Indiana Dunes has a new name and a new camping policy! In February the former Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was officially designated Indiana Dunes National Park. But don’t worry about the new name/designation causing major changes The same sand, solitude and park-ish fun is still very much available.
Even though the same outdoor adventures still exist at the U.S’s 61st national park (it’s also Indiana’s first!), there is one noticeable difference—you can now reserve a campsite up to six months in advance.
Prior to the national park designation, the 66 campsites were all first-come, first-serve. Now you can reserve one of 34 sites up to half a year before your visit. The other 32 are still first-come, first-serve sites.
As always, the park boasts 15,000 acres on outdoor awesomeness along 15 miles of Lake Michigan’s southern shore. Along with hiking the 50 miles of trails, park activities include biking, swimming, fishing, boating, geocaching bird watching and much more.
The Dunewood Campground at Indiana Dunes National Park is open annually from Apr. 1 through Nov. 1. Campsite facilities run $25 per night and include 54 drive-in sites and 12 walk-ins as well as restrooms and showers. The park does not provide electric or water hookups. To book your reservation visit Recreation.gov.
—Erica Loop
Featured photo: Indiana Dunes National Park via Instagram
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