Saugatuck camping options span elevations from 600-800 feet above sea level, with Lake Michigan shoreline access situated around 580 feet. Many campsites experience temperature fluctuations of 30-40°F between daytime highs and overnight lows during peak summer months. Most RV parks near Saugatuck remain operational from April through October, closing for the winter season.
What to do
Blueberry picking: During summer months, Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday offers on-site blueberry patches where campers can harvest fresh berries. "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," notes one visitor. The campground sits approximately 14 miles from South Haven's downtown area.
Fishing: Hidden Ridge RV Resort provides a stocked pond for catch-and-release fishing. "There is a pond for cat and release fishing, and a great slip and slide for the kids on a hot day," according to a recent camper. The fishing area remains accessible throughout the camping season from April through October.
Biking trails: Access the Kal-Haven bike trail from South Haven for extensive rides. "We rode 47 miles round trip from Bloomingdale to Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo," reports one cyclist who stayed at Covert/South Haven KOA. The paved Lakelands biking trail connects multiple recreation areas within a 15-minute drive from several campgrounds.
What campers like
Activities for children: Woodchip Campground arranges regular planned activities for younger visitors. "We love this as an easy getaway close to home. There are campsites in a circle around the playground, so you can sit at your site and watch the kids play," mentions one family. The campground features a jumping pillow, pool, and seasonal themed events including fall pumpkin decorating.
Pool facilities: Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation maintains meticulously cleaned pool areas. A recent visitor observed, "Bathroom, showers and pool were clean and looked like brand new. The owners take a lot of pride in the place." This family-owned campground operates from April 1 to November 1, longer than many seasonal options in the region.
Waterfront access: Eastpointe RV Resort offers direct river frontage with boat slips. "They have access to a dog park as well. Home away from home," notes a reviewer who appreciated the water access combined with amenities. The resort delivers firewood directly to campsites and collects trash from individual sites, eliminating trips to central disposal areas.
What you should know
Site spacing: Campgrounds vary significantly in site separation. At Hidden Ridge, "Spacing was generous between locations" while at Woodchip Campground, "Sites were very tight. We enjoyed being right on playground." Sites with playground visibility typically book first during peak season.
Cell service: Beyond the Verizon coverage mentioned in the existing description, AT&T service remains spotty at campgrounds more than 5 miles inland from Lake Michigan. T-Mobile coverage improves significantly within 2 miles of major highways but deteriorates in wooded areas.
Reservation timing: For summer weekends, reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance. Holiday weekends often book 6-9 months ahead, particularly at Sunny Brook RV Resort where concrete pads and lakefront sites fill earliest. According to a camper: "All concrete, gated, beach in a small lake, basketball court, fishing, pools, and lots of grass for the dogs."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites that allow supervision from your campsite. Woodchip Campground arranges "campsites in a circle around the playground, so you can sit at your site and watch the kids play." Playground-adjacent sites typically cost $5-10 more per night but eliminate constant trips back and forth.
Activity planning: Many campgrounds schedule regular events throughout the week. At Hidden Ridge RV Resort, "Children's activities are planned throughout the week and adult activities, as well," making it unnecessary to leave the grounds for entertainment.
Transportation options: Several campgrounds offer rental vehicles for getting around larger properties. "We rented a golf cart from them, which our kids had a blast just going for rides around the campground," notes a Hidden Ridge camper. Rental rates average $50-75 per day depending on season and vehicle type.
Tips from RVers
Approach routes: Larger RVs should approach from highways rather than county roads. Dutch Treat Camping offers "sites that are level with full hookups 50 amp" and notes "easy access off highway" making it suitable for larger units. A recent visitor confirms: "Drove in with our class A pulling a trailer and called ahead, friendly staff was able to accommodate us with a pull through spot that was easy access."
Parking surfaces: Concrete pad availability varies significantly between parks. While Sandy Pines RV Resort features more basic setups, Sunny Brook RV Resort provides "all concrete" sites that remain level regardless of weather conditions, reducing the need for stabilizing equipment.
Seasonal maintenance: Most RV parks near Saugatuck perform water system maintenance in April and October during opening and closing weeks. Water pressure fluctuations commonly occur during these periods. Several campgrounds drain water systems completely by November 1, with Dutch Treat Camping being one of the last to close for the season.
