Van Buren State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Van Buren State Park is a 400-acre park that stretches for a mile along Lake Michigan, boasting sandy white beachfront, high dune formations, and billowy beachgrass, as well as acres of dense woodlands. Established in 1965, the park takes its name from the county where it is located, Van Buren County, which was founded in 1829 and named after Martin Van Buren, who was secretary of state at the time and later became the 8th U.S. president.
Since opening, the park has nearly doubled in size, attracting thousands of visitors each year from across the country who want to visit beautiful Lake Michigan. Visitors can soak up the sun, play on the beach, or go for a refreshing swim in the lake. There’s even a doggy swim beach where your furry friend can cool off! Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the high sand dunes and miles of forested trails that wind through the park.
With scenic waterfront views, soft sandy beaches, and temperate waters ideal for swimming and boating, Van Buren State Park makes for the perfect getaway. Read further for what to do in and around Van Buren State Park as you plan your trip.
Spring 38-55 F
Summer 61-78 F
Fall 45-61 F
Winter 22-34 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Van Buren State Park
Visitors come year-round to Van Buren State Park to explore the beauty of Lake Michigan. When planning where to stay on your trip, where do you imagine yourself sleeping? In a tent, log cabin, or hotel room? What about an RV?
RVing is a popular way to enjoy state parks — let alone points of interest along the way — without forgoing amenities like A/C and full-size beds, plus you can travel at your own pace. RVshare makes it easy to rent an RV near your home or travel destination like in South Haven or Kalamazoo. As well, there are several RV campgrounds near Van Buren State Park including:
Van Buren State Park Campground
A short walk from the shores of Lake Michigan, the park’s campground has 220 sites with electrical hookups and modern shower facilities. Stroll along the soft sandy shores, go for a dip in the lake, or hike on forested trails — all within minutes of your campsite. Rates are $20-32 per night depending on the season.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wifi: No
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Shower facilities, playground, picnic area, swimming, hiking, biking, nature programs, dumping station
Coloma / St. Joseph KOA
Down the road from the park, this campground is more of a resort than a campsite. With full hook-ups available and pull-through sites, you’ll enjoy spacious accommodations and amenities galore, from movie nights and pancake breakfasts to swimming pools and mini-golf. Rates start at $45 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wifi: Yes
Pet friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Clubhouse, cable TV, sauna, swimming pool, sports courts, shuffleboard, dog park, bike rentals, mini-golf, movie nights, picnic tables, fire rings, general store, dumping station
What to Do at
Van Buren State Park
Inside Van Buren State Park
Lake Michigan is the star attraction of Van Buren State Park and visitors flock to its shores year-round to play on its white sandy beaches. No matter the season, there’s plenty of activities to do at the park. Visitors can go hiking and biking through woodland trails, swim and play in Lake Michigan, climb up the high sand dunes, attend nature programs to learn about the park’s flora and fauna, or use a metal detector to search for buried treasure.
Here are more details on the park’s most popular activities:
Hiking and Biking - Go for a hike or leisurely bike ride on the Van Buren Trail, a 14-mile pathway that passes through the park and links the cities of Hartford and South Haven. As you pass through farmlands and thickets of hardwoods and pines, you might even spot various wildlife that live in the area including deer, rabbits, and eagles! Several other foot trails wind along the beach, high sand dunes, and woodlands and feature steep inclines and sandy surfaces that might prove difficult for some visitors.
Swimming - The shores of Lake Michigan are perfect for lounging and sunbathing, while the waters of Lake Michigan are ideal for swimming — although only in the buoyed swim beach. There’s also a separate dog beach for your four-legged friend to enjoy the water!
How to Get to
Van Buren State Park
Van Buren State Park is located three miles south of South Haven r.
From I-96, follow signs to merge onto I-195. Take exit 18 and turn left onto I-196 / Highway M-140 North. Take a left onto 14th Ave and another left onto Blue Star Highway before veering right onto Ruggles Rd. Continue straight into park.
Address : 23960 Ruggles Rd, South Haven, MI 49090
Entering Van Buren State Park
Admission is $11 per vehicle for residents, $11 for non-residents. The park is open every day from 8am until 10pm.
Ready to plan your trip to Van Buren State Park? Take us along on your trip by tagging us on social media or sending your photos and stories to [email protected] and we might feature you on our blog or social media! Happy (RV) camping!
Frequently Asked Questions About Van Buren State Park
Summer is the best time to visit Van Buren State Park. The weather is warm, but not hot and the wildlife is very active. Summer is also the best time to swim in Lake Michigan.
The climate in Van Buren State Park has four distinct seasons. Winter is cold with heavy snow. Spring and fall are temperate. Summer is warm with nice breezes coming in from Lake Michigan.
Van Buren State Park has plenty of different animals roaming the grounds. Deer, red squirrels, red foxes, possums, and skunks. Lake Michigan is full of a wide variety of fish. Visitors can watch migratory birds in spring and fall.
The park has many campsites designated for RV camping. They are 50-amp electric hookup sites. There is a dump station on the premise as well as bathrooms and showers. Registered guests can use the volleyball and basketball courts.
You do not have to reserve a camping spot in the park, but you are at risk of not having a spot when you get there. Reserving a spot is easy to do online for $23 per night.