West Beach Picnic Shelters

About

West Beach Picnic Shelters provides eight covered picnic shelters for day-use visitors at Indiana Dunes National Park. The shelters are located near the main West Beach parking lot, which accommodates 596 vehicles including spaces for buses and RVs. Each shelter includes picnic tables, and reservations can be made up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov for use from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This is one of only six locations within the national park where cooking fires and grilling are authorized. Visitors may use provided grills or bring approved carry-in grills with noncombustible containers. Seasonal restrooms and potable water at the picnic area operate from mid-May through mid-October, while year-round restrooms and water are available at the contact station. A bathhouse with showers and lockers is open seasonally. West Beach offers access to Lake Michigan beaches and hiking trails. Pets are allowed on leash except in lifeguarded swimming areas. Glass containers, rock/shell collecting, and confetti are prohibited. A valid park entrance pass or fee receipt is required in addition to the shelter reservation fee.

Directions

The address for West Beach is 376 North County Line Road, Gary, IN 46403. The picnic shelters are located near the main West Beach parking lot.