West Beach Picnic Shelters
This is a day-use picnic shelter facility only; overnight camping is not available. The shelters are currently closed and reopen around May 22, 2026. Seasonal amenities including restrooms, potable water at the picnic area, and the bathhouse with showers operate from mid-May through mid-October. Year-round restrooms and water are available at the contact station.
Flood Watch issued September 20 at 1:33AM CDT until September 20 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Illinois, including the following areas, Boone, Central Cook, De Kalb, DuPage, Eastern Will, Grundy, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, La Salle, Lake IL, Lee, McHenry, Northern Cook, Northern Will, Ogle, Southern Cook, Southern Will and Winnebago and northwest Indiana, including the following areas, Lake IN and Porter. * WHEN...Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Underpasses may be flooded. Roads and streets may be flooded. Basement flooding may occur. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected through midday. Swaths of torrential rain with 2 inch per hour rainfall rates, or higher are likely to occur within the watch area and may result in areas of flash flooding and cause rapid rises on area rivers, creeks, and streams. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Beach Hazards Statement issued September 20 at 3:17AM CDT until September 21 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Chicago IL
* WHAT...High wave action and dangerous currents expected at Lake Michigan beaches. Waves 4 to 7 feet expected. * WHERE...Porter County. * WHEN...From 10 AM CDT this morning through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Swimming conditions will be life threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| INDU_Communications@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (219) 395-1882 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| Picnic Areas - Indiana Dunes NPS |
Availability
Photos
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