Duneland.com > Directory > Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation > Indiana Dunes > Indiana Dunes State Park

Indiana Dunes State Park

1600 North 25 East
Chesterton, Indiana 46304 Map

(219) 926-1952
www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm

Hours:
7am - 11pm

The Indiana Dunes State Park consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historical, and amazingly unique Hoosier landscape. It lies in Porter County and includes more than three miles of Lake Michigan's south shore, all of which provides a magnificent beach. Eighteen hundred acres are wooded and contain the most diversified flora and fauna of the Midwest. Other areas made up of drifting sand hills, peculiar to the dunes region. A pavilion on the beach provides shelter, bathhouses and a complete snack bar during the summer season. Visit the Nature Center for an introduction to the unique ecosystems of the Indiana Dunes and for scheduled interpretive programs. The trails are also available for cross country skiing during the winter. Please call 926-1952 for information about winter trail conditions.

Swimming at the Indiana Dunes State Park

Swimming is permitted in designated area when lifeguard on duty. Bathhouse and beach open Saturday before Memorial Day and no later than Labor Day. Swimming permitted only when lifeguards are on duty. Clothing is required.

Camping at the Indiana Dunes State Park

Reservations are available for the 140 campsites (all with 50 amp electrical service) in its completely reconstructed campground. Two new modern restroom/showerhouses are heated to lengthen the comfortable camping season. A new shelter for programs has been added to the area. Online reservations are available at camp.IN.gov or toll free at 1-866-6CAMPIN (866-622-6746).

Dogs at the Indiana Dunes State Park

Dogs are allowed on non-swimming beaches only. Dogs are allowed in the campground and on trails. Dogs must be attended at all times except when in a camper, tent or vehicle, and be cleaned up after at all times. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. They must have proof of current vaccinations, be well mannered, and quiet during quiet hours (11pm – 7am). Dogs are also allowed in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Bonfires at the Indiana Dunes State Park

Bonfires are not allowed on the beach. Fires are only allowed in established campground fire rings or in cooking areas.

Sledding at the Indiana Dunes State Park

Sledding is permitted at the Indiana Dunes State Park in only one location – Devil’s Slide. When you park at the main parking lot by the pavilion, you will see signs directing you to this dune. Devil’s Slide is located to the east (or right hand side if you are facing the lake) of the parking lot. Sledding is not permitted at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, including Mt. Baldy.

Attractions Near the Indiana Dunes

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On the Duneland calendar:
Sat • May 19, 2012 • A Woodland Wander at the Indiana Dunes
Sat • May 19, 2012 • Snakes Alive at the Indiana Dunes
Sun • May 20, 2012 • Just Another Dam Hike at the Indiana Dunes
Sun • May 20, 2012 • Mt. Tom Bound at the Indiana Dunes
Fri • May 25, 2012 • Scales and Tales at the Indiana Dunes
Check out the Duneland calendar>

This listing is tagged:
bus/large group friendly
dog-friendly

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Larry BlairNovember 2, 2011, 8:59 pm:
this is our favorite place. Like fl. but no 24hr. drive and NO sharks.

Adriana EstradaJanuary 17, 2012, 4:28 pm:
memorries oh how I miss going to this park!

Martha Feliciano EstradaJanuary 17, 2012, 5:12 pm:
me imagino que te trae muchos recuerdos!! La familia muy bien gracias a Dios y tu que tal? Me entere que tubiste una bebita, muchas felicidades. Como esta Nayeli y mi tia? Bueno saludamelas y te mando un abrazo!

Barbara YaschikFebruary 5, 2012, 10:23 am:
What's the take on dogs at this park? I'm not seeing anything on the web site. Or maybe I just missed it.

duneland.comFebruary 8, 2012, 12:26 pm:
Hi Barbara, We're sorry for the delay in replying to your question.We're still working out kinks in this new system. After some careful research we have found that dogs are allowed in the Indiana Dunes State Park in all areas except for the swimming beaches. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times, and also not be left unattended. Dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations, and be cleaned up after at all times. If you're camping with your dog, they have to be quiet during the quiet hours of 11pm - 7am. Dogs are not allowed in swimming areas. We hope this answers your question. Thanks!

Evelyn NoblesFebruary 17, 2012, 9:27 pm:
I used to live in Stermack apartments just blocks away from I guess what is called Johnson Beach and walk the dunes for miles when I was little and actually lived in a tent for months at the Dunes State Park. Was the BEST memories. Used to pick the wild Blueberries and. Mushrooms. Of course that was back in the 1960s. Went back about 15 years ago. NOTHING looks the same. Don't know why I thought it would lol.

Mike O'RourkeMarch 12, 2012, 4:42 pm:
Does anybody know if the campground showers are open? The DNR used to have a schedule of when different campgrounds opened and when they turned their water on.

duneland.comMarch 13, 2012, 8:34 am:
Hi Mike, We called the Indiana Dunes State Park, and they said that the campground bath houses are not open yet, but will be sometime in April. The family style restrooms are open year-round however. If you'd like to check in with them, the phone number is (219) 926-1952.

Deborah Ikeda-DoreMarch 22, 2012, 11:26 am:
Informative-Brings back many years of memories!

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Indiana Dunes State Park
Reviews from
Overall Rating:

Brittany S.

Our original plan had been to watch the sunset on the beach, but a serious case of fog had other plans in store for us. Our optimistic spirit noted that... View Entire Review

Rachael W.

This park is great! Tons of trails for hiking, huge beach, campground, oh and some huge dunes. The dunes, located beyond the entire shoreline, have taken... View Entire Review

Isabelle L.

This is a good park for some serious hiking. The best place to start is the nature center. Make sure you carry a map with you since all the trails are... View Entire Review

View more reviews of Indiana Dunes State Park at Yelp

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