Saugatuck, Michigan lies along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan with elevations ranging from 580 to 650 feet above sea level. The region features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making summer and early fall the prime camping periods when temperatures average 75-85°F during the day. Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, with limited winter camping options due to Michigan's heavy lake-effect snowfall.
What to do
Kayaking and wildlife viewing: Access the Kalamazoo River from WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite for an immersive water experience. "We kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for," notes Jeremy K., who appreciated the natural setting.
Biking the Kal-Haven Trail: The 33.5-mile trail connects South Haven to Kalamazoo with camping access points along the way. Kal-Haven Outpost sits directly on the trail. One visitor shared, "A group of us bike from Kalamazoo to South Haven every year using the Kal-Haven trail... the campground is right off the trail."
Beach activities at Lake Michigan: The shoreline near Saugatuck offers swimming and sunbathing from May through September. "Great swimming, in a very private area. It also has great trails for walking," mentions Karlina L. about the beach access at WaterTrail Ventures. Water temperatures peak in August at around 70°F.
What campers like
Modern bathroom facilities: Campers consistently highlight clean, well-maintained facilities at Holland State Park Campground. "Clean restrooms and showers," notes Lindsey R., adding that the campground provides "a nice fire ring" despite tighter spacing typical of Michigan state parks.
Peaceful camping atmosphere: Several locations offer quieter, more secluded options than found at larger resorts. "This little campground is definitely off the beaten path," writes Jeremy K. about WaterTrail Ventures. The campground provides a more intimate setting with smaller crowds than state parks.
Convenient lake access: Proximity to Lake Michigan and inland lakes ranks high for campers. Covert Park Beach & Campground earns praise for its location: "We walked down to sunset and it was a 5 min walk max. I'll stay at any campground to have Lake Michigan in walking distance," explains Melissa M.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Holland State Park and other popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. "It is hard to get into this campground so make your reservations early," advises Lydia T. Bookings typically open 6 months ahead for state parks and 3-12 months ahead for private campgrounds.
Site spacing varies significantly: Many campgrounds feature tight sites, particularly at state parks. "The sites are extremely close to each other separated by heavy rope attached to posts," notes Daniel S. about Covert Park. RV sites at Sunny Brook RV Resort offer more spacious concrete pads.
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty at some campgrounds. "Cellular data was poor in the campground and on the beach - we needed a 5-minute drive to get good Verizon coverage," reports Chris M. about Covert Park Beach & Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-focused amenities: Hungry Horse Campground caters specifically to families with younger children. "We have two young girls and they had plenty to do all week during our stay. Multiple playgrounds, toddler pool and regular pool, jump pad, and lots of room to run around," shares Jeremy D.
Beach safety awareness: Lake Michigan can have strong currents. Holland State Park provides designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak summer. "It's about location not comfort," explains one reviewer, noting that the main appeal is beach access rather than spacious campsites.
Weekend activity planning: Many campgrounds schedule family events on weekends. Vivianne M. appreciated that Hungry Horse Campground "offered social activities on the weekends for people to meet one another" including wagon rides and craft sessions.
Tips from RVers
Utility hookup placement: Check site maps carefully before booking. At Covert Park Beach & Campground, "most sites the electrical box and water hook up is on the wrong side of the site. Bring extra line... we have 50ft hose so we were fine there (line goes through the middle of the site) and 25ft electrical and had to re-adjust the camper a few times so it would reach," cautions Melissa M.
Pull-through availability: For easier setup with larger rigs, Kal-Haven Outpost gets high marks. "All spots are pull through. And all spots are close to the bathrooms," notes Kit S. The campground accommodates various RV sizes with level sites.
Glamping close to Saugatuck, Michigan: For those seeking upscale camping experiences near Saugatuck, several options exist beyond traditional sites. At Kal-Haven Outpost, "the cabins have three queen beds and a sofa sleeper so they can comfortably hold up to eight people... There's a large table inside and two chairs on the porch. There's also a large picnic table outside, a fire pit, and a grill," explains R.B., making it an excellent glamping destination just minutes from Saugatuck attractions.
