Tent Sites
Laura B
VerifiedJune 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.
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Featured amenities
Parking
Pet Friendly
Picnic Table
Restrooms
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 sitesSeasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
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Currently closed
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Pet friendly
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Fire Pit
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
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5 Sites Available
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Central 1, Loop: Central Area
Tent
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Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
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Central 2, Loop: Central Area
Tent
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Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
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Central 3, Loop: Central Area
Tent
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Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
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Central 4, Loop: Central Area
Tent
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Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
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Central 5, Loop: Central Area
Tent
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Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
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Site Details
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5 Sites Available
Site
Price
⛺
Central 1, Loop: Central Area
Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
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Central 2, Loop: Central Area
Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
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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
No available sites
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Reviews
118 reviews
Summary
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
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
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Caitlin P
VerifiedJune 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.
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Megan A
VerifiedJune 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.
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Megan A
VerifiedJune 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.
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Caitlin P
VerifiedJuly 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.
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Caitlin P
VerifiedJuly 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.
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Patricia L
VerifiedJuly 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.
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Patricia L
VerifiedJuly 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
David K
VerifiedJuly 21, 2025 Stayed at: Central 2, Loop: Central Area
Just be aware despite the reservation saying you can get to your site at noon is not accurate. The rangers will not allow you to access the site if parking is full. In addition, you must first visit the visitor center to get a paper saying you can park overnight. I'm not sure why the rangers blocking the parking couldn't also have these papers. Consider having parking available for overnight users as it was very frustrating after driving all day with kids only to be told that they were not sure when I could access the site. I had no issues with the site itself and all of these problems could be solved by changing the process that is currently in place.
Helpful
David K
VerifiedJuly 21, 2025 Stayed at: Central 2, Loop: Central Area
Just be aware despite the reservation saying you can get to your site at noon is not accurate. The rangers will not allow you to access the site if parking is full. In addition, you must first visit the visitor center to get a paper saying you can park overnight. I'm not sure why the rangers blocking the parking couldn't also have these papers. Consider having parking available for overnight users as it was very frustrating after driving all day with kids only to be told that they were not sure when I could access the site. I had no issues with the site itself and all of these problems could be solved by changing the process that is currently in place.
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 ...
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 mi from the Central Avenue Beach Parking Lot, including a large hill with uneven terrain to get to each site.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
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
Beverly Shores, IN
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