Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Fees Show Little Change This Year

The 2011 fee schedule for Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is little changed from last year's. NPS photo.

An updated fee schedule for visiting Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore this year shows very little change, other than a $30-per-night fee for group camping at a yet-to-be-developed campground at the lakeshore at a $5 per night charge for kayak lockers.

Nightly camping fees at the Dunewood Campground will remain the same as last year, at $15, with discounts available for those holding either a federal lands senior or disabled visitor pass, park officials said.

"A new group camping site will be developed within Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This service is in response to public requests for a group campsite that can accommodate groups larger than the eight-person sites in the park’s Dunewood Campground," a park release said. "When the campsite is developed the charge for group use of the site will be $30 per night. The location of the site has not yet been determined and there will be an opportunity for public comment on proposed locations."

Elsewhere at the lakeshore, kayak lockers will be installed along the lakeshore for their owners to lock them up overnight for $5. Also, the fee for summer use of West Beach will remain at $6.00 per car and $20.00 per bus, the release said.

The $1.00 fee for pedestrian entry or a bicycle entry is eliminated, and National Park Service restrictions regarding the collection of fees mean there no longer will be an option for an annual pass to West Beach, the release said.

"The fee at West Beach is an 'expanded amenity fee' for the bath house and the life guards provided at that site. Under current regulations, annual passes cannot be offered for expanded amenity fees," the release explained.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore does not charge an entrance fee.