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 April 12 at 3:58PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Strong southwesterly winds, occasionally gusting around 45 mph, will continue this afternoon. Additionally, showers developing later this evening may produce wind gusts above 40 mph at times. If traveling on east-west oriented roads, be prepared for gusty crosswinds, particularly in higher profile vehicles. The strongest winds will diminish late this evening.
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 3:28PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
Strong southwesterly winds, occasionally gusting around 45 mph, will continue this afternoon. Additionally, showers developing later this evening may produce wind gusts above 40 mph at times. If traveling on east-west oriented roads, be prepared for gusty crosswinds, particularly in higher profile vehicles. The strongest winds will diminish late this evening.
Flood Warning issued April 12 at 10:22AM CDT until April 12 at 10:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Indiana... Kankakee River at Dunns Bridge affecting Porter and Jasper Counties. Kankakee River at Shelby affecting Newton and Lake IN Counties. For the Kankakee River...including Dunns Bridge...Minor flooding is occurring. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Kankakee River from US-421 south of La Crosse downstream to IN-49 south of Kouts, including the Dunns Bridge gauge. * WHEN...Until late this evening. * IMPACTS...At 10.0 feet, Low-lying agricultural land is inundated near the river. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:00 AM CDT Sunday the stage was 10.2 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 9:00 AM CDT Sunday was 10.8 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to fall below flood stage later today and continue falling. - Flood stage is 10.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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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