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Best Tent Camping near South Haven, MI

586 Reviews

The Lake Michigan shoreline near South Haven, Michigan offers several tent camping options within a 20-minute drive of the town's popular beaches. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday provides dedicated tent campsites with both drive-in and walk-in access, operating from April 17 to October 18. For tent-only camping experiences, Sunflower Farm Camping features four walk-in tent sites in a more intimate setting. WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite offers a unique primitive tent camping experience with boat-in access along the Kalamazoo River, making it ideal for paddlers seeking backcountry tent camping opportunities. Sweet Cherry Resort also maintains walk-in tent sites that provide a more secluded camping experience.

Tent sites throughout the South Haven region vary in terrain and amenities. Most established campgrounds provide level, sandy sites typical of Michigan's western shore. Covert/South Haven KOA offers clean facilities with showers and toilets, while more primitive options like Pine Point Campground provide basic amenities with vault toilets but no showers. Firewood is available for purchase at most locations, though prices vary. Water access differs significantly between campgrounds, with KOAs offering drinking water and full facilities, while more remote tent-only sites may require campers to bring their own water supplies. The camping season generally runs from spring through mid-fall, with most tent campgrounds closing by late October.

Tent campers seeking quieter experiences often prefer the walk-in sites at Sweet Cherry Resort, where one visitor noted that "tent sites are all in one cleared area that is a short walk from the parking spots" with clean facilities and proximity to Lake Michigan beaches. At WaterTrail Ventures, campers reported excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and complimentary firewood. The Covert/South Haven KOA, while family-oriented, offers tent campers level sites with good shade. According to reviews, the campground becomes "very quiet after 9pm when everything closes," making it suitable for tent campers who prefer established facilities. The region's proximity to Lake Michigan beaches remains a primary draw, with most tent campgrounds positioned within a 15-minute drive of public beach access.

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Best Tent Sites Near South Haven, Michigan (17)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near South Haven, MI

17 Photos of 17 South Haven Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near South Haven, MI

586 Reviews of 17 South Haven Campgrounds

  • Cindy B.
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Kal-Haven Outpost

    Super convenient to the Kal Haven Bike Trail

    This was a nice campground right on the Kal Haven Trail - about 4 miles from South Haven. The RV camping is in a circle in the center of the campground near the bathhouse with cabins and tent camping on the perimeter. There were some very nice woods with paths leading to the Kal Haven and around the campground. 

    It was so convenient to be able to bike ride, hike, or run on the trail that I hesitate to offer any critique - but I will. The sites and the roads in the campground are all dirt so while we were there it was exceptionally dusty. I could imagine that when they have a lot of rain, it is exceptionally muddy. 

    Check out the blue stairs beach at Lake Michigan (accessible in South Haven), Barden's Market for fresh baked goods and vegetables, the Depot for sandwiches, wine and beer, and 3 Blonds Brewery - good food and beer.  In addition to the Kal Haven, you can access the Van Buren State Park Trail in South Haven. It is a 4-mile paved trail running from South Haven to the Van Buren State Park.

  • Hannah S.
    Jun. 25, 2020

    Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

    Nice shady, sandy spots not far from South Haven

    Good spots for RV/pull behind/tents. Clean facilities and only a 20 min drive from South Haven’s beautiful beaches!

  • T
    Apr. 15, 2021

    Ely Lake Campground

    Keyword: RUSTIC

    This is our "home base" campground. It's familiar. We've been coming here for decades. Comfortable, and quiet(for the most part).

    Caveat: no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Can run your generator(inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover.

    Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water. There is a dumpster available in the busier parts of the season but this campground is open year round.

    No playground. Just the beach and the trails.

    Sites range from small tent sites to fairly large, but the "roads" inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels.

    In short, if you want a quiet getaway from your usual then this is a great place to go. If you're expecting a pool, arcade, and dining hall... Look elsewhere.

  • Shane S.
    Jul. 14, 2018

    Van Buren State Park Campground

    A favorite Michigan spot

    This is one of our favorite camping spots in Michigan. We love it for its location to South Haven and because it’s a great state park and campground.

    The campground has modern amenities such as toilets and showers. The beach restrooms are modern and clean as well.

    The dunes are beautiful and this is clean beach with clear water. Hike or bike to the beach from the campground or drive over. There’s plenty of parking.

    Do bring water shoes. The beaches of the East Lake Michigan shore tend to be rocky and this one is no exception. Also be sure to heed the flag system for beach safety. Lake Michigan rip currents are nothing to take lightly. There are no lifeguards at this beach.

    Be sure to take a trip into town for ice cream at Sherman’s!

    P.S. The sunset over the lake is a must see

  • Cindy B.
    Apr. 30, 2020

    Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

    Perfect campground if you like blueberries!

    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! The campground is nice with camping sites that are level and roomy. It has a nice pool and play areas, but the real attraction are the blueberry patches! The campground is only about 14 miles from South Haven where you can shop in a charming downtown, go to a spacious beach or catch the Kal-Haven bike trail to Kalamazoo. We rode 47 miles round trip from Bloomingdale to Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo.

  • R. B.
    Jun. 25, 2018

    Kal-Haven Outpost

    Great place to bike to, spacious cabins, amazing staff

    A group of us bike from Kalamazoo to South Haven every year using the Kal-Haven trail. We usually tent camp but tried a cabin here this year. It was the perfect option as the campground is right off the trail. They provide linens and have basic supplies (including firewood that they will deliver to your cabin) right at the general store. We also met a group that had hiked in to the primative sites and were using the trail to train for the Appalachian Trail. Everything is well-made and maintained, and the staff is friendly and helpful (they even let us check-in early when we biked in ahead of schedule). Highly recommend for those looking for a place close to the trail and to South Haven. The cabins have three queen beds and a sofa sleeper so they can comfortably hold up to eight people (we had five in our group and I never felt crowded). 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. They are hoping to expand and add cabins sized for couples in the near future.

  • u
    Jun. 25, 2023

    Kal-Haven Outpost

    We'll be back!!

    Beautiful campground, organized set up. They don't try to see how many campsites they can pile on each other. The tent camping (where we stayed) had the largest campsite I've ever camped on for tents. You can choose between no shade, some shade, or deep woods. We LOVED the no shade. It had grass for our dog and beautiful star gazing. The cabins were in their own section. The RVS and campers circled around the bathroom house. All tent camping was south of the campground in their own little spot as well. All the extra space throughout the campground they used as walking trails. Very relaxing.

    The nicest bathrooms and showers I have ever seen at a campground.

    And the goats behind the entrance are very friendly!!

    Very close to downtown South Haven!

    We will definitely be back again. We may even do at least one annual trip a year.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort-South Haven, MI

    This is my top pick for South Haven

    Although this campground has great amenities, a pool, clean showers, and good sites/cabins, it is hard to book. If you know you are going to come to this area and camp, you need to book it a while in advance. I have used a pop-up and there was good space between campers. When I tent camped, we had a great spot near the cafe, the showers are amazing over there, they are more secluded. Our tent spot had electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. We camped on the grass and there is gravel to park your car. This campground is a perfect place to stay when visiting surrounding towns and going to the beach.

    Don’t forget to go to Sherman’s!!

    There was a forecast or rain, don’t mind the tarp

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Brookside City Park

    Beautiful super small camping in town

    The campsites are located past the playground and shelter. Just keep driving down the road that looks like an alley. There is a wonderful place set up for just a few campers. 

    A couple sites are for tents only and the others are standard sites. There are a few trees by the sites but it’s mostly open area. Portable toilets are at the end of the camping area and in the playground area. The playground is a day use area for town so expect to meet some locals. 

    Driving just down the street takes you to the police station. This is where you register for the site. Town is around you and ready to explore. There are a few train tracks and industrial businesses which provide a bit of noise along with traffic. For us, the noise just slid right into the background. 

    This is a great place for a low price.

Guide to South Haven

Tent camping near South Haven, Michigan offers a delightful escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

  • This campground features spacious sites and a well-stocked camp store, perfect for grabbing essentials or indulging in delicious ice cream and pizza.
  • Families will appreciate the clean bathrooms and showers, along with kid-friendly activities like a splash pad and jump park.
  • With a close proximity to Lake Michigan, it's an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy both camping and beach activities.

Tips for tent camping near South Haven

  • Consider staying at the Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, where you can enjoy a variety of amenities including a swimming pool and organized activities for kids.
  • Be prepared for a rustic experience at Silver Creek County Park, which offers equestrian trails and a peaceful environment for nature lovers.
  • If you're looking for a cozy spot, WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite provides a serene setting with opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy the convenience of nearby attractions when camping at Sweet Cherry Resort, just a short drive from beautiful public beaches.
  • Families can have fun with various activities at Sandy Pines RV Resort and Campground, which offers a range of kid-friendly events throughout the season.
  • For a unique experience, visit East Lake Camping, where you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and relaxing by the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near South Haven, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near South Haven, MI is Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday with a 4.7-star rating from 17 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near South Haven, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near South Haven, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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