Parking
Pet Friendly
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Fire Pit
Parking
Pet friendly
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Fire Pit
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118 reviews
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
Based on 118 reviews
Showing 118 reviews
July 23, 2025 Stayed at: Central 3, Loop: Central Area
The dumpster along the trail needs removed!
Only five camp sites are in the area.
The parking lot has two trash cans, another two trash cans besides the rest restaurant building.
The only purpose of the dumpster, is still, It is to provide a safe place for raccoons to stay, eat, shred trash.
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July 23, 2025 Stayed at: Central 3, Loop: Central Area
The dumpster along the trail needs removed!
Only five camp sites are in the area.
The parking lot has two trash cans, another two trash cans besides the rest restaurant building.
The only purpose of the dumpster, is still, It is to provide a safe place for raccoons to stay, eat, shred trash.
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July 24, 2025 Stayed at: Central 1, Loop: Central Area
Do not camp here on Holidays. The lot is filled before there are rangers on site to check for passes. And they do not prioritize anyone who is camping. I was told I booked a campsite and not a parking spot. However, this makes no sense as people should be able to know they will have a spot to park.
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July 24, 2025 Stayed at: Central 1, Loop: Central Area
Do not camp here on Holidays. The lot is filled before there are rangers on site to check for passes. And they do not prioritize anyone who is camping. I was told I booked a campsite and not a parking spot. However, this makes no sense as people should be able to know they will have a spot to park.
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July 31, 2025 Stayed at: Central 3, Loop: Central Area
The place is beautiful and the hike-in to camp site 3 worked fine. However, the bathrooms next to central beach were not operational which was a big drawback. Also you really need to put in "bear-proof" boxes so campers can protect food and toiletries against raccoons. There was a lot of trash around because raccoons snatched things from the campers.
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July 31, 2025 Stayed at: Central 3, Loop: Central Area
The place is beautiful and the hike-in to camp site 3 worked fine. However, the bathrooms next to central beach were not operational which was a big drawback. Also you really need to put in "bear-proof" boxes so campers can protect food and toiletries against raccoons. There was a lot of trash around because raccoons snatched things from the campers.
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August 23, 2025 Stayed at: Central 4, Loop: Central Area
The location in proximity to Lake Michigan is excellent. It was great to be able to wake up, walk to the lake, and jump in. The campsite is more primitive than the listing makes it seem. I had trouble finding the trail to the campsites as the sign was literally tucked away in a bush - it seems that could be intentional as there is a lot of foot traffic nearby from day visitors. To find the campsites, you walk directly to the right of the campsite parking spots when facing the lake. It was interesting being so close to the city and dealing with the potential dangers that come with city living, like worrying about theft and having to fight off raccoons that are used to accessing human food (seriously). The restrooms were not in working order although that was not communicated before my arrival. A sign on the building door said the restrooms were closed for the season, which I thought was unusual for mid-August. There were 3 port-a-potties though and those were decently clean, they're just a small hike away from the campsites. This campsite is excellent if you come into in expecting few resources. There is no potable water. The gnats were awful and like dive bombing into eyeballs, but if you have a bug net to put over your head, you'll be fine. I enjoyed staying here, but if you're looking for a cushy campsite to relax with the family, this may not be the one for you.
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August 23, 2025 Stayed at: Central 4, Loop: Central Area
The location in proximity to Lake Michigan is excellent. It was great to be able to wake up, walk to the lake, and jump in. The campsite is more primitive than the listing makes it seem. I had trouble finding the trail to the campsites as the sign was literally tucked away in a bush - it seems that could be intentional as there is a lot of foot traffic nearby from day visitors. To find the campsites, you walk directly to the right of the campsite parking spots when facing the lake. It was interesting being so close to the city and dealing with the potential dangers that come with city living, like worrying about theft and having to fight off raccoons that are used to accessing human food (seriously). The restrooms were not in working order although that was not communicated before my arrival. A sign on the building door said the restrooms were closed for the season, which I thought was unusual for mid-August. There were 3 port-a-potties though and those were decently clean, they're just a small hike away from the campsites. This campsite is excellent if you come into in expecting few resources. There is no potable water. The gnats were awful and like dive bombing into eyeballs, but if you have a bug net to put over your head, you'll be fine. I enjoyed staying here, but if you're looking for a cushy campsite to relax with the family, this may not be the one for you.
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August 27, 2025 Stayed at: Central 4, Loop: Central Area
I would highly recommend that you go and watch the sunset/sunrise along the beach that is not too far away from the campsite. This was a nice site to stay at.
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August 27, 2025 Stayed at: Central 4, Loop: Central Area
I would highly recommend that you go and watch the sunset/sunrise along the beach that is not too far away from the campsite. This was a nice site to stay at.
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Golf Wood Road, Beverly Shores, IN 46360 United States
Elevation: 188 ft
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.
The campground is located approximately 1 mile from U.S. Highway 12, which provides access to the area.
The closest entrance is: Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
Approximate drive: 8.9 mi · 15 min
Last updated: November 2, 2026
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Population: 650
Nearby city: Gary, IN
Approx. 21 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 617 ft
Beverly Shores, IN
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