Indiana Outdoor Guide: Campgrounds, Trails, Beaches & RV Spots
Key Takeaways
- Brown County State Park is Indiana’s largest and most complete outdoor destination — “Little Smokies” scenery with real trail variety and strong family amenities
- Indiana Dunes gives you a legitimate Lake Michigan beach vacation without leaving the Midwest — the 3 Dune Challenge is a genuine physical test worth planning around
- Turkey Run’s Trail 3 is consistently ranked among the state’s best hikes specifically because it’s a real challenge — ladders, a cave squeeze, and true canyon terrain
- Dogs aren’t allowed on the Indiana Dunes State Park beach — plan accordingly if you’re traveling with one
Little Smokies, Big Dunes
Indiana’s outdoor identity splits between Brown County’s rolling forest hills and the Indiana Dunes’ surprising Lake Michigan coastline. Both are genuinely worth building a trip around.
Campgrounds
Brown County State Park — Nashville
Indiana’s largest park, with over 400 electric sites spread across three campgrounds plus horse and group camping options. Showers, a general store, playgrounds, and an indoor aquatic center at the lodge. The best all-around family base in the state — 70+ miles of trails and a real fall-color destination.
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Indiana Dunes State Park Campground — Chesterton
140 sites near the Lake Michigan beach and dunes, with electric hookups. Walkable to the beach and the 3 Dune Challenge trailhead. Lots fill on summer weekends — book ahead.
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Turkey Run State Park — Marshall
Electric sites, a pool, and showers, right next to the state’s best canyon hiking. Book ahead for fall foliage season.
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Pokagon State Park — Angola
Lakeside camping on Lake James with a beach and strong family amenities, including a toboggan run in winter.
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Clifty Falls State Park — Madison
Camping near real waterfalls and Ohio River views — a solid pick if Brown County and Turkey Run are booked.
Learn moreHiking Trails
Trail 3 — Turkey Run State Park
Often called the biggest hiking challenge in Indiana’s state park system — ladders, a tight cave squeeze called “the Ice Box,” and real sandstone canyon terrain. Wear shoes with good traction; it gets slick.
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The Ladders Trail — Turkey Run
Voted the best trail in the state in a public poll, with a suspension bridge and gorge views over Sugar Creek.
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3 Dune Challenge — Indiana Dunes State Park
A rugged roughly 1.5-mile climb up the three tallest dunes in the park. Genuinely tough — free completion sticker for those who finish. Big Lake Michigan views the whole way.
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Dune Succession Trail — Indiana Dunes National Park (West Beach)
About 1 mile with 250 stairs, illustrating four stages of dune development. Spectacular Lake Michigan and Chicago skyline views for the effort.
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Fire Tower Trail — Brown County State Park
Climbs to a fire tower for a genuine 360-degree view of the “Little Smokies” — the classic Brown County hike.
Learn moreBeaches
West Beach — Indiana Dunes National Park (Portage)
The most amenity-rich beach in the dunes — a full-service bathhouse, seasonal lifeguards, and a large lot. $6 vehicle fee.
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Indiana Dunes State Park Beach — Chesterton
3 miles of lifeguarded beach in summer, with a pavilion and bathhouse. The best all-round family beach in the dunes — but no dogs allowed.
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Lake James — Pokagon State Park (Angola)
A sandy swim beach with rentals — a classic northern-Indiana lake day if you’re not headed toward Lake Michigan.
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Lake Monroe — near Bloomington
Indiana’s largest lake, with multiple swimming beaches, boating, and marinas — a good pick for southern Indiana families.
Learn moreRV Spots
Brown County State Park — Nashville
Over 400 electric sites, with some loops accommodating rigs up to 80 feet. The premier Indiana RV base, with a dump station, showers, and a store.
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Indiana Dunes State Park — Chesterton
Electric sites within walking distance of the Lake Michigan beach — RV-friendly with showers on site.
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Pokagon State Park — Angola
Electric lakeside sites paired with real family amenities and beach access.
Learn morePlanning Your Trip
Brown County is the easiest single answer for a well-rounded Indiana trip — big enough that you won’t run out of things to do, with strong RV and family amenities either way. If a beach vacation is the priority, Indiana Dunes delivers a genuine Lake Michigan experience without the drive to Michigan itself — just plan for the 3 Dune Challenge as a real physical activity, not a casual stroll.