Warren Dunes State Park Campground in Sawyer provides diverse camping experiences within a 1,952-acre natural area featuring massive sand dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline. Located approximately 20 miles from Berrien Center, Michigan, the campground offers both modern and rustic camping options with varying levels of shade coverage. Winter temperatures in the region average 25-30°F while summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions.
What to do
Hiking to dune summits: At Warren Dunes State Park Campground, climbing to the top of the dunes offers rewarding views. One visitor shared, "Mt. Randall is the high dune to climb but not for the faint of heart!!! And beware, the sand does get HOT midday."
Natural cave exploration: Thousand Trails Bear Cave offers a unique geological feature. "They have a naturally formed cave that you can go down into for a small fee," notes one camper, though recent visitors should note that "the cave was closed with no plan to reopen in 2025."
Fishing the St. Joseph River: Multiple access points along the river provide productive fishing opportunities. At Shamrock Park, "they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks" which impresses anglers who frequently catch fish directly from the campground.
Blueberry picking: Seasonal berry harvesting adds a unique local experience at some campgrounds. One visitor to Covert/South Haven KOA noted, "This KOA has blueberry fields everywhere on the property. For a period of time in summer and early fall, you can pick your own blueberries in the morning to have in your breakfast pancakes!"
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Shoreline access directly from camping areas ranks high with visitors. At Fuller's Resort, campers appreciate the layout: "We had no idea we would have our own private site and beach, I wish we could've stayed a month."
Clean facilities: Reliable bathrooms and showers matter significantly to campers. At Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, visitors note that "Bathrooms/showers are NICE!" while another mentions the campground is "very clean and well taken care of."
Historical elements: Several campgrounds incorporate unique historical features. Eden Springs Park Campground offers "late 1800s, early 1900s buildings on site" where "you can walk around the campground and check out the restoration on these early buildings" and even "take a train ride with the kids around part of the grounds."
Kid-friendly activities: Organized recreation options keep families engaged. One camper at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA noted, "They have movie nights, we met Disney characters, did crafts, and enjoyed the barrel train & ice cream sundaes. The actual spots aren't huge, but since the campground is smaller that wasn't a shock."
What you should know
No alcohol policies: Some parks strictly prohibit alcohol. At Warren Dunes State Park, "there is no alcohol allowed on the grounds" and campers should know that "if you think the rangers don't enforce that rule, you're wrong. Our neighbors got busted for it when we were there."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly by location. At Potato Creek State Park Campground, visitors mention "spotty WIFI. I like unplugging but sometimes work demands I respond promptly."
Seasonal availability: Most glamping close to Berrien Center, Michigan operates seasonally. Thousand Trails Bear Cave specifically operates "from May 1 to October 31" while Covert/South Haven KOA runs from "Apr 17 to Oct 18."
Beach conditions: Water quality advisories occasionally affect swimming. One visitor to Potato Creek noted "blue-green algae warnings made us not want to put more than our feet in the water. The beach area is nice, though."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near recreational areas for convenience with children. At Shamrock Park, families mention "two great playgrounds for kids!!!!" and appreciate how the campground is "right on the river" providing easy access to both.
Reserve early for weekends: Popular family campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer. One camper at Dunewood Campground observed, "The campground was fully booked, but not everyone showed, meaning that it didn't really feel crowded there."
Insect preparation: Bugs can be problematic in wooded areas. A Dunewood visitor warned, "The mosquitoes were horrible. It was almost impossible to sit outside in the evening."
Dish-washing facilities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated wash stations. One camper noted about Eden Springs, "I liked that there was a separate area for dish washing – and that it was even provided!" which simplifies family meal cleanup.
Tips from RVers
Electrical requirements: Check power setups before arrival. At Potato Creek, campers suggest being "ready with back up cords, some sites require 75 ft to hook up."
Site spacing considerations: Some RV parks offer more separation than others. At Eden Springs, visitors appreciate that "the sites are large, level and spaced far apart from each other. We pulled in with a 42' rig, pulling a 28' hybrid trailer (total 70') and easily pulled into our site without having to unhook."
Seasonal occupancy impacts: At several glamping resorts near Berrien Center, long-term residents occupy premium spots. At Bear Cave, campers note "Most of the full hookups are taken 1st by the annuals. Sucks really but they do have an onsite honeypot which will suck out your tanks for $10 each time around."
