Central Avenue Walk-in Sites

Golf Wood Road, Beverly Shores, Indiana, United States
Check Availability
The water laps upon the shoreline at Central Avenue Beach.
The water laps upon the shoreline at Central Avenue Beach.
Winter Waves at Central Beach under a Gray Sky. Campsites are closed in winter.
A map showing the Central Avenue Walk In Sites, with a list of the walking distances to each site
Grasses on a sandy beach near Mt. Baldy

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit

About Central Avenue Walk-in Sites

Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 mi (14.9 mi) 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 mi (49.7 mi) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.

Available sites

5 total sites
Tent Sites 5 sites Check Availability

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Pet friendly Pet friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Fire Pit
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.

5 Sites Available

Site
Price
⛺ Central 1, Loop: Central Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Central 2, Loop: Central Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Central 3, Loop: Central Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Central 4, Loop: Central Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ Central 5, Loop: Central Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade

Reviews

118 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Central Avenue Walk-in Sites offer beautiful, secluded camping close to Lake Michigan, making it an attractive option for nature lovers. Many reviewers appreciated the well-marked sites and amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, along with the peaceful environment. However, there are notable concerns about raccoons raiding supplies, a lack of sanitary facilities, and the need for more maintenance on the trails and nearby areas, which could detract from the overall experience.

Based on guest feedback

3.5

Overall rating

Based on 118 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 41.5% (49)
4 stars 13.6% (16)
3 stars 16.1% (19)
2 stars 12.7% (15)
1 star 16.1% (19)

Showing 118 reviews

Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Newest First Oldest First

Patricia L

Verified

July 10, 2025 Stayed at: Central 5, Loop: Central Area

Don't be fooled by the maps - these sites are located on a cliff and do not have access to the beach. They're very basic primitive sites in the forest with no views or amenities. The beach nearby was beautiful (just avert your eyes from the power plant to the east), and there was abundant peace and quiet. And clever raccoons that want your food that can provide entertainment at dusk.

We stayed in site #5, which was a solid fifteen minute walk from the car. Not a walk you want to do multiple times, so this is almost like a mini backpacking site.

Helpful

Patricia L

Verified

July 10, 2025 Stayed at: Central 5, Loop: Central Area

Don't be fooled by the maps - these sites are located on a cliff and do not have access to the beach. They're very basic primitive sites in the forest with no views or amenities. The beach nearby was beautiful (just avert your eyes from the power plant to the east), and there was abundant peace and quiet. And clever raccoons that want your food that can provide entertainment at dusk.

We stayed in site #5, which was a solid fifteen minute walk from the car. Not a walk you want to do multiple times, so this is almost like a mini backpacking site.

Helpful

Caitlin P

Verified

July 1, 2025 Stayed at: Central 5, Loop: Central Area

BEWARE THE RACCOONS. But also... such a fun campsite. Minus the bugs. And the heat. But really, it was great.

Helpful

Caitlin P

Verified

July 1, 2025 Stayed at: Central 5, Loop: Central Area

BEWARE THE RACCOONS. But also... such a fun campsite. Minus the bugs. And the heat. But really, it was great.

Helpful

Megan A

Verified

June 29, 2025 Stayed at: Central 3, Loop: Central Area

Campsite 3 was more of a walk in than I expected. Less than a 1/2 mi but probably not by much. The site itself was cleared with a nice table and fire pit. A few places to put a tent.

Helpful

Megan A

Verified

June 29, 2025 Stayed at: Central 3, Loop: Central Area

Campsite 3 was more of a walk in than I expected. Less than a 1/2 mi but probably not by much. The site itself was cleared with a nice table and fire pit. A few places to put a tent.

Helpful

Caitlin P

Verified

June 28, 2025 Stayed at: Central 4, Loop: Central Area

Beware the confident raccoons! They are bold! I love these sites. Quite a hike to bring all your gear in, but so peaceful. You can hear the waves off the lake.

Helpful

Laura B

Verified

June 28, 2025 Stayed at: Central 2, Loop: Central Area

There are NO reserved parks for people with walk-in campsites. When we arrived, the parking lot was full.

Helpful

Caitlin P

Verified

June 28, 2025 Stayed at: Central 4, Loop: Central Area

Beware the confident raccoons! They are bold! I love these sites. Quite a hike to bring all your gear in, but so peaceful. You can hear the waves off the lake.

Helpful

Laura B

Verified

June 28, 2025 Stayed at: Central 2, Loop: Central Area

There are NO reserved parks for people with walk-in campsites. When we arrived, the parking lot was full.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Central Avenue Walk-in Sites

Golf Wood Road, Beverly Shores, IN 46360 United States

Elevation: 188 ft

Getting There

The Central Ave Beach Parking Lot is one mile (1 mi) 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. Each campsite is a walk of between .1 and .6 ...

Nearest town

Beverly Shores, IN - 2.2 mi

About 6 min to downtown

Highway access

The campground is located approximately 1 mile from U.S. Highway 12, which provides access to the area.

Near Indiana Dunes National Park

The closest entrance is: Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Approximate drive: 8.9 mi · 15 min

Policies & Rules

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Site capacity

  • Maximum of 8 people allowed per site.

Accessibility

  • Campsites require walking from the parking area, with varying distances.

Vehicles & parking

  • Limit of 2 vehicles per site, parking in designated lot required.

Safety & rules

  • All trash must be packed out; no trash disposal on site.
  • Maximum stay of 14 days within any 30-day period.
  • Quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM; noise should be minimized during this time.
  • Valuables should not be left visible in vehicles to avoid theft.

Fires & fuel

  • Firewood must be brought in; collection from woods is prohibited.

Fees & deposits

  • Entrance pass or receipt required for all visitors; federal passes accepted.

Site types & loops

  • Tents must be set up in the designated open areas of the site.

Pets

  • Pets must be leashed and attended at all times when outside tents.

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Beverly Shores

2 mi away

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Last updated: November 2, 2026

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Explore Beverly Shores, IN

Population: 650

Nearby city: Gary, IN

Approx. 21 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 617 ft

Learn more about Beverly Shores

Beverly Shores, IN

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