Indiana Dunes State Park
Indiana Dunes State Park
4.5
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
About
Indiana Dunes State Park consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic and unique Hoosier landscape. It lies at the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County, and includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan’s southern shore. In the early 1900s scientists, recreationists and nature enthusiasts, recognizing the value and potential of the Indiana dunes area, fought to have the region preserved. As a result, in 1925, the state park was established.Large sand dunes, located beyond the entire shoreline, have taken thousands of years to form, and tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan. A wide range of habitats and plant species are found in the park, with vegetation stabilizing some of the sand. These habitats provide homes for many types of plants and animals. The lake also provides habitat for many aquatic species, as well as a constantly changing fishery.Indiana Dunes State Park features a wide variety of habitats, including beach, sand dunes, black oak forest, wooded wetlands, and a button-bush marsh. Together, these areas contain some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the Midwest. Botanists from across the country enjoy studying the unusual collection of plant life. Other interesting features include “tree graveyards” (places where forests have been buried by sand and then, more recently, re-exposed by wind erosion). “Tree graveyards” can be seen in Big Blowout, near Trail 10. The Indiana Dunes area also is renowned throughout the Midwest for its birding. Visit the Nature Center to ask about good birding locations.Indiana Dunes State Park is surrounded by Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, a federally administered park comprising approximately 15,000 acres.
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- sophia1954Huntley, Illinois11 contributionsGreat hiking trailsWow! I've lived in this general area all my life and had no idea there was so much to do and see. I think you could spend a lifetime exploring and still not see everything. Lots of educational programs too. There's a lot more to the Dunes than the beach.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 June 2023
- Rich H4 contributionsDoesn't feel like Indiana!Great setting on Lake Michigan. Being there doesn't feel like you are in the Midwest. The dunes are a lot of fun and great exercise. The beaches are nice and good places to eat all around. Great getaway for landlocked Midwesterners.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 26 June 2023
- Ricky MEvansville, Indiana757 contributionsFamily at the beachSince In-state visitors, was only $7 for a family of 6. Beach was clean, water was nice, crowds were decent, made it lively but not overly crowded. Decent grill at the beach, showers & change rooms were very convenientVisited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 July 2023
- laW7381WULivingston, New Jersey7 contributionsLoved hiking up the dunesThis state park is a gem! I'd never hiked sand dunes before--it was like snowshoeing, since you sink into the sand. Very challenging hike up to the top, but worth it for the experience and the view. Recommend bringing hiking poles. We did 2 of the 3 Dunes Challenge, since it was exhausting (but exhilarating!). The dunes are surrounded by woods, so it's partially shaded (depending on time of day).Visited May 2023Written 5 July 2023
- Daniel HAjijic, Mexico9 contributionsFantastic location and views.We camped there in a motorhome. Sites were spacious and OK level. Many good walking trails. Very clean and spacious campground. Only thing that causes a very good instead of excellent is the rest room facilities were sub par in cleanliness. Be sure to visit the nature center and the restaurant/event center, go to the roof top observatory and you see the Chicago skyline.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 September 2023
- F4981JCmichaelsVancouver, Washington2,105 contributionsExpansive, nice place.I arrived late in the day, so my experience was limited, but it still was worth the $12 fee. There is a lot to explore here as well as the nearby national dunes park. A campground is available here at the state park, but I wasn't camping, so I cannot comment as to its quality. Additionally, there are numerous trails. Again, time limited me to try any of them out. What I can comment about is the beach and the parking lot. Limited, but still, if all you are doing is passing through and want to at least get some idea of what it is like, this will give you that. The beach is large, the parking is more than adequate, and there are some dunes right next to the beach. People watching is also good. All of this is near "civilization," i.e. hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, and the like, so whether you are day-tripping or staying for awhile, you are not out in the "middle of nowhere," like you would be for some state and national parks, Big Bend for example. That is miles from anywhere. These parks are close to everything you need, including restrooms right there at the beach. So...if you are passing through, and want to see the lake, go for a walk, or just relax on the beach for a small price, this is the spot for you. One "warning." I was there late in the day. I get the impression that on a nice summer day, this place could be packed with people.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 16 November 2023
- R. TravelerOak Ridge, North Carolina1,077 contributionsA rare time where the State Park beats out the national park!I’m on a mission to visit all of the National Parks and in this quest visited Indiana Dunes National Park. I noticed some great reviews though (for hikes) were actually in the state park which is fully surrounded by the national park. While the state park staff was notably less friendly than the national park….. this state park was amazing! Great beach and phenomenal dune trails you could actually climb. The three dune trail was fun. Then there were forested areas and a marsh. Far more than I expected - great place!Visited November 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 22 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
891 reviews
Excellent
561
Very good
236
Average
65
Poor
19
Terrible
10
R. Traveler
Oak Ridge, NC1,077 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
I’m on a mission to visit all of the National Parks and in this quest visited Indiana Dunes National Park.
I noticed some great reviews though (for hikes) were actually in the state park which is fully surrounded by the national park.
While the state park staff was notably less friendly than the national park….. this state park was amazing!
Great beach and phenomenal dune trails you could actually climb. The three dune trail was fun. Then there were forested areas and a marsh. Far more than I expected - great place!
I noticed some great reviews though (for hikes) were actually in the state park which is fully surrounded by the national park.
While the state park staff was notably less friendly than the national park….. this state park was amazing!
Great beach and phenomenal dune trails you could actually climb. The three dune trail was fun. Then there were forested areas and a marsh. Far more than I expected - great place!
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
F4981JCmichaels
Vancouver, WA2,105 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I arrived late in the day, so my experience was limited, but it still was worth the $12 fee. There is a lot to explore here as well as the nearby national dunes park. A campground is available here at the state park, but I wasn't camping, so I cannot comment as to its quality. Additionally, there are numerous trails. Again, time limited me to try any of them out.
What I can comment about is the beach and the parking lot. Limited, but still, if all you are doing is passing through and want to at least get some idea of what it is like, this will give you that. The beach is large, the parking is more than adequate, and there are some dunes right next to the beach. People watching is also good. All of this is near "civilization," i.e. hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, and the like, so whether you are day-tripping or staying for awhile, you are not out in the "middle of nowhere," like you would be for some state and national parks, Big Bend for example. That is miles from anywhere. These parks are close to everything you need, including restrooms right there at the beach. So...if you are passing through, and want to see the lake, go for a walk, or just relax on the beach for a small price, this is the spot for you. One "warning." I was there late in the day. I get the impression that on a nice summer day, this place could be packed with people.
What I can comment about is the beach and the parking lot. Limited, but still, if all you are doing is passing through and want to at least get some idea of what it is like, this will give you that. The beach is large, the parking is more than adequate, and there are some dunes right next to the beach. People watching is also good. All of this is near "civilization," i.e. hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, and the like, so whether you are day-tripping or staying for awhile, you are not out in the "middle of nowhere," like you would be for some state and national parks, Big Bend for example. That is miles from anywhere. These parks are close to everything you need, including restrooms right there at the beach. So...if you are passing through, and want to see the lake, go for a walk, or just relax on the beach for a small price, this is the spot for you. One "warning." I was there late in the day. I get the impression that on a nice summer day, this place could be packed with people.
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel H
Ajijic, Mexico9 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
We camped there in a motorhome. Sites were spacious and OK level. Many good walking trails. Very clean and spacious campground. Only thing that causes a very good instead of excellent is the rest room facilities were sub par in cleanliness. Be sure to visit the nature center and the restaurant/event center, go to the roof top observatory and you see the Chicago skyline.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elmo96
Marseilles, IL32 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The park has done a lot of beautiful renovations and upgrades on West Beach! The new pavilion is wonderful as are the restaurants and bar. It’s worth a visit for those alone.
However, if you’re trying to enjoy a nice peaceful sunset on the beach itself, I’d recommend against it. The water closes a little bit before sunset, and you’ll definitely know about it from IDNR folks out on four wheelers screaming at people wading in the water/walking along the shore to get out. Regardless of your personal opinion on whether walking/wading is wrong or not, it severely detracts from the peaceful sunset when a megaphone is in your ear.
Sunsets here are now best viewed from the new pavilion or on some of the trails overlooking the lake! Those are unaffected by whatever mayhem is going down on the shore, and the views are even more gorgeous.
Due to staffing issues the beach has closed for swimming for this year much earlier than normal. The rest of the park is well worth a look as the history & flora is really neat.
However, if you’re trying to enjoy a nice peaceful sunset on the beach itself, I’d recommend against it. The water closes a little bit before sunset, and you’ll definitely know about it from IDNR folks out on four wheelers screaming at people wading in the water/walking along the shore to get out. Regardless of your personal opinion on whether walking/wading is wrong or not, it severely detracts from the peaceful sunset when a megaphone is in your ear.
Sunsets here are now best viewed from the new pavilion or on some of the trails overlooking the lake! Those are unaffected by whatever mayhem is going down on the shore, and the views are even more gorgeous.
Due to staffing issues the beach has closed for swimming for this year much earlier than normal. The rest of the park is well worth a look as the history & flora is really neat.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laW7381WU
Livingston, NJ7 contributions
May 2023
This state park is a gem! I'd never hiked sand dunes before--it was like snowshoeing, since you sink into the sand. Very challenging hike up to the top, but worth it for the experience and the view. Recommend bringing hiking poles. We did 2 of the 3 Dunes Challenge, since it was exhausting (but exhilarating!). The dunes are surrounded by woods, so it's partially shaded (depending on time of day).
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott G
Washington DC, DC408 contributions
Jul 2023
Good family place -- there were people enjoying the beach when we were there. Very clean. Good trails for hiking (saw a deer).
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ricky M
Evansville, IN757 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Since In-state visitors, was only $7 for a family of 6. Beach was clean, water was nice, crowds were decent, made it lively but not overly crowded. Decent grill at the beach, showers & change rooms were very convenient
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rich H
4 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Great setting on Lake Michigan. Being there doesn't feel like you are in the Midwest. The dunes are a lot of fun and great exercise. The beaches are nice and good places to eat all around. Great getaway for landlocked Midwesterners.
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Haushold
Hagerstown, IN154 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Such an awesome place. From difficult climbs to easy strolls, the beach - relaxing picnics - what a treasure for Indiana.
Written 23 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sophia1954
Huntley, IL11 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Wow! I've lived in this general area all my life and had no idea there was so much to do and see. I think you could spend a lifetime exploring and still not see everything. Lots of educational programs too. There's a lot more to the Dunes than the beach.
Written 8 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelbear
2 contributions
Can you fish there if you have a valid Indiana fishing license? What kind of bait is allowed?
Daniel H
Ajijic, Mexico9 contributions
Yes you can. You need a stamp for salmon and trout fishing. Can't answer about bait. Check with a local fishing shop.
occams-razor
Antioch, IL89 contributions
This is listed as a national and state park. Are they separate? If so, is the state park free and national park $25/car? Thanks!
Trypp Adams
Minneapolis, MN9,575 contributions
They are separate and have separate fees... it's a little annoying
Knichols
Indiana19 contributions
What are the most premium/private camp sites?
jarIndiana
Muncie, IN422 contributions
The most premium sites are the electric sites. Alot of the sites are nice and large and several can be found that are private enough. In my opinion, its better to secure a site closer to one of the shower houses and water, than it is to worry about finding something that is super private which is next to impossible. Once you do stay there, walk aroung the campground and write down at least 5-10 of your favorite site numbers for your next visit. I do this at EVERY campground that we stay in. If you look at the online reservation system, there are also photos of most every site with a description of each one. Hope this helps.
Good luck
J.
Margaret F
7 contributions
Best hiking/walking trails?? Preferably unpaved. We are athletic so it doesn’t need to be too easy.
barkus1968
Saint Louis, MO4,215 contributions
The three dune challenge at the visitor center is really versatile. There are about 9 different routes you can take. You can walk down to the water or hike up and down the dunes.
Can you ride 4 wheelers on the dunes....and can you bring your own....if so what are the regulations
rescueagreyhound
Akron, OH481 contributions
Prohibited – Bicycles and motorized vehicles.
Jan P
Puyallup, WA
When camping at IN dunes state park where do you go to dump your trailer?
rescueagreyhound
Akron, OH481 contributions
The Dunewood campground does have an RV dump station.
karianne020576
Saint Charles, IL86 contributions
Coming from Chicago looking for some normalcy but want to stay safe. I've read how ridiculous crowded the beaches have been, is there any social distancing going on. Can we ho and still feel safe?
Thank you.
rescueagreyhound
Akron, OH481 contributions
On the particular day we went the beach goers were practicing social distancing. People placed their blankets and chairs far enough apart. The beach had plenty of room to space out. We did not observe to many people wearing masks. We did not use the restrooms to see if inside areas were different. Hope this helps.
Renata
1 contribution
Planning for a July visit. Will it be warm enough to swim?
Lou D
Valparaiso, IN353 contributions
In July and August the air temp should be perfect for the beach. The water temp however, depends on the lake and wind conditions. Sun warms the top layer of the water and an onshore wind makes the beach water pleasant. But an offshore wind blows the warm water away which brings the bottom water to the shore making it colder. BUT basic rules still apply: 1. Children NEVER notice the water temperature! 2. Even for adults, "It's not bad once you get used to it!"
Matthew J Mayer
Arnold, MO
Is alcohol allowed in the campground?
wendyyouwho
16 contributions
Alcohol is not allowed anywhere within the park, including the campground. I don't know how well policed it is, if you're keeping it all on the down-low, because I'm pretty sure some of our campground mates were drinking a little bit. But, it's kind of nice to not wake up to screaming drunks, too (which happened at another state park we visited in early summer). Lol
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Claim your listingINDIANA DUNES STATE PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Indiana Dunes State Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 07:00 - 23:00
- Hotels near Indiana Dunes State Park:
- (0.63 mi) Porter Beach Vacation Getway! Lake Michigan Beachside Home - Newly Remodeled
- (0.70 mi) 5 Bdrm 3 Bth Lake Michigan Waterfront Private Pool
- (0.77 mi) Cozy and Charming Beach Getaway on Lovely Lake Michigan
- (0.78 mi) Amazing Views From Beachfront Unit In the Heart of the Indiana Dunes
- (0.77 mi) Indiana Dunes Beach Rental
- Restaurants near Indiana Dunes State Park:
- (0.49 mi) Pavilion Restaurant & Grill
- (2.95 mi) Octave Grill
- (9.38 mi) Panini Panini
- (9.00 mi) Holly's Restaurant and Pub
- (2.45 mi) Wagner's Ribs
- Attractions near Indiana Dunes State Park:
- (1.42 mi) Indiana Dunes National Park
- (1.35 mi) Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
- (1.43 mi) Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm
- (9.75 mi) Washington Park
- (2.89 mi) Chesterton’s European Market