Tent Sites
Alexandros E
VerifiedSeptember 18, 2026 Stayed at: Central 2, Loop: Central Area
The sites are amazing , clean, and offer everything we needed for a good relaxing stay.
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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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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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Felicia B
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2026 Stayed at: Central 3, Loop: Central Area
Loved the secluded sites!
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Susanne P
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2026 Stayed at: Central 5, Loop: Central Area
Great for a mini back packing trip/gear test. The sites are nicely tucked away in the woods, clean and the table is great. Yes, there are bugs …
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Tori R
VerifiedSeptember 3, 2026 Stayed at: Central 1, Loop: Central Area
Recommendations are, please, please bring a mosquito repellent, mosquito net, everything to keep the mosquitoes away from you.
The place is ok, but there’re thousands of mosquitoes ready to bite you
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Garrett H
VerifiedSeptember 3, 2026 Stayed at: Central 1, Loop: Central Area
Very buggy, it’s camping so it’s expected. Porta-potty was pretty nasty. When it says there is a hill to get to the campsite, it means there’s a HILL. It’s all sand, so it was somewhat difficult to traverse under weight. BUT, the access to the lake was amazing. It is absolutely worth it. Beach restrooms were still inoperative while we were there. Just prepare to have everything including yourself covered in sand!
Helpful
Elizabeth C
VerifiedAugust 30, 2026 Stayed at: Central 4, Loop: Central Area
Campsite #4 was good, had the picnic bench and fire ring. It was about 1/2 mi on the trail and some small up and down hills, so plan accordingly with supplies you bring. There were two little sides that worked for our 4-person and 6-person tents, probably no more would have fit. Could do with some trees trimmed in the area, and lots of mosquitoes. But it’s camping and outside so what do you expect. No amenities. If doing lots of hiking I’d probably do Dunewood next time for the showers and resources.
Helpful
Frank F
VerifiedAugust 22, 2026 Stayed at: Central 5, Loop: Central Area
On the day we were supposed to go camping, a derecho happened with 100+mph winds. When we were trying to walk to our campsite, the path was blocked by down trees. So, we unable to made it to our site. I made a phone call to recreational.gov and asked for a refund. I still have not heard back about if I will receive a refund or not. So, my experience with Recreation.gov has not been a good one. But, the person I talked to one the phone about the refund was extremely helpful when I called.
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Megan H
VerifiedAugust 14, 2026 Stayed at: Central 3, Loop: Central Area
Visually private site. Reserved parking spaces for overnight campers was marked. Other sites are within noise range. Sites are well marked. The walk in is nice, aside from the overflowing commercial dumpster around the halfway point. Previous campers did not pack out all their supplies. We tried to take some of their mess with us. Picnic table and fire ring were nice but we did not use them due to the aggressive insect population.
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Jonathon M
VerifiedAugust 8, 2026 Stayed at: Central 1, Loop: Central Area
We stayed here two consecutive summers. Both times raccoons destroyed our property. The first year I left food in the tent so it was my fault. When we came back this summer we kept all our food in the car and raccoons still got into our tent by tearing a large hole in the side. I had to throw the tent away , it popped an air mattress and tore up our bags. We’re out hundreds of dollars because the campground is infested with raccoons that are used to people feeding them. It’s unfortunate because everything else was great.
Helpful
Scott K
VerifiedAugust 5, 2026 Stayed at: Central 2, Loop: Central Area
Wonderful site very close to the beach. Bring some bug spray for the walk through the woods to get to the site though.
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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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