Central Avenue Walk-in Sites
Open for camping. Campsites close seasonally in winter. Reservations available via Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. There is no potable water on site. Stays limited to 14 consecutive nights per 30-day period.
Heat Advisory issued August 31 at 12:24PM CDT until September 2 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
* WHAT...Peak heat indices of 100 to 105 degrees expected Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. * WHERE...Portions of northern and central Illinois near and south of I-80, as well as all of northwest Indiana. * WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, from noon CDT to 9 PM CDT Tuesday. For the second Heat Advisory, from noon CDT to 9 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Heat Advisory issued August 31 at 12:24PM CDT until September 1 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
* WHAT...Peak heat indices of 100 to 105 degrees expected Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. * WHERE...Portions of northern and central Illinois near and south of I-80, as well as all of northwest Indiana. * WHEN...For the first Heat Advisory, from noon CDT to 9 PM CDT Tuesday. For the second Heat Advisory, from noon CDT to 9 PM CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
About
Central Avenue Walk-in Sites provides a back-to-basics camping experience within Indiana Dunes National Park, situated less than a mile from Central Avenue Beach on Lake Michigan's southern shore. The five tent-only sites are accessed via a walk of 0.1 to 0.6 miles from the Central Avenue Beach parking lot, with campers ascending a large hill over uneven, grassy terrain to reach their reserved spot. Each campsite accommodates up to 8 people with a maximum of 2 vehicles parked in the lot. Sites include a picnic table and fire pit, though firewood must be brought in as collecting from the surrounding woods is prohibited. Gas camping stoves are permitted at individual sites, while wood and charcoal fires are restricted to the communal fire ring using provided wood or brought-in charcoal. The area has no potable water, so campers must bring adequate supplies. A portable toilet is available at the parking lot year-round, while seasonal flush restrooms and water fountains are located downhill at Central Avenue Beach. Kayak and canoe launching is permitted from the beach. The South Shore Railroad station in Beverly Shores provides passenger service to Chicago and South Bend.
Directions
The Central Avenue Beach parking lot is one mile north of the intersection of Central Avenue and U.S. Highway 12 in the Town of Pines. You cannot drive to the campsites; each site requires a walk of 0.1 to 0.6 miles from the parking lot up a large hill with uneven terrain.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| INDU_Fee_Collection@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (219) 395-1882 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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