📷 Photo by Steven Van Elk on UnsplashIndiana Dunes State Park
Chesterton, IN
Home of the Three Dune Challenge, a steep climb over three of the highest dunes, and a busy beach pavilion. Parking fills on summer weekends.
Indiana Dunes State Park near Chesterton, Indiana, sits on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, about 47 miles (75 km) east of Chicago, and covers roughly 2,180 acres (880 hectares). It was founded in 1925, which makes it older than the neighboring national park. The highest dunes are Mount Tom (192 feet, about 59 m above lake level), Mount Holden (184 feet, 56 m) and Mount Jackson (176 feet, 54 m).
The 3 Dune Challenge on Trail 8 links exactly these three dunes. The loop is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long with 552 feet (about 168 m) of climbing. Most hikers need 45 to 75 minutes. Only Mount Tom has a staircase; the other two dunes are steep sandy paths. The trailhead is at the Nature Center, where you park; on weekends and holidays it is best to arrive early. On hot days, early morning or the cooler months are more pleasant. The campground has 140 sites. The state park charges its own entrance fee, and according to Wikivoyage the national parks pass is not valid here.
- Nearest town
- Chesterton, IN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.6590, -87.0640
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Indiana Dunes State Park CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Indiana Dunes State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Dunewood CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Indiana Dunes State Park · 67 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Sand Creek CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Indiana Dunes State ParkTentsCaravans
- Michigan City CampgroundCampsite9 mi from Indiana Dunes State ParkTentsCaravans
- Camp To-Pe-Ne-BeeCampsite10 mi from Indiana Dunes State Park
- La Porte County Fairgrounds CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Indiana Dunes State ParkTentsCaravans
All campsites in Indiana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Indiana Dunes State Park?
Indiana Dunes State Park is in Chesterton, IN, at GPS 41.6590, -87.0640. It is about 9 mi from Michigan City.
Can you camp near Indiana Dunes State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Nissaki Youth Tent Area 1, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 13 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Indiana Dunes State Park?
Indiana Dunes State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Indiana Dunes and northern Indiana’s Amish country and Shifting dunes, horse-drawn buggies and covered bridges – by camper from the Indiana Dunes through Amish Country to the Ohio River.
What is there to see near Indiana Dunes State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mount Baldy (8 mi), West Beach, Indiana Dunes National Park (8 mi), Field Museum (32 mi) and Route 66 Begin Sign (33 mi).
When is the best time to visit Indiana Dunes State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)