Tent campsites near Buchanan, Michigan offer camping experiences within a 30-mile radius of this southwestern Michigan town. The camping season typically runs from April through October with most sites closing for winter. Sandy soil conditions are common in the region, providing good drainage during wet weather, though campers should prepare for higher humidity levels in summer months.
What to do
Water activities at nearby lakes: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday is located about 15 miles from Lake Michigan's beautiful beaches. "The beaches of Lake Michigan are within 15 minutes or so. Be sure to visit the 'shoe tree'. We will definitely be back!!!" notes camper Rodney D.
Blueberry picking: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday features blueberry fields throughout the property. "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 Cindy B.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing ponds near tent sites. At Shady Point Campground, you can fish from Bair Lake. "It sits on Bair Lake and was great for swimming," reports Nicole P., who spent four nights at the campground.
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday provides numerous activities for children. "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," writes Cassie B.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained restrooms at several campgrounds. "The showers were very clean & had good pressure & hot water," notes one visitor to Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday. Another camper at Sweet Cherry Resort reports, "Showers and bathrooms were clean. Pool looked nice."
Privacy options: For campers seeking seclusion, walk-in tent sites provide increased separation from other campers. At Central Avenue Walk-in Sites in Indiana Dunes National Park (about 45 minutes from Buchanan), "The spot was clean. It's far enough off the trail that it provides plenty of privacy," according to Don W.
What you should know
Tent-specific areas: Many campgrounds separate tent camping from RV sections. At Sweet Cherry Resort, "Tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots," reports Alyssa. This arrangement provides dedicated space for tent campers.
Site conditions vary: Soil and shade conditions differ significantly between campgrounds. Hannah S. describes Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday as having "Nice shady, sandy spots not far from South Haven."
Weather preparation: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. Kim L. notes at one campground, "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." Pack appropriate gear for potentially wet conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Choose campgrounds with structured programming for children. "We camp here every year with our family since it is perfectly halfway between us, in Michigan, and my family in Chicago. The kids love the activities and the pool," writes Lisa P. about Covert/South Haven KOA.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools or lake access. "It has a nice pool and play areas, but the real attraction are the blueberry patches!" mentions Cindy B. about one location. Shady Point Campground offers lake swimming that families particularly enjoy.
Accessible options: Some campgrounds accommodate mobility challenges. "My husband went with a broken leg and got around there just fine thanks to it being such a small park," reports Cassie B. about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: RV campers should research site dimensions before booking. "The actual spots aren't huge, but since the campground is smaller that wasn't a shock. It was small enough for our kids to ride bikes around alone," notes one camper about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday.
Wi-Fi quality: Internet connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "The campground is clean, the wi-fi is great," reports Rodney D. at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, making this location suitable for working campers.
Seasonal camper concentration: Some campgrounds primarily serve long-term campers. Nicole P. notes about Shady Point Campground, "This is a campground that is mostly seasonal campers," which can affect the atmosphere and availability for short-term tent campers.
