West Beach Picnic Shelters
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres (6070 ha) will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles (80 km) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.
West Beach offers eight universally accessible picnic shelters. Seasonal restrooms and potable water are available at the picnic area from mid-May through mid-October, while year-round restrooms and potable water are available at the contact station. A bathhouse with showers and lockers is open seasonally. The West Beach parking lot has 596 spots including 20 bus/RV parking sites. Please note the lot may fill up on holiday weekends.
Need to Know
- Operating Hours. West Beach is open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
- Reservations. The shelters are reservable starting six months in advance of the arrival date. The reservation allows day use from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. Note: the shelter reservation fee is separate from the park's entrance fee.
- Park Entrance Fee. A valid entrance pass or receipt is required for all visitors. You may pay upon arrival at the Visitor Center on Highway 49 in Porter, IN, seasonally at the West Beach Kiosk, or purchase in advance. Indiana Dunes also honors Federal interagency passes (annual, senior, access, 4th grade, Golden Age, etc.). For more information, visit the Indiana Dunes Fees & Passes page.
- No Collecting. The removal of rocks, shells, and fossils is strictly prohibited.
- Pets. Pets are permitted everywhere on a leash (6' or shorter) with the exception of the lifeguarded swimming area, which is maintained from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend.
- No Glass Containers. Glass containers are prohibited on all beaches.
- No Fires. Fires are prohibited on all beaches.
- Restrooms. Year round restrooms and potable water at the contact station. Seasonal restrooms and potable water at the picnic area from mid-May through mid-October.
- Bathhouse and Showers. Bathhouse with showers and lockers is open seasonally.
- Accessibility. There are 8 covered picnic shelters near the West Beach parking lot that are wheelchair accessible.
- Parking. The parking lot has 596 spots includng 20 for busses or RV's (parking lot can fill up on holiday weekends).
A valid entrance pass or receipt is requried for all visitors. For more information, go to the fees and passes page .
Use of any type of confetti or any other party favor that can be left behind is prohibited.
Natural Features
Indiana Dunes National Park is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national park features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology. In addition, four National Natural Landmarks (including Pinhook Bog and Cowles Bog ) and one National Historical Landmark (the Bailly Homestead ) are located within its boundaries.
The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource.
For more information on our natural features visit the Nature and Science page on the park website.
Nearby Attractions
Visit the Nearby Attractions page on the park website.
Recreation
There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes.
As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.
Changes & Cancellations
Contact Information
1100 NORTH MINERAL SPRINGS ROAD PORTER IN 46304
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 219-395-1882
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
The address for West Beach is 376 North County Line Road, Gary, IN 46403
For more detailed directions for all areas of the park visit the Directions page on the park website.
Available Campsites
- Site 8, Loop , Type Shelter Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop , Type Shelter Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop , Type Shelter Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop , Type Shelter Nonelectric
- Site 6, Loop , Type Shelter Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop , Type Shelter Nonelectric
- Site 7, Loop , Type Shelter Nonelectric
- Site 1, Loop , Type Shelter Nonelectric
