Cancellation alerts

Central Avenue Walk-in Sites

We watch every site at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites 24/7, then email you the moment a cancellation opens up.

98% of weekends booked at top sites·Peak Jun–Aug·5 sites

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Pick your dates, pick the sites you want, we do the watching.

Park favorites

The 5 most popular campsites at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites

The hardest sites to book at this park, reserving 98% of weekend nights in peak season (Jun–Aug). Set up an alert and we'll email you on cancellations.

Site Central 5

Best here

Ranked #1 of 5

TENT ONLY · Sleeps 8 · Electric

Site Central 3

Standout

Ranked #2 of 5

TENT ONLY · Sleeps 8 · Electric

Site Central 4

Decent

Ranked #3 of 5

TENT ONLY · Sleeps 8 · Electric

Site Central 2

Wait for better

Ranked #4 of 5

TENT ONLY · Sleeps 8 · Electric

Site Central 1

Wait for better

Ranked #5 of 5

TENT ONLY · Sleeps 8 · Electric

These sites rebook within minutes of being cancelled. Set an alert at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites and we’ll email you the moment one opens up.

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About this park

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. For more information on our natural features visit the Nature and Science page on the park website.

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. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.

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.