Best Campgrounds near Vandalia, MI

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Vandalia, MI has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Vandalia camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Vandalia, Michigan (151)

    1. Elkhart Campground

    11 Reviews
    Elkhart, IN
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 264-2914

    "Elkhart Campground is great Clean , easy access, lots of pull through sites with full hook up - pool, Close to big lake too!!!"

    "Very clean, nice sized dog park, quiet and close to restaurants. If had an occasion to stay here again…we definitely would!"

    2. Ebys Pines

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, IN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 848-4583

    "Trails lead to a local County park - Bonneyville Mill. There’s a roller skating rink and laser tag across the street."

    3. Shady Point Campground

    2 Reviews
    Vandalia, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 244-5702

    "Was in a pull behind . Everything was easy and calm . Kids loves it . No problems"

    "It sits on Bair Lake and was great for swimming. The bathroom and showers were well maintained."

    4. Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney

    11 Reviews
    Middlebury, IN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 347-6889

    "They have trails that are a nice walk for the dogs and a pond to catch and release fish."

    "This clean, well kept campground is really close to grand design. We stayed here to go tour the manufacturers process."

    5. Melville 7 Lakes

    4 Reviews
    Marcellus, MI
    10 miles

    $25 / night

    "Access to several lakes including all sports"

    "Lake for boating and fishing. Has a small swimming area, playground."

    6. Camelot Campground

    1 Review
    Vandalia, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 476-2473

    "Accessed water for washing dishes and such behind the second set of bathouse when office was closed. Not suitable for drinking."

    7. Lakeside Campground

    1 Review
    Vandalia, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 244-8490

    8. Elkhart RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Granger, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 800-2069

    $39 - $47 / night

    "This campground is close to home so we spent a couple days here so the kids could play while I worked. All staff was extremely helpful and friendly from the minute we pulled in."

    "The sites were set with nice gravel onto a cement patio surrounded by large trees. So it had the nice feel of outside with no mud and dirt tracked into our pull through RV site."

    9. Cranberry Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Marcellus, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 646-3336

    "The kids and dog really enjoyed the playground, swimming in the lake and jumping off the floating pad. There were little cabins and trailers for rent but we had our own camper."

    "Park near store and get great WiFi....I spent 14 days streaming, gaming and watching movies. This is campground is definitely a diamond in the sand."

    10. Thousand Trails Bear Cave

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

    "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."

    "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. The sites are a bit on the smaller side."

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Recent Reviews near Vandalia, MI

720 Reviews of 151 Vandalia Campgrounds


  • v
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Markin Glen County Park

    Clean and near bike trails

    Great park. Well maintained. Very clean. Lots of bike trails, a beach area. Helpful staff!

  • Joel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    MTB camp and bike (again)

    We camped and rode (again) at Fort Custer.  We've been here 2x before (once in a cabin and once in tents) and this has now officially become a favorite. 

    We loved our site (so don't book this one) as it's close to the trails for riding.  The campground was almost to capacity, but still some open sites.

    All in all this was a great trip, and we even visited Belle's brewery on our way home.

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Small, lakeside, chill

    This was our first time staying at Covert Park Beach + Campground. We stayed in site 52 with our 21 ft travel trailer. The site is a good size. Tree placement made it a little tricky to back into, but nothing crazy. We stayed Sunday to Saturday, so we got to see it at its bustling weekend peak and the quiet, cozy weekday vibe. Family friendly, dog friendly and kid friendly. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach, but there's a beach a few minutes down the road (Hagar Beach) where you can bring leashed dogs. Sunset views were beautiful. Bathrooms were very clean and showers nice and hot. The two guys who were running the check-in and campground operations were super cool- they were the perfect mix of attentive and laid back. No sewer on campsites but there's a dump station when you enter/exit. Ice and firewood are abundantly available and can be delivered to your site. We loved our stay here. Tree cover is generous, and it really preserves the camping feel. Weekend crowd was fun, friendly and lots of locals. Would definitely stay again!

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Brookside City Park

    More expensive now

    Tents sites are now $20 and RV hookups (water and 20/30 amp) are $30. When I got to the police station they were closed for the week but a phone # was provided to call dispatcher and an officer responded promptly to help me get registered. Cash or check only.

  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Shipshewana Campground South Park

    Nice stay

    Bathrooms clean Campground well maintained. Showers clean. Push button operation not temperature control little on the cold side for me.

  • Bob B.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    A return to my childhood

    I camped here countless times throughout my childhood. It was nice returning. I brought back great memories and it struck a balance of staying up with the times but still leaving most to nature.

    Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long.

    Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT.

    Don’t miss out on the great finishing and hiking. A great plus is still seeing kids rise actual bikes!

  • H
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Beautiful Woodsy Campground

    We’ve stayed at both sites listed. 161 you do have neighbors pretty close, but we just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet! We love it here already with only being here twice!

  • G
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Weko Beach Campground

    Wonderful site, easy beach access

    Campground was clean, with trails leading directly to Weko beach with gorgeous walking paths. Highly recommend, definitely a hidden gem.


Guide to Vandalia

Camping near Vandalia, 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 several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Beach Access: Many campgrounds are close to Lake Michigan, providing great hiking trails and beach access. For instance, at Warren Dunes State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Overall, great walking paths, hiking and the beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
  • Fishing and Water Activities: If you enjoy fishing, Shamrock Park is a good spot. A camper noted, "What impressed me most was that they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks."
  • Exploring Nature: Potato Creek State Park Campground offers miles of hiking and biking trails. One visitor shared, "Great spacing between sites and offers miles of hiking and biking trails."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Van Buren State Park Campground stated, "Camp is clean and quiet. Bathrooms and showers are clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have friendly staff who enhance the camping experience. A visitor at Covert Park Beach & Campground mentioned, "The camp is under new management and they are friendly and welcoming."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space to set up their tents or RVs. A review for Bear Cave RV Campground highlighted, "Large sites that are level!"

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A review for Van Buren State Park Campground noted, "If you want quiet or the sound of nature, this campground is not for you."
  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. One camper at Warren Dunes State Park Campground warned, "Mosquitoes were awful even before the rain."
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A visitor at Weko Beach Campground mentioned, "The sites in this loop are so tiny you’re basically on top of your neighbors."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. At Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, one parent said, "Lots of fun activities on the weekends for the kids and FREE!"
  • Plan for Noise: If your family prefers a quieter experience, consider visiting during off-peak times. A camper at Van Buren State Park Campground noted, "Definitely too crowded and loud way past quiet hours."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Having games on hand can keep kids entertained. A visitor at Potato Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "With a selection of fun things to do, our family never runs out of things to do here."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A review for Bear Cave RV Campground advised, "Call beforehand if you are 40' or bigger."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday mentioned, "We had a pull through with full hook ups."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Some campgrounds may have poor cell reception. A visitor at Potato Creek State Park Campground noted, "Verizon signal essentially nonexistent."

Camping near Vandalia, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best outdoor recreation activities near Vandalia, Michigan?

The Vandalia area offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. At Thousand Trails Bear Cave, visitors enjoy hiking trails, swimming in the pool, and playground facilities. The campground previously featured cave exploration, though availability may vary. For beach enthusiasts, the Lake Michigan shoreline provides opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and dune climbing. Outdoor activities in the region also include fishing in local lakes, boating, kayaking, and seasonal hunting in designated areas. State parks in the vicinity offer well-maintained hiking trails through wooded areas, perfect for nature photography and wildlife viewing.

Are there any campgrounds or camping areas in Vandalia, Michigan?

Yes, Vandalia has several camping options nearby. Cranberry Lake Campground offers family-friendly amenities including a lake for swimming, a floating pad, playground, and friendly owners who maintain a well-stocked gift shop. The campground accommodates both RVs and offers cabin rentals. Shady Point Campground near Jones is another option with water access and facilities that accommodate larger RVs. For those willing to drive a bit further, Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday provides additional amenities like a heated pool, hot tub, mini-golf, and bike rentals with reasonable store prices.

What are the nearby lakes or water recreation options in Vandalia, Michigan?

Vandalia offers excellent water recreation opportunities. Covert Park Beach & Campground provides direct access to Lake Michigan with swimming and beach activities. It features both improved campsites and primitive tent sites within walking distance to the shoreline. Weko Beach Campground is another option just a stone's throw from Lake Michigan with clean facilities. For inland water recreation, the area has several smaller lakes perfect for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Van Buren State Park Campground offers access to Lake Michigan's shores with impressive sand dunes, approximately a 10-minute walk from the campground to the water.