Tent camping near Berrien Springs, Michigan centers around sandy terrain typical of southwest Michigan's glacial landscape. The region has relatively cool summer nights with July temperatures typically ranging from mid-60s to low-80s Fahrenheit. Most camping areas in the region sit between 600-700 feet above sea level, creating excellent drainage conditions even after heavy rains.
What to do
Blueberry picking: During summer months, Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday offers unique access to on-site blueberry fields. "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!" reports camper Cindy B.
Swimming options: Multiple inland lakes complement Lake Michigan beaches. A camper at Sweet Cherry Resort notes, "Best part is that it's a 3 minute drive to a public beach with great swimming and a beautiful sunset." Many campgrounds feature swimming pools as alternatives to natural water bodies.
Biking opportunities: The Kal-Haven Trail connects South Haven to Kalamazoo, offering tent campers an excellent day trip. "We rode 47 miles round trip from Bloomingdale to Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo," shares one Covert/South Haven KOA visitor, highlighting accessible cycling from area campgrounds.
What campers like
Family-oriented activities: The organized programming at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday receives consistent praise. One camper reports, "Lots of fun activities on the weekends for the kids and FREE! They have movie nights, we met Disney characters, did crafts, and enjoyed the barrel train & ice cream sundaes."
Privacy levels: Tent campers appreciate the secluded sites at Central Avenue Walk-in Sites within Indiana Dunes National Park. "It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy. The walk to the beach was not too long," notes camper Don W., describing the balance between seclusion and beach access.
Clean facilities: Tent campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms. At Shady Point Campground, a visitor observed, "The bathroom and showers were well maintained." Similarly, a Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday guest reported, "The showers were very clean & had good pressure & hot water."
What you should know
Site positioning: Tent sites at some campgrounds require short walks from parking areas. At Sweet Cherry Resort, "Tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots," which affects gear transportation planning.
Weather preparedness: Despite summer temperatures, tent campers should prepare for variable conditions. "Morning temperatures can be cool even in summer months," making layered clothing essential for comfortable sleeping.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the Berrien Springs area operate from May through mid-October. The typical camping season at Goff Lake Campground and similar establishments closes before the first frost, which usually occurs in late October.
Tips for camping with families
Campground size considerations: Smaller campgrounds often provide better supervision for children. One Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday camper shared, "It was small enough for our kids to ride bikes around alone and they frequented the park, which we could see from our site."
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer scheduled children's programs. "The kids love the activities and the pool and my family who are not necessarily 'outdoorsy' love that they can sleep in an air conditioned cabin with cable!" notes a visitor at Shady Point Campground.
Pool features: When swimming facilities matter, check pool specifics before booking. A Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday camper cautioned, "No steps to walk in so it was very hard for our 2 smallest kids to use it. Not a problem for older kids who can swim, but disappointing for smaller kids."
Tips from RVers
Site conditions after rain: Tent campers should note drainage issues at some sites. One RVer at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday reported, "Our site was horrid- a full hook up with a fire pit in the mud pond. We had mosquito soup for the rear of our very small campsite."
Wi-Fi reliability: Internet access varies significantly between campgrounds. At American Campground near Hartford, connectivity tends to be limited, while a camper at Covert/South Haven KOA noted, "The wi-fi is great," making it suitable for those needing to stay connected.
Proximity to towns: Many tent camping sites offer convenient access to nearby communities. "The campground is only about 14 miles from South Haven where you can shop in a charming downtown," notes one camper, highlighting the ability to combine tent camping with urban amenities.
