Beach Camping in Indiana

Beach Camping in Indiana

Discover the best beach camping across Indiana. Camp where the land meets the water. Ocean breezes, sandy shores, and stunning sunsets await.

20+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: May - September
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Dunewood Campground
Star
4.4
(664)
Dunewood Campground
Beverly Shores
Indiana Dunes National Park

Towering sand dunes cascade directly down to Lake Michigan's pristine shoreline, where miles of sandy beaches invite swimming, beachcombing, and sunset watching mere steps from your tent.

Tents
RVs
2
Pokagon State Park
Photo coming soon
Star
4.7
(139)
Pokagon State Park
Angola

Two pristine glacial lakes anchor this northern Indiana retreat, where sandy beaches meet crystal-clear waters surrounded by ancient wooded hills. Swimming, boating, and waterfront relaxation come naturally along the mirror-smooth shores of Lake James and Snow Lake, framed by seasonal...

Tents
RVs
3
Patoka Lake
Photo coming soon
Star
4.7
(311)
Patoka Lake
Birdseye

The 8,800-acre reservoir sparkles with opportunities for swimming, boating, and waterside relaxation along sandy shores where freshwater jellyfish drift beneath the surface and bald eagles patrol the skies.

Tents
RVs

About Beach Camping in Indiana

Beach camping in Indiana offers surprising coastal experiences along Lake Michigan's southern shore and numerous inland lakes scattered throughout the Hoosier State. While Indiana might not be the first state that comes to mind for beach camping, its 45 miles of Lake Michigan coastline and extensive network of glacial lakes provide exceptional sandy shores and water recreation opportunities.

Best Time

The prime beach camping season in Indiana runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with July and August offering the warmest water temperatures and most reliable swimming conditions. Lake Michigan beaches typically remain cooler than inland lakes, with comfortable swimming temperatures arriving in mid-June and lasting through early September.

Scenery Highlights

  • Oceanfront and lakeside sites
  • Sandy beaches and swimming
  • Stunning sunrise and sunset views
  • Water sports and fishing

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Beach Camping in Indiana

Map of campgrounds near Beach Camping in Indiana
Explore Interactive Map →
Map Key
1
Dunewood Campground
2
Pokagon State Park
3
Patoka Lake
4
Chain O Lakes State Park
5
Hardin Ridge
6
Prophetstown State Park
7
Starve Hollow State Recreation Area
8
Mississinewa Lake
9
Summit Lake State Park
10
Potato Creek State Park
11
Whitewater Memorial State Park
12
Monroe Lake
13
Shakamak State Park
14
Harmonie State Park
15
Raccoon Lake
16
Lincoln State Park
17
Tippecanoe River State Park
18
Quakertown Campground
19
Yellowwood State Forest
20
Clifty Falls State Park
View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming and beach loungingKayaking and canoeingStand-up paddleboardingFishing from shore and boatsHiking dune and lakefront trailsBeach volleyball and frisbee

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites well in advance for summer weekends, particularly at Dunewood Campground where Indiana Dunes National Park sites book out months ahead through Recreation.gov.
  • 2State park campgrounds use the Indiana DNR reservation system and typically require booking 90 days in advance for peak season.
  • 3Bring sun protection essentials including high-SPF sunscreen, beach umbrellas or pop-up shelters, and plenty of water—Indiana summers can be hot and humid with limited natural shade on beaches.
  • 4Pack water shoes for rocky lake entries at some locations, and consider bringing your own beach chairs and water toys as rental options are limited.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Beach Camping in Indiana

Beach Camping in Indiana FAQ

We've ranked 20+ beach campgrounds in Indiana based on water access, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include oceanfront and lakeside sites with sandy beaches and swimming access.
Beach camping in Indiana is generally best from May through September when water temperatures are warmest. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and milder weather.
For beach camping in Indiana, bring sun protection, beach chairs, water toys, and sand-friendly gear. Wind stakes for your tent are essential, and consider a shade structure for daytime comfort.
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