With a forecast for mid to upper 70's and little chance of rain, we decided to get our camping season started. After a few calls to some of our nearby favorites, it was decided that we'd head over to the Dunes - about a 45 minute ride out of Chicago, but it feels like it's a world away. Miles of trails ranging from boardwalks through swamps, to balancing along the ridge of a giant sand dune overlooking Lake Michigan. The park has over 3 miles of lakefront beaches, an excellent interpretive center, and roughly 150 campsites, all with electric and most with poured concrete pads.
We decided on the Dunes this trip in large part because it was the only campground with open showers, er, shower. When I called they said the 'family bathroom' was open, and indeed it was. 1 toilet, a sink, and a shower - all in the same, open room. There were probably 50 sites taken (as half were not opened yet), about half of them by large RV's that had their own facilities. That left about 25 sites to vie for 'the bathroom'. Luckily we're old so we had no trouble since most people aren't up as early, but it's worth noting that many places that do open early often don't open fully, sometimes until mid to late April in the midwest.
We hiked to the beach, walked about 2 miles, wading on and off, until we couldn't feel our feet any longer. Water temps were a hair over 40 according to one of the park rangers. Did about a 4 mile dunes hike this morning and then enjoyed the campsite later this afternoon until it was time to pack it up and head home.
It felt good getting back into the teardrop, sleeping with the doors open, screens on, and a show of stars that was incredible. This is a great park with tons to do, but you may want to be sure to visit once it's fully 'operational'...
Cell phone sunset:
We decided on the Dunes this trip in large part because it was the only campground with open showers, er, shower. When I called they said the 'family bathroom' was open, and indeed it was. 1 toilet, a sink, and a shower - all in the same, open room. There were probably 50 sites taken (as half were not opened yet), about half of them by large RV's that had their own facilities. That left about 25 sites to vie for 'the bathroom'. Luckily we're old so we had no trouble since most people aren't up as early, but it's worth noting that many places that do open early often don't open fully, sometimes until mid to late April in the midwest.
We hiked to the beach, walked about 2 miles, wading on and off, until we couldn't feel our feet any longer. Water temps were a hair over 40 according to one of the park rangers. Did about a 4 mile dunes hike this morning and then enjoyed the campsite later this afternoon until it was time to pack it up and head home.
It felt good getting back into the teardrop, sleeping with the doors open, screens on, and a show of stars that was incredible. This is a great park with tons to do, but you may want to be sure to visit once it's fully 'operational'...
Cell phone sunset:
