Central Avenue Walk-in Sites
Closed — Closed for the season. Open annually from April 1 through November 2. Reservations available up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov.
Special Weather Statement issued January 19 at 3:05AM CST by NWS Chicago IL
Narrow bands of snow showers will continue at times through early this morning over portions of northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. Visibility may drop below 1 mile at times directly beneath one of these bands and lead to hazardous travel conditions. Strong west northwest winds gusting up to 40 mph will also lead to blowing and drifting snow, especially in rural and open areas. Use extra caution if traveling early this morning!
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 19 at 3:03AM CST until January 19 at 12:00PM CST by NWS Chicago IL
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero. * WHERE...Benton, Jasper, Lake IN, Newton, and Porter Counties. * WHEN...Until noon CST /1 PM EST/ today. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
About
Central Avenue Walk-in Sites is a primitive campground located within Indiana Dunes National Park along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. This intimate campground features just 5 walk-in tent sites, each requiring a hike between 0.1 and 0.6 miles from the Central Beach parking lot up a large hill with uneven terrain. Each campsite includes a picnic table and communal fire ring. The campground offers a more secluded camping experience while still providing easy access to Central Avenue Beach, less than 5,000 feet away. Campers can explore 50 miles of trails through rugged dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests, or enjoy swimming and beachcombing along 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. The park's diverse ecosystems include four National Natural Landmarks and provide excellent opportunities for bird watching, hiking, and nature observation. This is a pack-in, pack-out campground with no potable water available, so campers must bring their own water supply. A vault toilet is located at the Central Beach parking lot. The primitive nature of these sites makes them ideal for experienced campers seeking a quieter, more nature-immersed experience within easy reach of the park's beaches and trail system.
Directions
The Central Beach parking lot is located one mile north of the intersection of Central Avenue and U.S. Highway 12 in the Town of Pines. Park in the Central Beach parking lot. Campsites are walk-in only, requiring a hike of 0.1 to 0.6 miles up a large hill with uneven terrain.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| 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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