Tent camping near New Buffalo, Michigan features a mix of sites on sandy soils typical of the Lake Michigan shoreline. The region receives moderate rainfall averaging 35-40 inches annually, with summer temperatures typically ranging between 60-85°F and higher humidity close to the shoreline. Most campgrounds in this area sit within a 15-20 minute drive of Lake Michigan beaches, with sites ranging from primitive walk-in locations to more developed facilities.
What to do
Swimming at Lake Michigan beaches: Drive just 3 minutes from Sweet Cherry Resort to access public beaches with excellent swimming. "Best part is that it's a 3 minute drive to a public beach with great swimming and a beautiful sunset," notes camper Alyssa.
Blueberry picking on-site: The 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!" says Cindy B.
Fishing in campground ponds: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities directly on-site. Kerry T. reports that Covert/South Haven KOA has "On site fishing ponds are catch and release with lots of active fish to enjoy."
Cycling on the Kal-Haven Trail: Access the Kal-Haven bike trail from South Haven for an extended ride. "We rode 47 miles round trip from Bloomingdale to Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo," shares one camper about their experience starting near camping areas.
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Many tent campers appreciate the well-maintained bathroom facilities. At Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, Jennifer W. found that "Bathrooms were clean and conveniently located."
Family-focused activities: Campgrounds in the area often provide numerous kid-friendly options. At Coloma/St. Joseph KOA, Cassie B. reports, "They have movie nights, we met Disney characters, did crafts, and enjoyed the barrel train & ice cream sundaes."
On-site food options: Some campgrounds save you from cooking every meal. One visitor to Coloma/St. Joseph KOA noted, "We ordered food from the store and they brought it right to our site."
Tent-specific areas: Tent campers appreciate dedicated spaces away from RVs. At Sweet Cherry Resort, "Tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots," allowing for a more tent-focused experience.
What you should know
Gate closure times: Some campgrounds restrict nighttime access. Jeffrey L. mentions that at Camp Shabbona Woods, "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok."
Urban noise levels: Campgrounds closer to towns may experience more background noise. "Definitely felt the urban community close by with ambulances and firetrucks noises in the background," reports Jeffrey L. about Camp Shabbona Woods.
Parking distance from sites: Many tent sites require a short walk from parking areas. Jeffrey also notes, "Can't keep your vehicle close to your campsite," which means planning for gear transport.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the region operate from spring to fall. Coloma/St. Joseph KOA operates "May 1 to October 12," with many facilities closing by mid-October when temperatures begin to drop.
Availability limitations: Some campgrounds prioritize seasonal campers. At Shady Point Campground, Nicole P. observed, "This is a campground that is mostly seasonal campers."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning for kids: Seek out campgrounds with dedicated children's programming. Lisa P. says, "The kids love the activities and the pool" at Covert/South Haven KOA, making it ideal for family camping near New Buffalo.
Cabin options for reluctant campers: Several campgrounds offer cabins for family members who prefer more comfort. Lisa P. notes that her family members "who are not necessarily 'outdoorsy' love that they can sleep in an air conditioned cabin with cable!"
Playground access: Look for sites with play areas to keep children entertained. Nicole P. found Shady Point Campground had "playgrounds and basketball court and a small 'game' room."
Site selection for supervision: Choose locations where kids can be monitored while enjoying independence. At Lakeside Campground, the compact layout allows for better supervision of children playing between campsites.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal site availability: Many campgrounds near New Buffalo primarily cater to seasonal campers. Noel L. notes about Lakeside Campground: "Campground is all seasonal campers now. Owners were super nice and found room for us for one night layover."
Pool amenities: For RVers seeking on-site recreation, heated pools extend the swimming season. Amy J. notes that Covert/South Haven KOA "never disappoints. Heated pool and lots of activities for kids."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. Scott M. notes that certain campgrounds in the area "do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing," which can affect comfort in summer months for RVers who rely more on natural shade than tent campers with portable shade structures.
