Van Buren State Park
Michigan State Park
Write a Review 23960 Ruggles Rd. South Haven, MI 49090 269-637-2788 Reservations: 800-447-2757 Official WebsiteGPS: 42.3336, -86.3048
Overview of Van Buren State Park
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: Michigan Recreation Passport
Last Price Paid: $37
Reported by TaylorTreker on 10/24/2019
Longest RV Reported: 35 feet (Class A)
Reported by TaylorTreker on 10/24/2019
Number of Sites 220
Pad Type grass
Reservations yes
Open Seasonally April - November
Elevation 623 ft / 189 m
Max Stay 15
Max Length 45 ft
Tent Camping Yes
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Reviews of Van Buren State Park 10 people have reviewed this location.
“Wonderful ”
Reviewed 9/11/2020
Days stayed: | 2 |
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Site Number: | 3 |
We stayed mid week in August. It was quiet in our campsite. Walked to the lake each evening for the sunset. Would definitely come back. It was our first official trip in our trailer. The bathrooms were clean.
MTnesters would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“OK but not great”
Reviewed 10/24/2019
Nightly rate: | $37 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 125 |
We stayed here at the end of the summer season and used this as a basecamp to visit South Haven and Saugatuck MI. Rate includes NR state parks annual permit. Campground roads are paved and sites are mostly sand & grass. As others have suggested, we unhitched our Toad at the registration office since some of the camp roads can be tigh... more
We stayed here at the end of the summer season and used this as a basecamp to visit South Haven and Saugatuck MI. Rate includes NR state parks annual permit. Campground roads are paved and sites are mostly sand & grass. As others have suggested, we unhitched our Toad at the registration office since some of the camp roads can be tight maneuvering . There were plenty of sites that can accommodate big rigs with no overhead or slideout issues. Some sites offer 50 amp service but ours was 30 amp only. Probably our biggest issue was 90% of the sites are not level so plan to use leveling blocks or boards under your levelers, or tires & stabilizers. We did not use the RR or shower facilities. It is a short walk to the beach however beach access was closed due to shoreline erosion. The facility is adequately maintained but in no way compares to the quality we typically see at COE parks for much less cost for an electric only campsite.
TaylorTreker would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Loud and Fun”
Reviewed 6/18/2019
Nightly rate: | $33 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 153 |
We stayed here with two kids and planned to be here for them. It was loud and they had a blast. They were in love with the park and the number of kids. The site was large and perfect for our pop up camper. Fire pit was perfect for cooking in. The beach was small and not a place to sunbathe but great for rock hunting which we love... more
We stayed here with two kids and planned to be here for them. It was loud and they had a blast. They were in love with the park and the number of kids. The site was large and perfect for our pop up camper. Fire pit was perfect for cooking in. The beach was small and not a place to sunbathe but great for rock hunting which we love. The bathrooms were clean and we enjoyed our stay. The campground was full the entire weekend.
Tlynne73 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Large campground with Lake Michigan beach access”
Reviewed 9/15/2018
Nightly rate: | $28 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 92 |
This is a large, busy park at the southern end of Michigan's Lake Michigan coastline. The sites are flat, grassy, reasonably well spaced and have electric hookups. The lakeshore is accessed by way of an easy walk through the dunes and is a popular spot for watching the sunset. At night although the campground occupants were quiet, you ... more
This is a large, busy park at the southern end of Michigan's Lake Michigan coastline. The sites are flat, grassy, reasonably well spaced and have electric hookups. The lakeshore is accessed by way of an easy walk through the dunes and is a popular spot for watching the sunset. At night although the campground occupants were quiet, you could definitely hear the traffic on nearby I-196 and a low hum from the nearby Palisades power plant to the south. If you are troubled by noise at night this might not be the place for you. For those out-of-staters who are not used to this process, Michigan (like other Midwest states) requires a use permit (recreation passport) for each vehicle (in addition to the camp fee) which can be purchased online ahead of time or at the park registration.
RM would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Van Buren State Park (revisited)”
Reviewed 8/23/2018
Nightly rate: | $30 |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | 208 |
Cell phone service is important to me and AT&T needs to up their game. Two bars was sufficient for the internet and watching a bit of news with the Amazon fire stick, but I prefer at least three to stop all the occasional buffering. I chose site #208, furthest away from the beach in the hope of escaping loud kids and campfires. Becaus... more
Cell phone service is important to me and AT&T needs to up their game. Two bars was sufficient for the internet and watching a bit of news with the Amazon fire stick, but I prefer at least three to stop all the occasional buffering. I chose site #208, furthest away from the beach in the hope of escaping loud kids and campfires. Because the park was basically unpopulated for the first three nights and the weather initially turned rainy and cold there wasn’t much else to complain about. The red flag was up at the beach which warned of danger and no swimming allowed. A few long bike rides, a day trip to Saugatuck, lunch at The Curve, all helped to keep the spirits up. The end of summer felt like it was here, and this feeling I grew up with while being raised in northern Michigan. I did not like it then and I do not like it now. So heading back to Florida early may not be such a bad idea. I love endless summer.
Nomad Reign RV would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great dog beach!”
Reviewed 8/8/2018
Nightly rate: | $31 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 107 |
What makes this park so special is the half-mile long area of dog-friendly beach on Lake Michigan. The dog beach is actually larger than the public beach. Imagine that! Bob the dog was able to get great walks in, the occasional swim, and plenty of sand to dig a hole to put his body in. The campground is the typical Michigan State Park... more
What makes this park so special is the half-mile long area of dog-friendly beach on Lake Michigan. The dog beach is actually larger than the public beach. Imagine that! Bob the dog was able to get great walks in, the occasional swim, and plenty of sand to dig a hole to put his body in. The campground is the typical Michigan State Park, close neighbors, too many campfires, partial hookups, clean showers and restrooms, and no laundry facilities. But having the beach within walking distance is a huge plus. And the paved bike trail makes getting exercise easy and safe. The western side of Michigan is far too busy for my taste. The traffic fast and frenetic. Van Buren State Park is a haven within the center of madness. Venture out at your own peril.
Nomad Reign RV would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great Campground with Beach and Biking Trail Access”
Reviewed 7/22/2018
Nightly rate: | $28 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 211 |
First, we went to Holland and were put off by the lack of space at the Macatawa and Beach Campgrounds there. The Beach Campground was so packed that we would not have been able to put our awning out. So, we backtracked to Van Buren State Park and we’re so happy that we did! The Campground was spacious as compared to the ones in H... more
First, we went to Holland and were put off by the lack of space at the Macatawa and Beach Campgrounds there. The Beach Campground was so packed that we would not have been able to put our awning out.
So, we backtracked to Van Buren State Park and we’re so happy that we did!
The Campground was spacious as compared to the ones in Holland. The showers were busy, but lean. There were well-equipped playgrounds for the kids as well as activities scheduled on certain mornings and evenings. There was a nice path to the beach as well as a nice bike path to South Haven.
South Haven was a charming town with a beautiful lighthouse and wharf as well as a nice sand beach and beautiful old houses. There was also great shopping and restaurants.
When we left, the camp hosts were directing traffic at the dump station. They were super organized and ran it like a track meet. We were out of there in no time!
TheTravelingTaubs would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Average park with a nice hike to the Lake”
Reviewed 7/16/2017
I recall that the campground itself was nothing to write home about, but the trails leading out to the Lake was cool. Nothing wrong with the campground really, just 'average' in my opinion.. The town of Van Buren was cool.
Van-Tramp would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Love the camp grounds and the town.”
Reviewed 4/2/2017
Nightly rate: | $33 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 195 |
This is a very nice state park. I would camp here again. The showers are hot and very clean. Spacious sites. Quiet place to camp.
Airstream/Camping through my Eyes would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful campground on Lake Michigan shoreline”
Reviewed 7/12/2016
VanBuren State park is beautiful! Lake Michigan beach access within easy walk from campground on maintained trail; sites are quite large, campground is well-maintained and clean. Playgrounds for the kids, fire rings and picnic tables at all sites, many of which have mature trees for shade. Dogs are allowed, leashed, in campground and o... more
VanBuren State park is beautiful! Lake Michigan beach access within easy walk from campground on maintained trail; sites are quite large, campground is well-maintained and clean. Playgrounds for the kids, fire rings and picnic tables at all sites, many of which have mature trees for shade. Dogs are allowed, leashed, in campground and on trails, but not on beach. We have stayed here in late fall (beautiful autumn colors due to the forested areas of the park) but not during the height of summer season so cannot comment on noise factors during busy times.
Liga would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Van Buren State Park (revisited)
After more than a week now of officially living full-time in our Oliver, I am slowly adjusting to a life of leisure never before experienced. I have always had some project, some property to take care,...
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Amenities
Hookups
- 50 Amp
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- Partial Hookups
Recreation
- picnic area
- playground
- recreation trail
- swimming beach
- water access
Site Amenities
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- dump station
- firewood
- restrooms: flush
- showers
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
Nearby
Covert Park Beach & Campground
Rustic park withing walking distance of cool waters of Lake Michigan
- OurFutureinanRV
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