Van Buren State Park
Michigan State Park · South Haven, Michigan
Van Buren State Park sits on the Lake Michigan shore just south of South Haven in Van Buren County, in the fruit-growing corner of southwest Michigan. Its main draw is a wide, sandy beach backed by wooded dunes, with a campground set back among the trees and a short path over the dune to the water. It is a classic Lake Michigan summer park: warm sun, big sunsets over the water, and a beach long enough that you can walk away from the crowd. It suits families, campers and day visitors from Chicago, about two hours away, and from Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. It is not remote or wild, and on hot weekends the lot and the beach near the entrance fill up. Early summer water is cold and rip currents can form. Allow a half day or a night or two of camping. A Michigan Recreation Passport is needed for the vehicle, and facilities, lifeguard coverage and camping rules should be confirmed before you go.
23960 Ruggles Road, South Haven, Michigan, 49090, United States
Michigan state parks are normally open daily, commonly from early morning until about ten at night, and Van Buren is generally open all year, but exact gate hours, any winter road closures and the dates when restrooms and showers are running should be confirmed with the Michigan DNR. Beach facilities and any lifeguard coverage are seasonal, typically summer only; confirm the dates. The campground has its own season and reservation system, so confirm whether sites are open outside summer. A Recreation Passport on the vehicle is required for entry, and winter visits mean a quiet, cold, windy beach with little service.
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