Dunbar Group Site

4.49

12 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Indiana Dunes National Park#2

Quick Facts

646 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season opens April 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Indiana Dunes National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

646 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Season opens April 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Indiana Dunes National Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Dunbar Group Site

$100.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The group camping fee is $100 per night, applicable year-round, with no discounts available for senior or access pass holders. A valid entrance pass...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$100.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

219-395-1882INDU_Fee_Collection@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 12 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspaciousbeach

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Dunbar Group Site

41.6825, -87.0017

Driving directionsDunbar Group site is on Dunbar Ave and West Lake Front Drive in Beverly Shores, Indiana.

Access to the site includes a steep hill you must walk up to reach the group camp site, with terrain combining gravel and grass. Parking is limited to vehicles less than 20 feet in length and is further restricted during peak summer days.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

A gas station/convenience store is located 0.25 miles north at the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and Broadway Avenue.

Best Time to Camp at Dunbar Group Site

Summer brings warm, comfortable days perfect for beach exploration and evening campfires, while spring and fall wrap the dunes in crisp, invigorating air that transforms the landscape into a photographer's paradise. Peak season delivers reliably pleasant conditions, though early spring and late autumn adventurers should pack layers for those refreshingly cool mornings and evenings that make hot coffee taste even better.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm beach days and campfires but higher demand and limited parking.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall brings crisp air, photogenic landscapes and fewer crowds — highly enjoyable season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers invigorating air, good photography and lighter crowds early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Site closed Nov 2–Apr 1; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips

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

About Dunbar Group Site

Perched atop a dramatic hillside overlooking Lake Michigan's sparkling waters, Dunbar Group Site rewards adventurous souls who tackle its steep gravel and grass approach with breathtaking vistas and an intimate camping experience. This secluded gem within Indiana Dunes National Park features thoughtfully placed picnic tables and a central fire ring with grill, where groups can gather under starlit skies while the gentle rhythm of waves provides nature's soundtrack below.

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

Historical SignificanceThis remarkable landscape holds stories etched in time, with Indiana Dunes National Park proudly protecting four National Natural Landmarks and one National Historical Landmark within its boundaries. These designations recognize not just the area's stunning natural beauty, but also its profound importance to American conservation history and the generations of people who have called these shores home.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm, comfortable days perfect for beach exploration and evening campfires, while spring and fall wrap the dunes in crisp, invigorating air that transforms the landscape into a photographer's paradise. Peak season delivers reliably pleasant conditions, though early spring and late autumn adventurers should pack layers for those refreshingly cool mornings and evenings that make hot coffee taste even better.

Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry unfolds in every direction from this hillside haven, where windswept dunes give way to ancient oak savannas and mysterious wetlands teem with life. Prairie grasses dance in lake breezes while dense forests provide cool sanctuary, creating an ecological tapestry that shifts with each step along winding trails. This remarkable diversity transforms every hike into a journey through multiple worlds, from sun-drenched sand ridges to shadowy woodland hollows.

Geological RegionSprawling across more than 15,000 acres of northwestern Indiana's most treasured landscapes, Indiana Dunes National Park embraces an astounding variety of ecosystems along 15 miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline. Here, towering sand dunes sculpted by ancient winds stand sentinel over a patchwork of oak savannas, mysterious swamps and bogs, vibrant marshes, sweeping prairies, meandering rivers, and verdant forests – a geological wonderland that tells the story of ice ages past and the powerful forces that continue to shape our world.

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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

Site layoutThe campsite offers a large open mowed area, 5-6 tables, and accessible fire amenities.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 fee if dates are entirely outside the original reservation. Late cancellations (within 14 days of arrival) forfeit the first night's fee and a $10 cancellation fee.

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.

Amenities available

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

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.

HikingIndiana Dunes National Park features 50 miles of trails traversing various ecosystems such as dunes, wetlands, prairies, and forests. Specific trails near the Dunbar Group Site are not mentioned.

FishingFishing is allowed within the national park, but there are no specific details regarding fishing opportunities near the Dunbar Group Site.

SwimmingSwimming is available at nearby Dunbar Beach (0.2 miles from the campsite).

BikingBiking is a supported activity within the park. One user review notes, 'It’s perfect for bicyclists who camp.'

BoatingBoating opportunities are available within Indiana Dunes National Park, though details specific to the Dunbar Group Site are not provided.

Wildlife viewingThe park’s diverse ecosystems provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, although no specific species or viewing areas near the site are mentioned.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe steep terrain and parking restrictions may pose challenges.

Fire PolicyCampfires are restricted to the designated fire ring; firewood must be brought in.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM

Emergency Servicesnull

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.

Water FeaturesThe site is 0.2 miles from Dunbar Beach.

Camp Hostnull

Weather at Dunbar Group Site

Reviews

4.5

12 reviews

Recommended

Dunbar Group Site is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

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

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

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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