Campgrounds near Vandalia, Michigan include both privately-owned facilities and smaller operations within 25 miles of town. The terrain features rolling farmland with elevations ranging between 800-900 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s, with winter lows often below freezing. Several campgrounds operate year-round, though most local facilities limit their operations to April through October.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: **Thousand Trails Bear Cave offers fishing access on the St. Joseph River with a boat launch and dock. "The campground is on the banks of the St. Joseph River in southwest Michigan. There is also a waterfall right next to the cave. There is a boat launch and a few docks that can be used," notes a camper about Bear Cave RV Campground.
Water recreation: Multiple lakes near Vandalia offer swimming and boating options. At Cranberry Lake Campground, guests can enjoy water activities just steps from their site. One visitor reported, "The kids and dog really enjoyed the playground, swimming in the lake and jumping off the floating pad. There were also canoes and things to rent but we did not partake-fairly priced."
Cave exploration: Unique geological features provide educational opportunities. "Bear Cave 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. A real bear cave you can tour in (free), a creek that meanders through it," reported a guest at Thousand Trails Bear Cave.
What campers like
Beach access: Lakefront swimming areas offer relief during hot weather at several campsites near Vandalia, Michigan. A primitive tent camper at Camelot Campground enjoyed the convenience: "I camped at the primitive/rustic sites along the beach. It was a great spot to camp while it was really hot, in the 90s for several days, because you could just walk right over to the beach and take a dip in the lake."
Game facilities: Elkhart RV Resort provides entertainment options beyond outdoor recreation. According to a visitor, "We have a small off leash dog run, and free ping pong, air hockey, foose ball, and all the classic camping games to check out. Everyone on staff that we spoke with was also very friendly!"
Quiet atmosphere: Some campgrounds focus on a peaceful setting rather than activities. Lakeside Campground primarily hosts seasonal campers, creating a more established community. As one visitor noted, "Awesome campground. Campground is all seasonal campers now. Owners were super nice and found room for us for one night layover."
What you should know
Wi-Fi variability: Internet access differs significantly between campgrounds. At Bear Cave, a camper advised, "It's a very nice off the grid camping with no cell service but if you want wifi then its 5.95 per day or if your here for a week + then 34.95 for the month up to 4 devices is your best bet."
Seasonal limitations: Operating schedules restrict camping options, especially in winter. Ebys Pines Campground operates from April 1 to November 1, with some amenities closing earlier in fall. One visitor noted, "Stayed here 3 nights in October campground has most of the attractions (pool etc) closed as expected but still charged visitors $5 per person per day. And charged $5 per device per day for WiFi."
Site variations: Quality and size of campsites vary widely, even within the same facility. At Ebys Pines, a camper reported, "RV Sites are stacked on each other. We chose 306 and it was ok by the pond. No misquitos. Our friends had 310 and there was barely room to put their awning out. The tent sites looked nice."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Elkhart Campground offers multiple recreational facilities for children. "Lots of things for the kids to do: swimming, volleyball, mini golf..." notes a visitor who appreciated the family-friendly amenities.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature small animal areas that appeal to children. At Elkhart RV Resort, a camper mentioned, "There is a donkey to pet. The game room building had some games in but the building smelled too old for me."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds maintain playground equipment for younger visitors. A visitor to Bear Cave observed, "There is actually a cave in the campground that you can take a tour of while you are here. There is also a waterfall right next to the cave. Nice, family friendly campground with a playground for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose your site carefully based on your needs and equipment. At Ebys Pines, one RVer advised, "Lot sizes do vary, pull through lots are a good size. If you like tent camping this place has a great tent/pop up only section on the river."
Utilities considerations: Not all sites offer full hookups, and availability varies by campground. A Bear Cave RVer noted, "The only sewer hook-ups are all taken by seasonal campers," while another mentioned, "They do have an onsite honeypot which will suck out your tanks for $10 each time around."
Spacing concerns: Many campgrounds near Vandalia place RV sites close together. An Elkhart Campground visitor reported, "We came to Elkhart for a week to have servicing done on our 5th wheel. The regular sites are very close together in this CG. The deluxe sites give you a cement pad and better spacing but are still fairly close together."
