Campgrounds near Mattawan, Michigan offer diverse recreational options within a 40-mile radius of this southwest Michigan town. Located between Kalamazoo and Lake Michigan, the area features rolling terrain with elevation changes between 700-900 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons experience cooler 50-65°F temperatures with occasional frost.
What to do
Fishing access points: At Thousand Trails Bear Cave in Buchanan, the St. Joseph River provides excellent fishing opportunities. "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," notes Jerry S. The park also features a creek with a waterfall.
Paddle sports: Crooked Lake Campground offers connected waterways for exploration. "You can start at Crooked Lake and follow a little water trail to Pickerel to swim at a small beach. There are lots of great hiking/biking trails and Silver Lake is nearby with swimming, volleyball, concessions," explains Melissa B.
Blueberry picking: Seasonal fruit harvesting adds a unique dimension to camping in this region. "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!" shares Cindy B. about the Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday.
What campers like
Family-oriented activities: Woodchip Campground in Byron Center organizes regular events for children. "We came here for a fall camping weekend. Kids loved going on wagon ride to find the pumpkins and then decorating them. They really enjoyed the glow wagon ride. Root beer floats Saturday night were great!" reports Cassondra P.
Clean facilities: Many rv parks near Mattawan, Michigan prioritize cleanliness. "Bathrooms/showers are NICE! And it's only 10-15 minutes from the beach in south Haven-beautiful!" explains Melissa B. about Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday. Similarly, at Sunny Brook RV Resort, a camper noted "Laundry rooms and bathrooms spotless."
Recreational amenities: Swimming pools, playgrounds, and sports facilities enhance the camping experience. "There is a pool, bounce pillow and basketball court. There are seasonal sites and other full hook-up sites," says Stu E. about Woodchip Campground. At Camp Turkeyville RV Resort, "Spacious sites. Concrete patio at each site. Daily trash pickup at campsite. Very quiet and family friendly," according to David D.
What you should know
Cell service and WiFi access: Internet connectivity varies significantly across Mattawan area campgrounds. At Hidden Ridge RV Resort, "Internet is through a paid campground service and was $5/day but was actually very good. Not too sure how service would be during peak season," explains Barbara P.
Site characteristics: Campsite sizes and features differ between locations. "Campsites are spacious, there are two vault toilets and a water pump. Voices and noise carry quite a bit and there are lots of mosquitos right now," warns Melissa B. about Crooked Lake Campground.
Trash disposal policies: Some campgrounds lack convenient trash collection. "I found it odd the there isn't trash pickup at the site. And the only trash bin we could find was at the entrance of the grounds (which was quite a distance from 241 our site)," notes Beth H. about Hidden Ridge RV Resort.
Seasonal considerations: Operating dates vary significantly. Thousand Trails Bear Cave operates May through October, while others like Camp Turkeyville RV Resort remain open year-round. "Love this winter spot. Will definitely be returning in the future. Very friendly staff," reports Becka about Woodchip Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for easier supervision. "There are campsites in a circle around the playground, so you can sit at your site and watch the kids play," suggests Andrea B. about Woodchip Campground.
Activity schedules: Many Mattawan area RV parks offer organized events. "The kids love the activities and the pool and my family who are not necessarily 'outdoorsy' love that they can sleep in an air conditioned cabin with cable!" shares Lisa P. about Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday.
Swimming options: Pools provide reliable water play regardless of weather conditions. "We have really enjoyed our late July stay at Hidden Ridge. The amenities are really nice. The place was kept clean, and the clientele was friendly. There is a pond for cat and release fishing, and a great slip and slide for the kids on a hot day," reports Greg N.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: At many rv parks in the Mattawan, Michigan area, utility locations can require extra equipment. "Sites are level concrete pads with 50-amp service. The only sewer hook-ups are all taken by seasonal campers," explains Jerry S. about Thousand Trails Bear Cave.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer specialized features for those with mobility needs. "Pool has an ADA lift chair. 2 shower/bath houses, camp store, a real bear cave you can tour in (free), a creek that meanders through it," notes Gay G. about Thousand Trails Bear Cave.
Big rig accommodation: Large motorhomes need to consider access road quality and site dimensions. "All concrete, gated, beach in a small lake, basketball court, fishing, pools, and lots of grass for the dogs," Bill B. comments about Sunny Brook RV Resort, noting it's "Big Rig Friendly."