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Best Campgrounds near Buchanan, MI

679 Reviews

Camping areas around Buchanan, Michigan include several established campgrounds with a range of accommodation options. Thousand Trails Bear Cave in Buchanan offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals from May through October, featuring amenities like a heated pool, playground, and access to the St. Joseph River. Fuller's Resort and Campground on Clear Lake provides similar options with lakefront access. The surrounding region extends to Lake Michigan beaches within a 30-minute drive, where Warren Dunes State Park and Weko Beach Campground offer additional camping experiences with direct beach access.

Most campgrounds in the Buchanan area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with limited winter availability. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months, particularly for weekend stays and holidays. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching the 80s, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for camping. Many campgrounds provide full hookups for RVs, though tent campers will find designated areas at most facilities. As one visitor noted about Thousand Trails Bear Cave, "This is a nice, family friendly campground. Lots of very friendly other campers, a heated pool, playground for the kids, nice size lots with fire pits, picnic tables, electric & water (including at tent sites)."

Proximity to water features prominently in camper reviews of the Buchanan area. Lake Michigan access receives particular attention, with several visitors highlighting beach proximity as a primary reason for choosing campgrounds in the region. Campgrounds with swimming pools and lake access tend to be especially popular with families. While some sites offer more privacy than others, the social atmosphere at many campgrounds is frequently mentioned positively in reviews. A camper at Weko Beach Campground wrote, "Great campground with a few cabins on Lake Michigan. Campsites are about 1/2 mile walk or less to the beach. Nice facilities, and overall kept up very well." Local attractions including wineries, the Red Bud Motocross track, and nearby South Haven provide additional activities for campers exploring beyond their campground.

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Best Camping Sites Near Buchanan, Michigan (99)

    1. Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 426-4013

    "Happened upon this Gem when driving the coast of Lake Michigan.  Watched the solar eclipse from the beach.   The DBR had a viewing area setup for adults and kids.  "

    "I’m 36 now, so it’s safe to say that I pretty much know the park like the back of my hand, and it truly has become a home away from home. Actually I prefer being there over my main home."

    2. Thousand Trails Bear Cave

    16 Reviews
    Buchanan, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It’s near Buchanan Michigan and the RED BUD Motor Cross track. Very friendly people, always stopping and talking."

    "But even without the cave there was still a playground, pool and little walking trail near the waterfall. Close to nearby Lake Michigan and beaches."

    3. Potato Creek State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    North Liberty, IN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 656-8186

    $20 - $90 / night

    "There is a nice prairie area to walk around in, and an easy to ride pave bike trail. We watched the osprey nest one year for several hours."

    "Great walking trails, great for families with youngsters. Park activities and lots of trail walking. 25 mins away from South Bend/Mishawaka and 40 mins away from Elkhart and there RV Hall of Fame."

    4. Weko Beach Campground

    20 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 465-3406

    $50 - $30 / night

    "Great camp ground just a stones throw away from Lake Michigan. Sites are on the smaller side but we’re tent campers so it worked for us! Nice bathroom facilities."

    "Really nice campground with a few cabins on Lake Michigan. Campsites are about 1/2 mile walk or less to the beach. Nice facilities, and overall kept up very well."

    5. Shamrock Park

    11 Reviews
    Berrien Springs, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 473-5691

    $10 - $50 / night

    "It’s also a quick walk to a grocery store and restaurants. There’s no grill on the fire pit, so plan accordingly."

    "The bathroom was a very short walk and very clean. Fishing the river was fun and easy to access.

    They have big playgrounds that the kids enjoyed."

    6. Fuller's Resort and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Buchanan, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 695-3785

    "The acres has lots of sites tucked away in the woods and many out in the open sun too! Rental trailers and cabins right on the lake too. Great ice cream too. We will be back!"

    "There are showers, laundry, and better restroom facilities as short walk away. Mask wearing was very hit or miss.  Maybe 75% of out interactions with staff they wore a mask. "

    7. Spaulding Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Niles, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 684-1393

    "The surrounding area seems like the camp is in a bad location, but the bushes that surround the place block out all the noise."

    8. Dunewood Campground — Indiana Dunes National Park

    126 Reviews
    Beverly Shores, IN
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (219) 395-1882

    $25 / night

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    "You walk down steps or a ramp to your area, tent pad with a picnic table and firepit. So beautiful when the sun comes up. Showers and toilets regularly cleaned and modern."

    9. Fullers Resort and Campground on Clear Lake

    2 Reviews
    Buchanan, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 695-3785

    "It's set on a beautiful man made lake. There is no big waves to worry about on clear lake. Kiddos can catch minnows in calf deep water at the beach. The campsites are beautiful."

    "Beautiful Beach access to Clear lake!! Mark and Kirstin are awesome owners, tons of activities for kids!! Has quickly became a every year tradition!"

    10. Mini Mountain Campground

    7 Reviews
    New Carlisle, IN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 654-3307

    "There are ample hiking trails and activities for all ages. The swimming pool is awesome and a great plus when camping with kids. The woods are very thick and filled with amazing trees."

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Recent Reviews near Buchanan, MI

679 Reviews of 99 Buchanan Campgrounds

Guide to Buchanan

Camping near Buchanan, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We enjoyed riding ebikes on the trails," highlighting the great biking opportunities.
  • Beach Access: Spend a day at the beach near Warren Dunes State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
  • Fishing and Kayaking: Check out Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground for fishing and kayaking. One camper shared, "Kayaking the 13 lakes can easily last from morning to sundown."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Potato Creek State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The bathrooms were clean with individual locking showers."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere at Michigan City Campground. One review stated, "The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your campsite."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Dunewood Campground appreciate the large, private sites. A reviewer mentioned, "We had a huge site and the bathrooms were clean."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in summer. A visitor at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground warned, "The mosquitoes are prolific and abundant!"
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Warren Dunes State Park Campground noted, "You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night."
  • Site Privacy: Privacy can be an issue at certain campgrounds. A review for Van Buren State Park Campground mentioned, "There were lots of tall pine trees so most of the sites had some shade, but no privacy between sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Potato Creek State Park Campground has a great playground that kids enjoy, as one parent shared, "Kids seem to play there for hours."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds near beaches or lakes for family fun. A camper at Weko Beach Campground said, "The beach area was very nice."
  • Cabin Rentals: Consider renting a cabin for more comfort. A visitor at Tippecanoe River State Park Campground mentioned, "The cabins are small but perfectly fine for our group."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground noted, "Our site was 21 inches unloved from front to back."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. Dunewood Campground offers electric hookups, which is a plus for RVers.
  • Dump Stations: Ensure there are dump stations available. A visitor at Michigan City Campground mentioned, "The dump station is situated right by RV sites."

Camping near Buchanan, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Buchanan, MI campgrounds?

Campgrounds around Buchanan offer varying levels of amenities. Michigan City Campground provides premium sites with 50A service, water, sewer, exceptional WiFi, and large cement patios. It's also gated for security. Indiana Dunes State Park Campground features clean facilities with good site spacing for privacy despite being in a busy area. Most campgrounds in the region offer fire pits, picnic tables, and water hookups. Many have modern restroom facilities with showers that are regularly cleaned. Family-oriented amenities are common, with facilities like heated pools, playgrounds, game rooms, and camp stores. Several campgrounds offer accessibility features, including ADA pool lifts. RV-specific amenities vary by location, with some offering pull-through sites up to 90 feet long, while others may have hookups positioned awkwardly.

What activities and attractions are available near Buchanan camping areas?

The Buchanan area offers diverse recreational opportunities for campers. Lake Michigan beaches are a major draw, with Warren Dunes State Park Campground and Weko Beach Campground providing direct beach access. Hiking trails abound, especially at Indiana Dunes National Park where sandy terrain creates a unique challenge with rewarding lake views. Water activities are popular on local lakes and rivers, including swimming, fishing, and boating. Mountain biking enthusiasts can visit Imagination Glen Park in nearby Portage. The region also features wineries, breweries, and charming small towns to explore. Nature lovers will appreciate the diverse ecosystems from dunes to forests, while history buffs can explore local historical sites including the actual bear cave at Thousand Trails.

Where are the campgrounds located in Buchanan, Michigan?

Buchanan, Michigan offers several camping options within a short drive. Thousand Trails Bear Cave is located directly in Buchanan, offering a family-friendly environment with a historical bear cave on the property. Fuller's Resort and Campground is another local option situated on Clear Lake near Buchanan. Within a 30-minute drive, you'll find additional campgrounds in neighboring communities like Berrien Springs (Shamrock Park), Niles (Spaulding Lake Campground), and various Lake Michigan shore options. The area's geographic position makes it convenient for accessing both Michigan and Indiana camping destinations, with several state parks and private campgrounds within easy driving distance.

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