Camp by beautiful sand dunes on Lake Michigan!

Approximately one hour from Chicago (nice for a weekend excursion or longer vacation), take a short road trip to Warren Dunes State Park and campground. The spots are big and provide lovely shade. 

The dunes are perhaps the most interesting and unique feature of this campground. They sit between the lake and the campground, and it is a challenging one-mile walk up and down really steep dunes. When planning to hang out at the beach, you may want to have someone drop off a car there with your gear ahead of time to maximize enjoyment!  

The hike certainly makes your arrival at the lake feel like a true reward. Alternatively, you can drive or ride bikes to the beach. The beach has plenty of space and the lake has what feels like a long sandbar, which provides extra safety and independence for little kids and also provides pleasant water temperatures.  

A few of our favorite local finds include Sawyer Market for incredibly fresh produce, a great variety of gourmet foods as well as general grocery items. They also have a full wine, beer, and liquor store. Another great activity to consider is fruit picking, a great pre or post-beach family activity at Piggotts Farm twenty minutes northeast in Benton Harbor or Garwood Orchard in Laporte, Indiana about thirty-five minutes in the other direction. 

Peasant’s Pantry is a great place to pick up breakfast. It’s rare to find healthy and delicious breakfast spots in beach towns but the options at Peasant’s Pantry are plentiful.