Are you in need of a campground near St. Joseph, MI? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of St. Joseph. Find the best campgrounds near St. Joseph, MI. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
In the southwestern-most corner of Michigan, about 100 miles from Grand Rapids, Warren Dunes State Park is home to 3 miles of sandy beaches and windswept dunes on the shore of Lake Michigan. There are 6 miles of short trails for exploring the area, but the main draws to Warren Dunes camping is soaking up rays on the beach and climbing the dunes. The tallest dune, Tower Hill, rises 260 feet above the lakeshore and offers a panoramic view over the surrounding area. Park guides offer a variety of seasonal nature programs that highlight the area’s flora, fauna and natural features. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach at Warren Dunes, and dogs must remain leashed, and are restricted to certain areas only.
The campground at Warren Dunes is located away from the beach, in a wooded area near the highway. On the upside, there’s plenty of shady trees to take cover under on the warmer, sunnier days; on the downside, there’s plenty of highway noise to distract from the peacefulness. The two camp areas—Modern and Semi-Modern—offer a total of 220 tent and RV sites that vary in size and seclusion. The larger Modern area has restrooms with showers, drinking water and playgrounds for the kids; limited hookup sites are available. This area also has three rustic mini-cabins for rent. The Semi-Modern area is more spartan, with just water and vault toilets. A dump station is located between the two areas. Campsite rates range from $25–$45/night; cabins are $52/night.
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres (6070 ha) will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles (80 km) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.
There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes. As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national park features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology. In addition, four National Natural Landmarks (including Pinhook Bog and Cowles Bog ) and one National Historical Landmark (the Bailly Homestead ) are located within its boundaries. The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource. For more information on our natural features visit the Nature and Science page on the park website.
Located close to the campground is Lake View Beach on Lake Michigan which is located 1.5 miles north of the campground. Several other national park beaches are within easy driving distance. Do NOT park in the Town of Beverly Shores' beach parking lot, which is located just to the east of the Lake View lot. You will get ticketed. The town is very strict. A gas station / convenience store is located mile north of the campground at the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and Broadway Avenue. The Beverly Shores South Shore Railroad station with passenger service to Chicago and South Bend is located on Broadway Avenue, mile north of the campground. Indiana Dunes Tourism and LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau have lists of other activities in the area.
$25 / night
Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Van Buren Campground has one mile of sandy beach and high dune formations. It’s the perfect place to lounge on the beach, walk through woodland trails and enjoy a picnic lunch. Located three miles south of South Haven, the campground is only minutes away from local shops and restaurants.
Van Buren State Park is set along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The park is home to high dune formations, a modern campground, 1 mile of sandy beach, woodland trails and a day-use area.
The day-use area offers picnic tables and grills, a picnic shelter and two modern restroom buildings. Lake Michigan provides a great area for swimming and a beautiful beach for sunbathing.
From the park, visitors can access the Van Buren State Park Spur Trail, which offers a scenic, 4-mile paved route into the City of South Haven. Along the way, visitors can access Van Buren Trail State Park (gravel surface) near 16th Avenue and continue on an additional 12 miles (south) to the City of Hartford. The Kal-Haven Trail State Park connects in South Haven and provides 33.5 miles of additional trail.
The modern campground is divided into five loops. Most sites are generous in size with a mix of shaded and sunny sites. Campers can reach the day-use area, set along the Lake Michigan shoreline, via a walking path that’s centrally located in the campground. There are two modern restroom/shower buildings and a children’s play area.
Amenities Dump & Fill Station Two restroom facilities with showers Campers may stay on a site for up to 14 days and are required to vacate the site for at least 2 days before returning. We do not offer weekly or monthly rates.
$50 - $30 / night
Vacation close to the shore of the Great Lakes when you stay at our campground in Covert, Michigan. Make memories lounging on the sandy shores, exploring downtown attractions, touring lighthouses and splashing in the ocean waves. Covert / South Haven KOA Holiday is also near Silver Beach County Park, named one of the top 10 beaches in the United States.
Our RV Sites offer peaceful locations to gather for family activities around the campfire and enjoy a delicious BBQ and s'mores, take part in a card game or watch the activities on the lake. Traditional tent camping provides an outdoorsy experience with stargazing and falling asleep to the sound of nature. The luxury of Deluxe Cabins offers a glamping experience with cozy beds, air conditioning, restrooms and kitchen options. Our RV Sites, Tent Sites, Deluxe Cabins, Glamping Tents, and Camping Cabins also all include Wi-Fi access, so you can stay connected with faraway friends and share your fantastic trip photos with them. Tents are not allowed on RV sites, shade canopy is okay.
Ready to plan your trip camping in South Haven, Michigan? Call 269-764-0818 or reserve your site online today! Your adventure awaits.
This family-owned, nationally recognized, award-winning KOA is the closed to beautiful Lake Michigan, providing guests with top-notch services, amenities and unrivaled proximity to nearby beaches, orchards, vineyards, kayaking rivers and other popular attractions. The parklike setting features mature trees with a canopy of trees, paved roads and well maintained grounds with a peaceful atmosphere that makes this the best place to be. The attentive, friendly team will meet and exceed your expectations, whether you stay in a tent, an RV or one of the 20 lodging options including Camping Cabins, Deluxe Cabins and Glamping tents. Enjoy the heated pool, Jumping Pillow, fishing pond, bike rentals, mini golf, playground, Gem mining, cable TV, Wi-Fi, wooded nature trail, general store and Campfire Café serving Hunt Brothers pizza. Planned activities and themed weekends held throughout the summer.
$60 - $120 / night
Bear Cave RV Resort is a wonderful place to experience the great outdoors, meet new people, relax, and be a part of history. We have the only naturally formed cave in Michigan. This cave has a lot of history, through its connection as a stop on the Underground Railroad and the silent film "The Great Train Robbery". Bear Cave RV Resort is a peaceful and fun park, focused on family fun in a friendly environment. Enjoy our many weekend scheduled activities or make new friends and create one of your own using our many onsite amenities. Stand near a Native American Conference Tree or watch wildlife trek through our campground. From this Southern Michigan RV campground you can fish in the St Joseph River or rent a row boat or kayak. The Bear Cave RV Resort staff is here to make your stay a pleasant and memorable experience! Southern Michigan RV campground is rich in history, adventure and natural beauty Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Bear Cave RV Campground. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
$10 - $50 / night
In the southwestern-most corner of Michigan, about 100 miles from Grand Rapids, Warren Dunes State Park is home to 3 miles of sandy beaches and windswept dunes on the shore of Lake Michigan. There are 6 miles of short trails for exploring the area, but the main draws to Warren Dunes camping is soaking up rays on the beach and climbing the dunes. The tallest dune, Tower Hill, rises 260 feet above the lakeshore and offers a panoramic view over the surrounding area. Park guides offer a variety of seasonal nature programs that highlight the area’s flora, fauna and natural features. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach at Warren Dunes, and dogs must remain leashed, and are restricted to certain areas only.
The campground at Warren Dunes is located away from the beach, in a wooded area near the highway. On the upside, there’s plenty of shady trees to take cover under on the warmer, sunnier days; on the downside, there’s plenty of highway noise to distract from the peacefulness. The two camp areas—Modern and Semi-Modern—offer a total of 220 tent and RV sites that vary in size and seclusion. The larger Modern area has restrooms with showers, drinking water and playgrounds for the kids; limited hookup sites are available. This area also has three rustic mini-cabins for rent. The Semi-Modern area is more spartan, with just water and vault toilets. A dump station is located between the two areas. Campsite rates range from $25–$45/night; cabins are $52/night.
Indiana Dunes National Park hugs 15 miles (24 km) of the southern shore of Lake Michigan and has much to offer. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national park's 15,000 acres (6070 ha) will continually enchant you. Hikers will enjoy 50 miles (80 km) of trails over rugged dunes, mysterious wetlands, sunny prairies, meandering rivers and peaceful forests.
There is no one-size-fits-all trip to the dunes. Each season offers new and different ways to enjoy Indiana Dunes National Park. Spring splashes the river banks of the Heron Rookery with an abundance of colorful wildflowers in this birder's paradise. Lake Michigan summer sunsets paint the skies with vibrant rays that offer a picture-perfect picnic setting. In the fall, Maple trees burst with warm red and golden hues crafting a spectacular backdrop for a hike by the Chellberg Farm and winter brings a scenic canvas of virgin white snow begging for a cross-country skiing adventure in the Glenwood Dunes. As the seasons change, so do the recreational opportunities, park facility operating hours and closures and safety concerns. Here is a list of some of the activities that occur in the National Park: Beach-going & Swimming, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing & Boating, Hiking, Geocaching, Historical Sites, Horseback Riding, Interpretive Programs, Picnic, Winter Activities and Guided Tours. Check the Calendar page on our website for our list of Ranger-led programs.
Indiana Dunes National Park is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national park features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology. In addition, four National Natural Landmarks (including Pinhook Bog and Cowles Bog ) and one National Historical Landmark (the Bailly Homestead ) are located within its boundaries. The park is comprised of over 15,000 acres (6070 ha) of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies, rivers, and forests. It contains 15 miles (24 km) of Lake Michigan shoreline spanning the distance from Gary to Michigan City. Lake Michigan is part of the largest complex of freshwater lakes in the world. The national park's beaches are the park's most significant recreational resource. For more information on our natural features visit the Nature and Science page on the park website.
Located close to the campground is Lake View Beach on Lake Michigan which is located 1.5 miles north of the campground. Several other national park beaches are within easy driving distance. Do NOT park in the Town of Beverly Shores' beach parking lot, which is located just to the east of the Lake View lot. You will get ticketed. The town is very strict. A gas station / convenience store is located mile north of the campground at the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and Broadway Avenue. The Beverly Shores South Shore Railroad station with passenger service to Chicago and South Bend is located on Broadway Avenue, mile north of the campground. Indiana Dunes Tourism and LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau have lists of other activities in the area.
$25 / night
Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Van Buren Campground has one mile of sandy beach and high dune formations. It’s the perfect place to lounge on the beach, walk through woodland trails and enjoy a picnic lunch. Located three miles south of South Haven, the campground is only minutes away from local shops and restaurants.
Van Buren State Park is set along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The park is home to high dune formations, a modern campground, 1 mile of sandy beach, woodland trails and a day-use area.
The day-use area offers picnic tables and grills, a picnic shelter and two modern restroom buildings. Lake Michigan provides a great area for swimming and a beautiful beach for sunbathing.
From the park, visitors can access the Van Buren State Park Spur Trail, which offers a scenic, 4-mile paved route into the City of South Haven. Along the way, visitors can access Van Buren Trail State Park (gravel surface) near 16th Avenue and continue on an additional 12 miles (south) to the City of Hartford. The Kal-Haven Trail State Park connects in South Haven and provides 33.5 miles of additional trail.
The modern campground is divided into five loops. Most sites are generous in size with a mix of shaded and sunny sites. Campers can reach the day-use area, set along the Lake Michigan shoreline, via a walking path that’s centrally located in the campground. There are two modern restroom/shower buildings and a children’s play area.
Amenities Dump & Fill Station Two restroom facilities with showers Campers may stay on a site for up to 14 days and are required to vacate the site for at least 2 days before returning. We do not offer weekly or monthly rates.
$50 - $30 / night
Vacation close to the shore of the Great Lakes when you stay at our campground in Covert, Michigan. Make memories lounging on the sandy shores, exploring downtown attractions, touring lighthouses and splashing in the ocean waves. Covert / South Haven KOA Holiday is also near Silver Beach County Park, named one of the top 10 beaches in the United States.
Our RV Sites offer peaceful locations to gather for family activities around the campfire and enjoy a delicious BBQ and s'mores, take part in a card game or watch the activities on the lake. Traditional tent camping provides an outdoorsy experience with stargazing and falling asleep to the sound of nature. The luxury of Deluxe Cabins offers a glamping experience with cozy beds, air conditioning, restrooms and kitchen options. Our RV Sites, Tent Sites, Deluxe Cabins, Glamping Tents, and Camping Cabins also all include Wi-Fi access, so you can stay connected with faraway friends and share your fantastic trip photos with them. Tents are not allowed on RV sites, shade canopy is okay.
Ready to plan your trip camping in South Haven, Michigan? Call 269-764-0818 or reserve your site online today! Your adventure awaits.
Scout
I’m very familiar with Warren Dunes but this was my first time camping here. Great walks and hikes and the short drive to the beach is a plus. The sites aren’t too private and can fill up quickly. The bathrooms were clean and stocked. I read lots of reviews about the noise from the road and nearby highway and I didn’t think it would bother me, but I was wrong. I wish I had some ear plugs because I had difficulty falling asleep. Overall great place, especially for beginner campers as there is a small onsite store for camp basics. Three stars due to noise and not much privacy.
Guide
Lovely area and there’s so many beach areas nearby. Not on the lake but close! Best hike nearby is Mount Baldy! It’s short and you have the beach to yourself!
ScoutConvenient to Indiana dunes, each site is easily accessible and spacious. The facilities are fairly clean and showers are available though we didn’t use them. Would recommend as a stop over. As a solo female traveler I felt safe.
TravelerAdvertised as $25 a night, but you must have an Indiana Dunes park pass, which is only good for this specific park. Site was fine, facilities were decent.
Traveler
Not much to do in surrounding area, but a local get away for us
Traveler
Been coming here since I was little, took a 25 year hiatus from camping. Went back there recently and loved it just like when I was a kid!
Traveler
We stayed at the wooded campground near where u check in, it was busy, and every loud motorcycle going down the road right next to us, was pouring on the exhaust all night long. No alcohol campground also, so everyone had nice tumblers walking around
Guide
Great place for a few days, nice location and close to everything you'll need. Sites were shady, grass and gravel, level and plenty of space in between you and your neighbors. Lots to check out, historical area with lots to learn and see. Train rides on the weekends. Dog stations everywhere, super clean and well kept bathrooms and grounds. Great stay
ScoutThis is a nice national park campground and has all that you would expect from that, but the mosquitos here are insane!!! I came back with giant welts from the bites even with bug spray on. I honestly couldn’t wait to leave!
TravelerStayed for 3 days/2 nights. Place was a little crowded, but once it got dark it was quiet and peaceful. Most spots were fairly out in the open, but we had a nice spot with a few trees hiding us on 3 sides and not too far from water or bathroom trail. Bathrooms were decent and we liked the private showers, warm water!
Overall, great walking paths, hiking and the beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!
The only major downfall was the price of everything at the little store. $6 for an ice cream sandwich!?! No thanks! However, be sure to visit The Beach Bucket for your ice cream cravings on those hot days!! They also have firewood which burned so much better than what the camp store offered.
Guide
Visited here some years back. It was a great place for us with the family. The lake was wonderful. Meeting up with some friends was easy here. They have a nice park area to go with the lake and campground.
Traveler
The camp is under new management and they are friendly and welcoming. I had no issues during my 1 night stay. The camp store is well stocked, and has firewood at a good price.
TravelerSaw that prior new mgmt wasn’t great but I had never been here before and read reviews—-there is now new New mgmt in 2024 and I thought they were great hosts! I will be back for some beach yoga.
TravelerThis was a very nicely managed site. All services you might want, even showers. Our spot wasn’t very closed off from other sites, and you’re not likely to get much privacy here
GuideStayed at site 201 at the Hildebrandt campground. Sites are smallish. Most sites have some shade, but little privacy in between. The scenery wasnt that great, mostly vine like trees you'd see in a flood plain. The water pump was out during our stay and needed to go to the station near the modern campground.
We were scheduled to stay for 3d/2n but plans changed due to weather from hurricane beryl. It started to rain in the first evening and we had a mini creek running through our site. With the amount of rain projected to be on its way we could only imagine it being completely flooded.
Mosquitoes were awful even before the rain. Vault toilets were well taken care of.
If you want quite or the sound of nature, this campground is not for you. You can hear road traffic and trains at all times, especially at night. The general store near the campground entrance is a nice convenience if you forgot something or need ice/fire wood.
It is wonderful though how close the Campground are to Lake Michigan/warren dunes, which is why we stayed.
Scout
Nobody complaining it's big enough if you want to be loud late you can the people that have a rv all year round are all nice and cool I ran in to just about every one all nice I recommend Ruperts resort in Indiana Plymouth 😉 they have showers and restrooms too if it's raining they have huge spots to go out of the rain you can bring corn hole or any game you like to bring plus more than I can say 4th July was grrreeat!
GuideWent with my in laws who have a camper (I typically camp rustic). The site we were at was smaller and narrow. There was also a lot of noise from the I-94 freeway nearby while trying to sleep.
While the hiking was good and the beach beautiful, they don’t allow alcohol which is my favorite post hike/beach activity.
Overall I’d do a day trip for the hiking and beach, but stay elsewhere.
GuideWhile, this state park seems relatively small. The spaces are very big. They have a great little general store. The beach is just down the drive. Mood is mellow and relaxing place. Small con-a little bit of flooding. Despite other reviews online no radiation from the nuclear power plant.
Guide
The sites are randomly laid out and on top of each other. The bathhouse looked bad. You could hike the wooden walkway trails over the dunes easily. Pay to park public beach was very close.the beach area was very nice. Campground was not.
GuideThis campground is a place to stay while you visit the huge dunes. Developed sites are very small and close together. Sand/grass pads that are not defined. Undeveloped or tent area was almost empty and bigger but no electric. Cabin area has best sites. Cabins are small. Limited toilets. Public beach was nice...quite a few people. Separate area for dogs to play on the beach. Hike the dunes for a great workout
ScoutThe place is very good. But the entertainment is fulfil when you play your favourite game. My favourite is Super 9 Game which I played in this game. The game is very unique and full of enjoy. Download it enjoy yourself. The game will refresh you. So, Try it now.
LegendThis is a tough park to get into in the warm months. The back up to get in is crazy. The staff at the booths move things along, but the cars were still backed up a mile.
There are 2 campgrounds. The Lake Macatawa campground is across the street from a small beach on the Macatawa Lake. This is a wooded campground. The sites are pretty tight as is usual for a Michigan State Park. This is where you check in to camp here & at the beach campground. Don't forget or you'll have to turn around & come back!
The best thing about the beach campground is it's closer to Lake Michigan & the campground has beach access. No dogs or bikes on the beach. Sounds good if it was actually enforced. We saw no one getting yelled at, so go ahead & do what you want!
The campground is surrounded by sand dunes on both sides.
This campground is entirely on asphalt. You're not allowed to put anything on the sand- including tents! Crazy.
There's no fire rings at the beach sites. Bring a portable if you want a fire.
The interior sites up to the shower house have full hook up. All others are electric only. There's one restroom/shower house for the whole campground. The showers are individual & we had no trouble getting one in the late afternoon. They look recently remodeled & were SUPER clean!
The best campsite is 348. This site gives you a good view of the beach outside your rig. Other good campsites are 347 & 349, but your door faces away from the beach.
There are trees by the following campsites: 305/309/319/321/323/331. They won't give you a lot of shade, but they look nice.
I would recommend getting a site North of the bath house. You have a shorter walk to the beach. There's a double dump station& that's where you also fill up your water tanks. There's also dumpsters there.
GuideNice Privat Spot and lots of Shade, Train is on Duty all Night Paid $12.50 with my Senior Discount 👍
Scout
Heather and her husband are truly amazing people. There campground is great for small or large groups. I stayed at 34 which is a tent sight and it was perfect. The restrooms and showers were Immaculate. I would recommend Kal-Haven for your next campsite in New Haven MI!
Guide
Small campground good for a visit to Shipshewana or stopover on a long trip. Staff are very nice and helpful, facilities are decent. There is occasional traffic noise due to being close to the road, but not so bad as to keep you from getting sleep. It’s nice to hear the clopping of the horse drawn carriages of the Amish every so often.
Traveler
This is actually our second visit here. It’s only 20 minutes from our home, so we expect to come back many times. It’s a unique location about .5 miles from the actual beach and there’s a path/boardwalk that takes you right there. This is one of the few state parks that has a year-round heated bathroom with shower, so even with our popup camper we were able to take advantage of the decent weather for our first trip of the year. Sites are decent sized and have asphalt driveways with concrete pads. Sites are electric only, but there’s several water fills, even in winter. Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season. Be aware that because it shares an entrance to the state park beach, entering on a summer Saturday or summer Sunday can take upwards of 45 minutes or more.
Scout
There's end of the road privacy and room to roam with a fire pit and firewood. Pop-up Farm Stand usually has seasonal offerings and smore kits.
Beans are fair trade and roasted on site
Fireflies and Starry Evenings.
Starlink Wi-Fi is available.
Bike Shed for tools
interurban allows car free adventure
Camping near St. Joseph, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful nature, fun activities, and family-friendly spots. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping around St. Joseph, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near St. Joseph, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Joseph, MI is Warren Dunes State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 66 reviews.
What parks are near St. Joseph, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near St. Joseph, MI that allow camping, notably Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
