Indiana Dunes Camping
Last weekend we spent a couple nights camping at the Indiana Dunes, about 90 minutes from Chicago. It was awesome – the first time I’ve gone camping this year. Despite it being Memorial Day weekend, it wasn’t too crowded – we snagged a walk-in camping spot friday morning at 10am, which is check-out time. We chose Dunewood Campground in the National Park over the state park cuz Dunewood was surrounded by trees (and we like the yelp info). The state park is closer to the lake and has RV hookups .. but no trees and you’re basically right next to your neighbor.
The dunes themselves were pretty cool, but mostly it was just a big beach, unlike Pismo Beach in California which is more like a desert going back a mile from the water. Friday we climbed to the top of Mt Baldy (second highest spot in the area) and watched the sunset, then ate dinner back at the campsite. Saturday we walked around the Chellberg Farm and Bailly homestead – Joe Bailley was the first in the area in 1822 and traded furs with the native americans. They had some restored homes and structures that were pretty interesting. In the afternoon we went to the state park and had lunch, played frisbee, and hung out. It was warm enough to enjoy the beach but not the water. Apparently Lake Michigan can have very high bacterial counts – you don’t want to go in the water when that happens. Saturday night we played cards, played with the fire, and ate lots of smores. Could not have been more relaxing.
Now that we’ve been to Starved Rock and Indiana Dunes – I want to go camping at Devil’s Lake – do some swimming, hiking, and campfires. My favorites. See more on chicago camping.
