Central Avenue Walk-in Sites

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.