read more

Great experience. Came in on a Saturday at 9am, sign said campground full. There was a ranger by the kiosk with a list of available sites who recommended a couple. The campground was almost full but there were definitely a few good options. Thing is, if you're waiting for someone to vacate, they have until noon so you may need to wait. Each site comes with a fire pit and a cooking grate. You're not supposed to bring your own wood, but next time I definitely will. Here's why: theres a general store that supplies firewood to the campers. It's 5 bucks a bundle, and a bundle goes in like 30 minutes. You want a fire going all day? 100 bucks easy. Very strict no alcohol policy and the rangers patrol hourly. If you pee in the woods, make sure no one can see you. Don't bring beer cans or bottles of anything. Best way is to have ur drinks premixed in a discreet container, or flask it. Just be smart and keep ur shit low key. Mosquitoes. It's a problem so be prepared. I had three citronella candles, 100 deet spray, and one of those wristbands. I sprayed every couple hours and tried to stay within the candles. Was there one night, and now that I'm home I'm counting roughly 15 bites, mostly on one foot that I didn't spray much, so be thorough. The beach is a 7 minute drive away and a great time. There's not much else to do in the area unless you enjoy hiking, so have your time planned out. Oh yeah - middle of the night a pack of something weird rolled through. Sounded like 4 or 5 coyotes. Strange howls, creepy af but cool at the same time. Will definitely be back. read more

Great spot to go camping, especially for first-time campers and those with children. We did the walk-up site for a night. As the other reviewers have noted, the registration process is a little tricky, but if you get their early enough, you should have time to get your bearings. We arrived around 10:30am on a Saturday after it rained. Man, we got eaten alive! A few camping tips: - Bring a screened canopy to place around the area you're going to eat. - Bring an air mattress or cot. The ground is pretty hard to sleep on w/ sleeping bags. - Bring a BB gun. The raccoons (like clockwork) came out around 1am and made their way to each camp site. They didn't bother us b/c we didnt have food out, but their little noises are startling to wake up to at 1am. - If you go to the beach, take a left to the open parking lot (go before 12pm b/c it gets crowded) to enter the beach for free. Enjoy! read more

Highlights: No reservations needed when I camped late August 2013. Clean well maintained bathrooms. Ranger was helping some sort of animal get out of trash bin at one point late at night. Raccoon? Nice to have friendly ranger. You can buy wood easily towards the entrance. Shop across street really does have tasty ice cream. Pizza truck was SUPER AWESOME! I think I ate their twice during the week. Space was not on top of my neighbor like many of the state parks. I was tent camping. I believe the walk-in only sites were closed for repairs. Bummer: MOSQUITOS were so bad, I am not sure I would ever risk returning. I had every spray possible and I was so miserable after the sun set that I either went to one of the local towns for some hanging out or went to sleep ASAP. I am a night owl so this was a bummer because I had plenty of fire wood and was more than content to sit around the fire and enjoy the evening. read more

This is my 3rd visit here in 2 years. This place is becoming one of my favorites. The rangers are very nice and helpful. The Pros: VERY clean restrooms for a campground. The showers are nice too. Individual shower rooms and not shower stalls in the restroom. The sites are spacious. You won't feel like you're on top of your neighbors. There are insects-but you're camping! Bring DEET spray and you'll be fine. Just over 1 mile from the beach that is easily walkable with kids. The camp store has the basic supplies and the gas station has ice cream. There is a pizza truck that I'm told has fabulous pizza. There's even a Catholic church on the corner for your Sunday morning fix. The Cons: No reservations. First come-first served. If you're retired, you'll have no issue as you probably know. If you work in the city and arrive at say 7p on a Friday night-forget it. The good news is Saturday mornings usually reveal open spots it you arrive between 9-11. There is no electric or water on your site. There is a dump station with fresh water so be sure to charge your batteries in your camper before coming. This is a great place to spend the weekend to relax and if you visit the beach for an afternoon, you'll feel like you're in the southern part of the US at the ocean. read more

Fantastic layout. The sites are spacious and woodsy, we had neighbors but we weren't on top of each other. The camp groundskeeper was polite and informative; after we set up he came to check on us and verify we were at the right site. He let us know that mosquitos are out in full force and poison ivy was thick in the woods, and the check out time. The campground was clean and monitored regularly, and for the most part quiet hours were obeyed. At 630 the trash truck picked up the dumpster garbage, so that was quite the wake up. The campground also requires tents to be set up on the dirt pads, so tent campers are going to have a firm bed for sure. The bath house was clean; toilets on left and individual showers on the right. Toilets were well-lit, stocked with toilet paper and soap every time I used it, and had air dryers. The showers you absolutely need shower shoes; dirt and sand get trudged in, but the water pressure was decent and you can control the temperature. Overall this campground maybe isn't for first-time tenters with the bugs and hard dirt sleeping ground, but for people who need a place to stay and want woodsy camping, this is it. It's ten minutes from the closest beach, and 20 from Michigan City. read more

I honestly did not find anything wrong with the campground itself. Very well maintained and a great price. I was a little nervous about the 'no reservation' policy but arrived at 4 PM on a Friday (stayed 8/21/15-8/23/15). The gentleman that was at the check in cabin did mention that if we arrived a half hour later, we probably wouldn't have been able to get a site. And the next day they were full by 11 AM! So get there as early as you can! We stayed in a tent and had site number 63, which is the second most isolated walk-in site there. One of the furthest from the bathrooms so that was the only downside but that's expected when choosing a more isolated spot. There were very little kids and it was really quiet at night except for the peaceful sounds of crickets and cicadas (and the occasional train horn, due to the train tracks being right across the street to the entrance of the camp ground). Other than the gentleman that helped us while we were picking out a site, I actually did not come across any other employee or ranger. There were also several times that I walked into the bathroom and several people had phones sitting on the counter, charging, due to the bathroom having outlets. I thought it was a very nice environment that this was even a possibility with out the worry of theft. The camp store right across the street had a very nice selection of camp accessories, so that was a big plus. I also had read reviews about the gas station next to it and how they had really good soft serve ice cream. Unfortunately I did not have a chance to try it but next time. If you're looking for something to do nearby other than the number of beaches/dunes, my boyfriend and I rented a jet-ski in Michigan City (20 minute drive away) from Beach Access Vacation Rentals. It was definitely worth it. I would definitely return in the future! read more

First time camping at the sand dunes. $18 per site. Doesn't take reservations but can buy sites as early as 9 and people must leave the site by 12. Our site was close to bathroom. Very nice for camping. Multiple shower rooms that are spacious and clean bathrooms that are well stocked with toilet paper and soap. We bought wood at the "grocery" store across the camp site. There are also bikes you can rent. We drove over to the sand dunes and hiked. Afterwards went to beach. Really nice and perfect way to celebrate summer. Anticipate long lines so get there early. Grills available at each site. The night we stayed was a little noisy but it did get quiet by 11. Pet friendly. So are the dunes. Bring bug spray as there are lots of mosquitos. Would definitely come back here again read more