Central Beach, formally known as Central Avenue Beach, is a Lake Michigan beach access point within Indiana Dunes National Park. The primary access for paddlers is a paved parking lot located one mile north of the intersection of Central Avenue and U.S. Highway 12 in the Town of Pines. This lot provides 68 standard parking spaces, though it does not have designated accessible spaces or oversize vehicle spaces. An entrance pass is required to park, with options ranging from a 7-day vehicle pass to annual and interagency passes. During the peak season from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, this parking lot can fill up quickly. From the parking area, paddlers will have a carry to the water's edge across the beach. The beach is situated on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, which is a large, open freshwater lake. This exposure means conditions are heavily influenced by wind, which can generate significant waves and surf, creating a shore-break that paddlers must navigate when launching and landing. The lake's size also means water temperatures vary widely, from cold in the spring and fall to more moderate in mid-to-late summer. The surrounding area is part of the Indiana Dunes National Park, offering a scenic backdrop of dunes and natural landscapes for paddlers exploring the coastline.