Kemil Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park

Kemil Beach

NPS Collection

 

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Parking and Hours

Parking Lot

Kemil Beach

  • 96 total spaces
  • 0 oversized spaces
  • 41.677357, -87.00895
The parking lot is paved and there are facilities located on site.

7 Day Motorcycle Fee

Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).

Cost: $20.00

7-Day Park Entrance Pass - Family-Size Vehicle Pass

Per private family-sized vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from date of purchase).

Cost: $25.00

7-Day Per Person Entrance Pass (Organized, non-commercial groups)

Visitors 16 years of age or older who enter on foot, bicycle, boat, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Cost: $15.00

Indiana Dunes National Park Annual Pass

This pass provides entry for the pass owner(s) and passengers in a family-sized vehicle. This pass only works at the Indiana Dunes National Park and is not accepted at the Indiana Dunes State Park.

Cost: $45.00

Annual Pass (Interagency)

Interagency passes like America the Beautiful and The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series.

Cost: $80.00

Annual Military Pass (Interagency)

Active, Veteran or Gold Star Family.

Cost: $0.00

Annual Fourth Grade Pass for US Students in Fourth Grade

Every Kid in a Park (EKIP), an initiative to encourage 4th grade children and their families to enjoy our country’s national parks and public lands, for FREE.

Cost: $0.00

Annual Senior Pass (Interagency)

The senior pass is available for citizens above the age of 62.

Cost: $20.00

Lifetime Senior Pass (Interagency)

A one-time fee for senior citizens above the age of 62.

Cost: $80.00

Description

Closures & Seasonal Exceptions

During the peak season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) the parking lot can be very busy.

Amenities

Accessible Lot
Yes
Number of ADA-designated spaces
2
Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
2
Number of ADA step-free spaces
2
Total number of spaces
96
Number of oversize vehicle spaces
0
 
Getting There
Kemil Beach and Dune Ridge Trail Parking Lot
One mile north of U.S. Highway 12 on East State Park Road (300E), Beverly Shores, IN 46301.
Note: East State Park Road is called Kemil Road to the south of U.S. Highway 12.

Need to Know

  • Facilities – Year-round restrooms and potable water.
  • Prohibited – Glass and fires on the beach, littering.
  • Prohibited – Removing plants, rocks, shells, and fossils.
  • Parking lot is paved and can fill up quickly on summer weekends.
  • Parking lot is the site of a former homesite.

Safety

  • Please stay on the trail and respect closed area signs. Going off trail damages fragile habitat.
  • Ticks are present year-round. Take precautionary measures to prevent bites.
  • Poison ivy can be present on the edges of the parking lot and on the trails to the beach.
  • In case of an emergency or to report a crime, call 1-800-PARK-TIP.

Accessibility

  • The restroom is wheelchair accessible. The beach is not wheelchair accessible.


Visitor Activities

  • Swimming. No lifeguards. Swim at your own risk. Rip currents and large waves can make swimming hazardous.
  • Hike the Dunes Ridge Trail for great views of the Great Marsh.
  • Walk past five historic homes from the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair, which are located 1/2 mile to the east along Lake Front Drive.
  • Smelt fishing in the spring (no permit required).
Nearby Beaches
 
 
The Dangers of Shelf Ice

The Dangers of Shelf Ice

Stay off the shelf ice! Despite its unusual beauty, don't risk your life. Enjoy the view of the shelf ice—from a distance!

 
Rip Tides Poster

Rip Currents:

Be on the lookout this summer for rip currents on Lake Michigan.

Before your next visit to the beach, learn how to spot a rip current and what to do if you get caught in one. Always check the local beach forecast for any warnings, and exercise caution.

IF CAUGHT IN A RIP CURRENT

♦ Don't fight the current
♦ Swim out of the current, then to shore
♦ If you can't escape, float or tread water
♦ If you need help, call or wave for assistance

SAFETY

♦ Know how to swim
♦ Never swim alone
♦ If in doubt, don't go out
More information about rip currents can be found at the following websites: www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov and www.usla.org

Last updated: December 21, 2022

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1100 North Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304

Phone:

219 395-1882
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center phone number.

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