Camping spots near Buchanan, Michigan range from riverside accommodations to lakefront options with varying levels of amenities and privacy. The area sits at the junction of the St. Joseph River watershed and Lake Michigan's eastern shore, creating diverse water recreation opportunities. Summer temperatures in this region typically average 75-85°F during the day with cooler evenings that can drop to the mid-60s.
What to do
River fishing access: Thousand Trails Bear Cave provides fishing opportunities on the St. Joseph River. As one visitor noted, "There is a boat launch and a few docks that can be used. The campground is on the banks of the St. Joseph River in southwest Michigan."
Dune climbing: At Warren Dunes State Park Campground, the large dunes are a major draw. "Mt. Randall is the high dune to climb but not for the faint of heart. And beware, the sand does get HOT midday," mentions one visitor who experienced the challenging terrain firsthand.
Kayaking on Clear Lake: The calm waters at Fuller's Resort and Campground provide ideal conditions for paddling. A camper shares, "The beach is very nice and it's a great lake. Water is warm and the lake is big enough to have boats on it. You can rent canoes & paddle boards."
What campers like
Multiple fishing ponds: Spaulding Lake Campground maintains several well-stocked fishing areas. One visitor reported, "Very nice and quiet. 3 fishing ponds that are well stocked. Most lots pull thru and many shaded."
Riverside camping: Shamrock Park gets high marks for its waterfront setting. A camper praised the facilities, noting "The grounds are mostly open with little shade, but we had a tent site by the river and trees. What impressed me most was that they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks."
Organized activities: Thousand Trails Bear Cave offers regular social events. A visitor mentioned, "Karaoke every Saturday in the barn is fun for everyone. They also have hay rides!"
What you should know
Alcohol policies: Warren Dunes State Park enforces a strict no-alcohol policy. One camper warns, "One setback was that you can't bring alcohol into the park. And if you think the rangers don't enforce that rule, you're wrong. Our neighbors got busted for it when we were there."
Varying shower facilities: Campground bathroom quality varies widely in the region. At Dunewood Campground, a camper observed, "Restrooms and showers are nice, but not as clean as state park and other camping restrooms in the area."
Site selection considerations: At Fuller's Resort, choose your site carefully. A camper advised, "The tenting and trailer sites are a bit cramped, but there is a selection of either open grassy or wooded areas to choose from."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with multiple play areas. At Shamrock Park, a visitor highlighted, "There's WiFi, electricity, showers and bathrooms. The campground is right on the water-perfect for kayaking or fishing. There's also all sorts of activities for kids-ping pong, basketball, cornhole and more."
Beach alternatives: Potato Creek State Park Campground offers various outdoor activities beyond swimming. As one camper noted, "Bike trails, parks, lake; this place had all the amenities we needed. Unfortunately, the lake was a little on the undesirable side...blue-green algae warnings made us not want to put more than our feet in the water. The beach area is nice, though."
Kid-friendly lodging: Weko Beach Campground offers cabins for families wanting more comfort. A visitor shared, "I stayed in a cabin here that was cozy and comfortable. Loved that the small store and bathrooms were close and that it was a smaller campground."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared with proper equipment at Fuller's. A camper noted, "The campground is not paved since it is in and amongst the dunes. Therefore, the soil is sandy and often soft. We got our airstream stuck using our 2 wheel drive truck and needed the help of a 4x4 to get us out. Some sites are flat while others are on a hill."
Electrical service: Check whether your preferred site has appropriate hookups. At Thousand Trails Bear Cave, a visitor mentioned, "This is a 1st come 1st serve choose your own camp site. Most of the full hookups are taken 1st by the annuals. They do have an onsite honeypot which will suck out your tanks for $10 each time around."
Site selection for RVs: At Potato Creek State Park, location matters for larger rigs. One camper advised, "We recommend securing a spot in the back sites 230-287 for larger lots and quieter atmosphere. Younger families tend to book up front near the playground and the noise and activities are more robust."
