Indiana Dunes State Park is a 2,182-acre beach on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Its proximity to Chicago, which is just 47 miles east, makes it a desirable location for weekend getaways and summer vacations. There are no cabins at the park, although there are tent and recreational vehicle camping areas. Some private campgrounds in the area offer primitive cabin camping. Family-sized cottages and cabins may be rented from vacation rental companies.
Sand Creek Campground
Just 10 minutes from Indiana Dunes State Park, Sand Creek is primarily a campground but has a few primitive cabins that can accommodate up to two adults and two children. The cabins have just a sleeping and living area. Guests use the public restroom and shower facilities and cook meals over campfires or on grills. Like camping, they must provide all cooking equipment, although firewood is available within the campground. Guests can use the camp's outdoor swimming pool, children's playground, game room, basketball and volleyball courts, and picnic shelter. The campground also has pay telephones, a laundry area, and a small church. Site rental for camping is $20 per day or $120 per week; cabin rental is $60 per day or $300 per week (2010 rates).
Sand Creek Campground
1000 CR North 350 East
Chesterton, IN 46304-9315
219-926-7482
sandcreekcampground.com
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort
Although this campground is approximately 30 minutes from Indiana Dunes State Park, it is worth mentioning because it provides inexpensive accommodations in a resort environment designed especially for families with young children.
There are two types of cabins with sleeping and living space for up to five people. Each air-conditioned cabin includes a double bed, a double bunk bed, and a small living area with a microwave oven, refrigerator, coffeemaker, microwave oven, and a television with DVD player. Outside, each cabin has its own fire pit, grill, and picnic table. Guests bring linens, cooking supplies, and equipment and dishes. Showers and restroom facilities are available near the cabins.
Rates are $65 per night for Sunday through Thursday and $85 per night for Friday and Saturday. A seven-night stay costs $439. Holiday rates are $95 per night (2010 rates).
This campground includes a lake with boats and water bike rentals, four outdoor pools, a movie theater, a game room, a mini-golf area, a restaurant and a store. For an extra charge it also offers kid-friendly recreational programs and nighttime stories read by Yogi Bear.
Yogi Bear Jellystone Park Camp-Resort
5300 Old Porter Road
Portage, Indiana 46368
219-762-7757
campjellystone-portage.com
Private Cabins and Cottages
There are numerous private cabins, cottages and beach homes available along Indiana's Lake Michigan shore. They are more expensive than campground cabins but also offer a higher level of comfort and convenience. Many adjoin Indiana Dunes State Park and also offer access to their own beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan.
You can find cabin, cottage and beach home rentals in the communities of Ogden Dunes, Porter, Dune Acres, Beverly Shores, Michigan City and Michiana Shores. Accommodations range from a 1,300-square-foot, two-bedroom cottage in Beverly Shores for $1,440 per week to a 4,379-square-foot luxury Italian villa in Michigan City for $5,000 per week (2010 rates). Tourism bureaus in Porter and LaPorte County can give you information about companies that handle private home vacation rentals in this area.
Tags: Dunes State, Dunes State Park, Indiana Dunes, Indiana Dunes State, State Park