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

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.

4.4(664 reviews)

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...

4.7(139 reviews)

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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.

4.7(311 reviews)

Verified

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

More Beach Camping in Indiana

Discover 17 additional top-rated beach camping in Indiana

Chain O Lakes State Park

Albion

Nine interconnected lakes form a pristine aquatic playground where paddlers navigate narrow passages between sparkling waters, and a sandy beach beckons swimmers and families to the shoreline.

4.6(315)

Hardin Ridge

Heltonville · Hoosier National Forest

Campers step directly from their shaded forest sites onto a 300-foot sandy swimming beach along Monroe Reservoir's sparkling shoreline. The lake's horizon-stretching waters invite kayaking, fishing, and sunset paddles, while the beach delivers classic summer fun just yards from your tent or RV.

4.3(442)

Prophetstown State Park

West Lafayette

I appreciate you sharing this information, but I need to be honest: Prophetstown State Park is not a beach camping destination. Located in west-central Indiana, it's a prairie and wetland park without ocean access, coastal scenery, or beach features. I cannot write a beach camping...

4.8(55)

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area

Vallonia

This landlocked recreation area centers around a 145-acre lake with a designated swimming beach rather than ocean coastline. The sandy shore serves as a summer gathering spot for swimming and sunbathing, though visitors seeking true beach camping with crashing waves and coastal breezes...

4.3(135)

Mississinewa Lake

Peru

The 3,000-acre reservoir sparkles beneath forested shores, where fishing boats glide out at dawn and paddlers explore quiet coves throughout the day. Sandy swimming beaches dot the shoreline, connecting directly to campsites where you'll wake to sunrise views dancing across the water's surface.

4.5(204)

Summit Lake State Park

New Castle

This isn't a beach camping destination – Summit Lake State Park centers around an 800-acre freshwater lake deep in Indiana's interior, offering lakefront sites rather than coastal experiences.

4.4(82)

Potato Creek State Park

South Bend

Worster Lake's sandy swimming beach transforms this inland park into a summer water paradise, where 327 acres of crystalline waters invite splashing, swimming, and sunbathing along shoreline sands.

4.6(92)

Whitewater Memorial State Park

Liberty, IN

Brookville Lake stretches across the landscape, inviting swimmers and paddlers to dive into crystal-clear waters surrounded by forested shorelines. Launch your boat from the marina, swim at the sandy beach area, or explore hidden coves where morning mist rises from the mirror-smooth surface.

4.4(96)

Monroe Lake

Bloomington

Campers step directly from their sites onto the sandy shores of Indiana's largest reservoir, where 10,750 acres of crystal-clear water beckon swimmers, boaters, and anglers.

4.7(50)

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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.

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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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