Van Buren Campground

4.45

122 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

$28 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

220 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$28 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

220 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Michigan DNR site

Get Directions

Van Buren Campground

$28.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly Fee: $28 (20/30 amp); $32 (50 amp).

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan

Provider

(800) 447-2757

What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 122 reviews

122 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsshadelake

Some mention

noisecrowdedsmall

"Guest reviews are strongly positive overall: visitors repeatedly praise friendly, helpful staff and camp hosts, clean and well‑maintained facilities, generous shaded sites, and convenient access to Lake Michigan and nearby South Haven. Many reviewers note enjoyable paddle opportunities (kayak/canoe) and easy beach access by foot from the campground."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Van Buren Campground

$28 - $32/night

Campsite fees

Prices verified December 13, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Michigan DNR website.

Best Time to Camp at Van Buren Campground

Summer brings Van Buren to vibrant life, with warm days perfect for beach activities and cool lake breezes that offer refreshing relief from inland heat. The trademark lake-effect weather creates comfortable camping conditions, though you'll want to arrive early on popular summer weekends when fellow beach lovers fill the day-use areas and parking reaches capacity. For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons when you'll have more shoreline to yourself and can truly soak in the natural beauty without the crowds.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

About Van Buren Campground

Nestled along Lake Michigan's stunning shoreline, Van Buren Campground welcomes you with five thoughtfully designed loops offering spacious, level sites that blend sun-dappled clearings with shady retreats. A scenic walking path connects you directly to the beach, while modern amenities—including two full restroom and shower facilities plus a playground for little adventurers—ensure comfort throughout your stay.

Modern, full-facility campground with sites for tents and RVs.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings Van Buren to vibrant life, with warm days perfect for beach activities and cool lake breezes that offer refreshing relief from inland heat. The trademark lake-effect weather creates comfortable camping conditions, though you'll want to arrive early on popular summer weekends when fellow beach lovers fill the day-use areas and parking reaches capacity. For a more peaceful experience, consider visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons when you'll have more shoreline to yourself and can truly soak in the natural beauty without the crowds.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover where towering dunes meet tranquil woodlands at this remarkable lakeside retreat. The campground's mature canopy provides welcome shade on warm afternoons, while just a short stroll away, Lake Michigan's pristine beaches stretch before you with soft, golden sand perfect for barefoot wandering. Though the waterline occasionally reveals rocky patches that add character to the shoreline, the overall landscape offers that classic Great Lakes beauty—rolling dunes, gentle waves, and endless blue horizons that make every sunset memorable.

Geological RegionLake Michigan shoreline and coastal dune system

Campsite details

Total Campsites220 campsites

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Amenities available

Showers

Fire rings

Flush toilets

Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Coastal day-use beach access on Lake Michigan reachable from the campground, with walking trails through dunes and woods; on-site and nearby paddle activities and biking opportunities are noted.

Hiking

Short walking trails and a centrally located walking path from the campground to the Lake Michigan day-use beach; dune-and-woods walking routes around the park.

Swimming

Swimming and beach use at the Lake Michigan day-use beach reachable by path from the campground.

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsCommon issues reported include highway noise and occasional noise from nearby facilities; some years have had gypsy moth (spongy moth) caterpillar outbreaks. Beach waterline can be rocky—water shoes recommended. Some beach/dune paths can be eroded or detoured.

Weather at Van Buren Campground

°F

Dec 13

Saturday

Overcast

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 80%

Wind: 21.7 mph

Overcast

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Common complaintsSome guests reported issues with showers (temperature variability and limited number of shower units; at least one review referenced a token-style shower system), occasional noise past quiet hours, and higher prices for small convenience items (e.g., ice). Beach can be narrow and crowded during peak times (from aggregated visitor comments).

Campground Map

Van Buren Campground

Park is near South Haven and is accessible from nearby highways and major local roads.

Nearby places

South Haven (short drive)

big-box stores and services in South Haven for supplies

Nearby supplies

South Haven (short drive) — grocery and big-box stores (e.g., Walmart, Meijer) for supplies

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.5

122 reviews

Recommended

Van Buren Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Guest reviews are strongly positive overall: visitors repeatedly praise friendly, helpful staff and camp hosts, clean and well‑maintained facilities, generous shaded sites, and convenient access to Lake Michigan and nearby South Haven. Many reviewers note enjoyable paddle opportunities (kayak/canoe) and easy beach access by foot from the campground.

Review Summaries

Based on 122 reviews

What Campers Love

Friendly, helpful staff and camp hosts; clean, well‑maintained restrooms and shower buildings; large, mostly level, shaded campsites; close proximity to South Haven and Lake Michigan beaches; on-site...

Based on 122 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early for summer weekends; pick sites deeper in the loops to reduce highway noise; bring essentials (ice, extra supplies) due to limited on-site retail offerings reported by some visitors;...

Based on 122 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Staff was very friendly and helpful.”; “Clean and well maintained facility.”; “The fire rings worked very well too.”; “Showers go from ice cold to burning hot.”

Based on 122 reviews