Central Avenue Walk-In Sites
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 16,000 acres will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles (80 km) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.
More like this: reservable in Indiana · tent only in Indiana · pets allowed in Indiana · dark sky in Indiana
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Tent-only | 5 |
Site guide
5 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Shade | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central 1 | Partial | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| Central 2 | Partial | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| Central 3 | Partial | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| Central 4 | Partial | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
| Central 5 | Partial | No / – | 8 / 2 | Yes | Basic |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Equipment | Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | $25 per night camping fee (this is an expanded amenity fee which is separate from the entrnace fee). A valid entrance pass or receipt is requried for all visitors. You may pay upon arrival or purchase in advance. |
| Dark sky | 1.7 miles from Beverly Shores, Indiana, a certified International Dark Sky Community |
The Central Beach Walk-In Sites has 5 sites that will require a walk to get to your campsite. There is a vault toilet by the Central Beach Parking Lot. There is no drinkable water in the area so you must bring your own water. There is a Picnic table and a fire pit at each site.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
The Central Ave Beach Parking Lot is one mile (1.6 km) north of the intersection of Central Avenue and U.S. Highway 12 in the Town of Pines. NOTE: It is not possible to drive directly to the campsites.
| Nearest town | Beverly Shores, Indiana |
| Coordinates | 41.7018° N, 86.9478° W · Directions ↗ |
Charges and cancellations
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (camping reservations cancelled the day before or day of arrival) incur a $10 cancellation fee plus a forfeiture of the first night's use fee.
Supplies & services
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 3 mi |
| RV sales & service | Tri State RV and Trailer ↗ | 3.7 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Bass Pro Shops ↗ | 13.3 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Video of Central Avenue Walk-in Sites, IN from Don W.
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Solomon EnclaveBuilding · Beverly Shores · 0.8 mi
- Imre and Maria Horner HouseBuilding · Beverly Shores · 1.8 mi
- John H. Barker MansionBuilding · Michigan City · 2.5 mi
Natural features
Indiana Dunes National Park is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national park features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology. In addition, four National Natural Landmarks (including Pinhook Bog and Cowles Bog ) and one National Historical Landmark (the Bailly Homestead ) are located within its boundaries. The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource.
Recreation
There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes. As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours.
Nearby
Central Avenue Beach on Lake Michigan is located nearby, less than 5,000 feet (1524 m) from the campground. Several other national park beaches are within easy driving distance. A gas station / convenience store is located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of the campground on U.S. Highway 12. The Beverly Shores South Shore Railroad station with passenger service to Chicago and South Bend is located on Broadway Avenue. Indiana Dunes Tourism and LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau have lists of other activities in the area.
Guidebooks for Indiana
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Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Central Avenue Walk-In Sites?
Sites at Central Avenue Walk-In Sites are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Central Avenue Walk-In Sites?
$25 per night camping fee (this is an expanded amenity fee which is separate from the entrnace fee). A valid entrance pass or receipt is requried for all visitors. You may pay upon arrival or purchase in advance.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Central Avenue Walk-In Sites?
Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
What does it cost to cancel a reservation at Central Avenue Walk-In Sites?
Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee.
Source: Charges and cancellations
How many sites does Central Avenue Walk-In Sites have?
5 sites, including 5 tent-only sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Central Avenue Walk-In Sites?
Central Avenue Walk-In Sites is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Central Avenue Walk-In Sites?
Yes, pets are allowed at Central Avenue Walk-In Sites. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Central Avenue Walk-In Sites?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Central Avenue Walk-In Sites good for stargazing?
Beverly Shores, Indiana, a certified International Dark Sky Community, is 1.7 miles away. Skies that dark carry for miles; a moonless night here should show the Milky Way.
Source: DarkSky International
Is there cell service at Central Avenue Walk-In Sites?
FCC coverage maps show Verizon 4G LTE and T-Mobile 5G at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Central Avenue Walk-In Sites?
There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Central Avenue Walk-In Sites?
Beverly Shores, Indiana. Central Avenue Beach on Lake Michigan is located nearby, less than 5,000 feet (1524 m) from the campground.
Source: Getting there