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Best Campgrounds near St. Joseph, MI

710 Reviews

Several good camping options surround Saint Joseph, Michigan. Warren Dunes State Park Campground has beach access and hiking trails that many campers enjoy. Potato Creek State Park Campground sits nearby with private sites and plenty of trails for hiking and biking. Michigan City Campground maintains clean facilities with staff who know the area well. These campgrounds range from beachfront areas to wooded sites depending on what you prefer. Mosquitoes can be bad in summer, so bring repellent. Check on current fire rules before lighting a campfire as restrictions change seasonally. You should book ahead, especially from June through August when sites fill quickly. Most places accommodate both tents and RVs with varying levels of hookups. Lake Michigan is close enough for fishing trips and kayaking from many of these sites. Some campgrounds sit near highways, which means road noise might be an issue at night. Saint Joseph has camping that works for quiet getaways or family trips with kids. Pack for changing weather and take time to check out the natural areas around the lake.

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Best Camping Sites Near St. Joseph, Michigan (92)

    1. Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 426-4013

    "Happened upon this Gem when driving the coast of Lake Michigan.  Watched the solar eclipse from the beach.   The DBR had a viewing area setup for adults and kids.  "

    "I’m 36 now, so it’s safe to say that I pretty much know the park like the back of my hand, and it truly has become a home away from home. Actually I prefer being there over my main home."

    2. Weko Beach Campground

    20 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 465-3406

    $50 - $30 / night

    "Great camp ground just a stones throw away from Lake Michigan. Sites are on the smaller side but we’re tent campers so it worked for us! Nice bathroom facilities."

    "Really nice campground with a few cabins on Lake Michigan. Campsites are about 1/2 mile walk or less to the beach. Nice facilities, and overall kept up very well."

    3. Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday

    14 Reviews
    Watervliet, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 849-3333

    $60 - $120 / night

    "Showers close by. All in all we had a great first experience and would recommend this campground. Very close to Lake Michigan and the beach!"

    "The store has everything you could need and if they don't, there is a gas station right outside of entrance. Close to the lake, will visit again!"

    4. Van Buren State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 637-2788

    "Not only is it a short distance from our home but it is a short walk to Lake Michigan! The campground has tree-lined lots and some of the loops are very wooded."

    "Walkable access to Lake Michigan is unbeatable! Bathrooms are very clean."

    5. Covert Park Beach & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 764-1421

    $40 - $100 / night

    "Pros: Lake Michigan is right there! We walked down to sunset and it was a 5 min walk max."

    "Close to beach of Lake Michigan. Walk in primitive tent site is what I stayed at. Many other sites available. Quiet at night. Great staff"

    6. Shamrock Park

    11 Reviews
    Berrien Springs, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 473-5691

    $10 - $50 / night

    "St. Joseph River. Open all year. Many long term campers. $35 gets you a level full hook up site with WiFi. Very clean and well maintained with friendly staff."

    "St. Joseph River. The grounds are mostly open with little shade, but we had a tent site by the river and trees."

    7. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

    17 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 764-0818

    "Nice very busy pool and slide, play areas, walking trail, camp store with hot food. Not far from Lake Michigan and places to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Check it out you'll be happy you did."

    "This is a great place to camp with young children, as there are many activities around the camp. It is family owned and operated and you can tell- warm and friendly."

    8. Thousand Trails Bear Cave

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

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

    "It is close to the Redbud Moto Cross track, Fernwood Botanical Gardens(which offers hiking), in the heart of West Michigan’s Wine Country, Warren Dunes(Lake Michigan), Silver Beach(**St. **"

    9. Eden Springs Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Watervliet, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 927-3302

    "Eden Springs Campground & RV Park in Benton Harbor, Michigan, run by camp manager Cindy, may well be one of our favorite small town parks! "

    "You can walk around the campground and check out the restoration on these early buildings (and a flower bed shaped like a battle ship), take a train ride with the kids around part of the grounds, and hang"

    10. Dune Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 764-8941

    "Close to Lake Michigan and South Haven. Nice swimming lake with a shallow area that’s great for kids. Quiet, family oriented and well maintained."

    "This is a beautiful campsite with lots of good nature around. The primitive sites are the best in the area but the partial hookup sites are also beautiful."

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Recent Camping Photos near St. Joseph, MI

221 Photos of 92 St. Joseph Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near St. Joseph, MI

710 Reviews of 92 St. Joseph Campgrounds

Guide to St. Joseph

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds have trails that let you enjoy the local flora and fauna. For instance, at Potato Creek State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "Great spacing between sites and offers miles of hiking and biking trails."
  • Beach Access: If you love the water, check out Warren Dunes State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
  • Fishing and Kayaking: Many campgrounds, like Fort Custer Recreation Area, are near lakes and rivers. One reviewer noted, "Fishing, kayaking on the lake."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground said, "Clean br/shower houses. Would recommend."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. At Michigan City Campground, a camper remarked, "The staff is great. Very helpful and will work with you on taking care of your campsite."
  • Privacy Between Sites: Campers enjoy having space. One reviewer at Fort Custer Recreation Area mentioned, "Lots of privacy."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Warren Dunes State Park Campground warned, "Mosquitoes were awful even before the rain."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Van Buren State Park Campground said, "Nearby highway noise which I dislike."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Many campgrounds fill up quickly in summer. A camper at Lake Michigan Campground noted, "This is a very popular beach campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Playgrounds: Look for spots that have playgrounds for kids. At Potato Creek State Park Campground, one family said, "Great playground on the east side of the first loop."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Weko Beach Campground mentioned, "The beach area was very nice."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make things easier. A camper at Michigan City Campground said, "The camp store is well stocked."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lake Michigan Campground mentioned, "The sites are close together and the fire rings are small."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need water and electricity, check for campgrounds that offer these amenities. A visitor at Fort Custer Recreation Area noted, "The showers and bathrooms are fine."
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially in summer. A camper at Indiana Dunes State Park Campground advised, "Very popular campground so you do have to book well in advance during regular season."

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

How much does camping cost in St. Joseph, Michigan?

Camping costs in St. Joseph area vary by amenities and location. Shamrock Park offers full hookup sites for $35 per night, making it an affordable option with WiFi included. For budget-conscious campers seeking monthly rates, Eden Springs Park Campground in nearby Benton Harbor provides excellent value at approximately $375 for a full month. Prices typically increase for premium locations and amenities, with state parks in the region generally charging $25-45 per night depending on the season and hookup options. Most campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays and may have different rates for tent sites versus RV sites with full hookups.

Where are the best campgrounds in St. Joseph, Michigan?

The St. Joseph area offers several exceptional camping options. Thousand Trails Bear Cave stands out with its unique attraction of an actual cave you can tour, beautiful waterfall, and location on the banks of the St. Joseph River. It features a heated pool, playground, and spacious sites with fire pits and picnic tables. For those seeking a premium experience, Michigan City Campground just a short drive away offers beautifully maintained grounds with 90-foot pull-through sites, 50A service, cement patios, and exceptional WiFi. Other highly-rated options include Warren Dunes State Park for beach access and Covert Park for its proximity to Lake Michigan. The best choice depends on your priorities: riverside relaxation, family activities, or beach access.

Is beach camping available near Silver Beach in St. Joseph?

While direct camping on Silver Beach itself isn't permitted, several nearby options provide beach access. Covert Park Beach & Campground offers camping with beach access, though you'll want to bring extra utility lines as hookups are sometimes positioned awkwardly. For a true beach camping experience, Weko Beach Campground in Bridgman provides sites close to Lake Michigan's shoreline. Silver Beach visitors typically stay at campgrounds within a short drive and make day trips to the beach. For those prioritizing Lake Michigan views, Holland State Park campgrounds and Warren Dunes State Park also offer beach proximity within a reasonable drive from St. Joseph. Reserve early for summer weekends as these lakeside sites fill quickly.

What are the camping options for long-term stays in St. Joseph?

St. Joseph offers several excellent long-term camping options. Eden Springs Park Campground in nearby Benton Harbor is particularly well-suited for extended stays, offering monthly rates around $375 with well-maintained facilities and a quiet atmosphere. Local favorite Shamrock Park accommodates many long-term campers with full hookup sites at reasonable rates, operating year-round on the St. Joseph River. When considering extended stays, ask about monthly rate discounts, winter availability (some parks remain open year-round), and specific long-term amenities like mail service and laundry facilities. Be aware that some campgrounds may have waiting lists for extended stays during peak season, so advance planning is essential. Most long-term options provide full hookups and are RV-oriented.

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