How much does camping cost at Dunbar Group Site?

Camping fees at Dunbar Group Site range from $100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dunbar Group Site first-come first-served or reservation?

Dunbar Group Site accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dunbar Group Site before I book?

Yes! Dunbar Group Site has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Dunbar Group Site?

Dunbar Group Site is open April 01 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dunbar Group Site?

Dunbar Group Site does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Dunbar Group Site?

Cell phone service at Dunbar Group Site is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Dunbar Group Site have?

Dunbar Group Site has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dunbar Group Site?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dunbar Group Site. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dunbar Group Site?

Dunbar Group Site offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Dunbar Group Site

Q: Can I have a campfire at Dunbar Group Site?

Fire policies at Dunbar Group Site: Campfires and Firewood . Fire must remain in the fire ring and you must bring your own wood. Do not cut or damage any standing trees.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.82

12 reviews

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Indiana Dunes National Park#2

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

646 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season opens April 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Indiana Dunes National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

646 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season opens April 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Indiana Dunes National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Dunbar Group Site

$100.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Dunbar Group Site: $100.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$100.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

219-395-1882INDU_Fee_Collection@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Been here recently?

Campers like you keep our info accurate. Fix a detail in under 30 seconds.

Plan a trip to Dunbar Group Site

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Dunbar Group Site

41.6825, -87.0017

Nearby places

Beverly Shores (0 miles), Gary (approximately 10 miles), Michigan City (approximately 14 miles)

Weather at Dunbar Group Site

Current alerts(9)

A valid entrance pass or receipt is required for all visitors. You may pay upon arrival or purchase in advance. Indiana Dunes honors Federal interagency passes (annual, senior, access, 4th grade, Golden Age, etc.). For more information, visit the Indiana Dunes Fees & Passes
Access to sites. The campsite is not accessible by vehicle. You are not allowed to drive up to the sites past the cable gate. There is a steep hill you must walk up to reach the group camp site. The terrain is a combination of gravel and grass.
Garbage . All garbage must be packed out with you. Several dumpsters are available at the Dunewood Campground. Please do not leave it in the Dunbar Parking Lot garbage can, it is too small for camping groups to use.
Group Size. Up to 30 people may camp on the Dunbar Group site.

Best Time to Camp at Dunbar Group Site

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, thin crowds, and dramatic dune-and-oak savanna color — daytime highs are typically 50–70°F (10–21°C) with crisp nights in the 40s (4–9°C). Hiking, photography, birdwatching (including late migrants) and shoreline walks are at their peak as the beach crowds thin and the light is excellent for vistas from the hillside site. You’ll have easier access to trails and quieter evenings around the group fire ring while still enjoying generally dry, Peak months: September, October, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall is described as the 'sweet spot' with oak savanna color, comfortable temps and fewer crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens April 1, closes November 2.

About Dunbar Group Site

Dunbar Group Site sits within Indiana Dunes National Park near Beverly Shores, operated by the National Park Service. This primitive group campground occupies a hillside location across from Dunbar Beach, offering Lake Michigan shoreline access and trails through dune-and-oak savanna terrain. The site accommodates group tent camping with flush restrooms, fire rings, and multiple picnic tables in a single spacious area.

The Dunbar Group Site supports tent-only camping and is designed for group use. It is not accessible for RVs or campers.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, thin crowds, and dramatic dune-and-oak savanna color — daytime highs are typically 50–70°F (10–21°C) with crisp nights in the 40s (4–9°C). Hiking, photography, birdwatching (including late migrants) and shoreline walks are at their peak as the beach crowds thin and the light is excellent for vistas from the hillside site. You’ll have easier access to trails and quieter evenings around the group fire ring while still enjoying generally dry, Peak months: September, October, June, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation646 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe hillside site overlooks Lake Michigan from 646 feet elevation, with views across the water and surrounding dune landscape. The park's 15,000 acres contain oak savannas, wetlands, prairies, and forests that transition from beach to woodland within short distances. Windswept sand dunes and dense tree cover create habitat for diverse wildlife, visible during hikes on nearby trails.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe Dunbar Group Site does not offer additional lodging accommodations such as cabins or lodges.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park offers interpretive programs and historical site visits, though details about specific programs near the Dunbar Group Site are not available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit and a total of 14 nights within 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 30 people may camp on the site.

Groups

The group site allows up to 30 campers. Parking is limited, and additional vehicles must be parked off-site during peak seasons.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campsite is not directly vehicle-accessible. Campers must walk up a steep hill to reach the site, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

Site SizeRoomy enough for up to 30 campers, with space for multiple tents. User reviews describe the site as having space for 5 or 6 picnic tables.

PrivacyThe site is a group camping area, so privacy may be limited as it is designed to accommodate large groups.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesPack light and simple since reaching the site requires multiple trips uphill. Camping in cooler seasons can avoid parking challenges.

Best CampsitesThere's only one site. The hillside location means views and breezes, but also means schlepping all your gear uphill. Reviewers suggest keeping trips to the car minimal, especially after dark.

Need help booking Dunbar Group Site?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Dunbar Group Site at Indiana Dunes National Park offers a basic, tent-only camping experience. The campsite is noted for its proximity to the beach (0.2 miles away) and for its natural setting amidst Indiana Dunes’ 15,000 acres of diverse ecosystems. Amenities include fire rings, picnic tables, and flush toilets located at the bottom of a hill near the parking lot. Campers should be aware that the site is not vehicle-accessible, requiring a trek up a steep hill composed of grass and gravel. According to a user review, 'The site is lovely and right across from the beach. It’s a roomy site with 5 or 6 tables and a fire ring with a grill.' Another review praises the cleanliness of the restrooms: 'Restrooms were clean.'

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Dunbar Group Site offers access to a range of activities typical for Indiana Dunes National Park, including hiking, beach-going, swimming, birding, and seasonal cross-country skiing.

Hiking

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires and Firewood . Fire must remain in the fire ring and you must bring your own wood. Do not cut or damage any standing trees.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 pm to 6:00 am

Trash & RecyclingAll garbage must be packed out by campers. Several dumpsters are available at the Dunewood Campground, but campers are instructed not to leave garbage in the Dunbar Parking Lot garbage can due to its limited capacity.

Cell CoverageThere is cell phone service at the campground, but no specific details about the quality or coverage were provided.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.8

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Dunbar Group Site has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Dunbar Group Site is praised for its natural beauty, proximity to the beach, and suitability for groups. However, the steep hill leading to the campsite and limited parking are noted as potential challenges.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the site's spaciousness ('It’s a roomy site with 5 or 6 tables and a fire ring with a grill') and its proximity to Dunbar Beach ('The site is lovely and right across from the...

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include the steep hill that must be climbed to access the site ('Steep hill to walk up to the site. I must have gone up that hill 20 times this weekend') and parking limitations...

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific feedback focuses on the Dunbar Group Site’s spaciousness and proximity to the beach. However, the hill and parking limitations are frequently mentioned.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend packing light and bringing simple, easy-to-cook meals due to the difficulty of making multiple trips up the hill. One review advises, 'The less trips you have to make to your car...

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The site is less crowded during the off-season, making parking less of an issue. Summer sees increased demand and limited parking availability, especially on warm days.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The site is lovely and right across from the beach. It’s a roomy site with 5 or 6 tables and a fire ring with a grill.' 2. 'Restrooms were clean.' 3. 'Steep hill to walk up to the site. I must...

Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features, but the steep hill and lack of vehicle access may pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the site, but no specific user feedback regarding pet experiences was provided.

Based on 12 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You're organizing a group outing and want shoreline access with hiking, swimming, and biking in a national park setting.

Skip if

You need individual sites, RV hookups, or vehicle access flexibility during busy summer weekends.

Nearby Campgrounds

Golf Wood Road, Beverly Shores, IN, 46360

Dunewood Campground sits within Indiana Dunes National Park near Beverly Shores, offering tent, RV, and primitive sites managed by the National Park Service. The mid-sized campground provides access to Lake Michigan beaches, dune trails, and wildlife viewing in a forested setting with modern amenities including hot showers and heated restrooms. Spacious sites balance proximity to natural features with the ambient sound of passing trains and nearby highways.

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Less Visited

3.7

(46)

Central Avenue Walk-In Sites

Indiana Dunes National Park

Central Avenue Walk-In Sites sits within Indiana Dunes National Park, offering primitive tent camping a short walk from Lake Michigan's southern shore. Managed by the National Park Service, this very small campground provides a quiet, backcountry-style experience with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers hike to secluded sites and spend days exploring dune trails or swimming at nearby Central Avenue Beach.

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Highly Popular

4.2

(111)

Indiana Dunes State Park

1600 NORTH 25 EAST, CHESTERTON , Indiana, 46304, United States

Indiana Dunes State Park sits along Lake Michigan's southern shore in northwest Indiana, protecting one of North America's most significant dune systems. The campground accommodates tent and RV camping at $12 per night, with 107 reviews averaging 4.3 stars. Visitors praise the well-maintained facilities and diverse ecosystems, though cellular service is limited throughout the park.

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Campgrounds you may also like

Golf Wood Road, Beverly Shores, IN, 46360

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Less Visited

3.7

(46)

Central Avenue Walk-In Sites

Indiana Dunes National Park

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Highly Popular

4.2

(111)

Indiana Dunes State Park

1600 NORTH 25 EAST, CHESTERTON , Indiana, 46304, United States

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Less Visited

4.0

(27)

Warren Dunes- Youth Group Use Area Camp

Warren Dunes' Youth Group Use Area sits in the wooded interior of the park, a primitive group camp designed for organized youth activities. The six tent sites provide a rustic base for exploring the park's dramatic sand dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline. Reviewers call it a good location for large groups, though you'll need to plan for a hike to reach the main beach. Bring water and snacks for the trek.

Van Buren Youth Group Camp

Van Buren Youth Group Camp sits within Van Buren State Park near South Haven, offering two primitive group sites for organized youth groups. Each site accommodates up to 50 campers and includes vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reservations go through the park office.

Holland-Lake Macatawa Campground

2175 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland, MI

Holland-Lake Macatawa Campground sits on the shores of Lake Macatawa, a short walk from the Lake Michigan beachfront. The park offers 211 sites with electric hookups, split between a newer Pines Loop and an older, more open loop. Fees run $33–37 per night, and the campground fills quickly in summer.

$33.00 - $37.00 / night

Campgrounds

Dunbar Group Site

About Indiana Dunes National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Dunbar Group Site, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Lake Michigan's might has influenced Indiana Dunes for millennia. Wind and waves have shaped the land, leaving a rich mosaic of habitats along these 15 miles of Indiana coast. Over 50 miles of trails lead through shifting sand dunes, quiet woodlands, sunny prairies and lush wetlands. Known for its striking plant and bird diversity, it's easy to find inspiration throughout the park’s 15,000 acres.

Directions

Visitors can access the national park via Interstate 94, the Indiana Toll Road (Interstate 80/90), U.S. Highway 12, U.S. Highway 20, Indiana State Road 49, and various other local roads. The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center is located on Indiana State Road 49, between U.S. Highway 20 and Interstate 94 (1215 IN-49, Porter, IN 46304). For a driving map to the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or other locations, check out our maps page.