Camping options near Three Oaks, Michigan span across state lines with sites in both Michigan and Indiana. The region sits at low elevation along Lake Michigan's eastern shore, creating a microclimate that extends the camping season from early spring through late fall. Sandy soil conditions throughout the area impact site stability, particularly for larger vehicles during wet weather.
What to do
Lake activities and fishing: At Thousand Trails Bear Cave in Buchanan, campers can enjoy water recreation on the St. Joseph River. "The campground is on the banks of the St. Joseph River in southwest Michigan. There is a boat launch and a few docks that can be used," notes Jerry S. The park also features "a heated pool, playground for the kids, nice size lots with fire pits, picnic tables, electric& water (including at tent sites)."
Explore local wineries: The Three Oaks region has numerous wineries within 15-20 minute drives of most campgrounds. Weko Beach Campground offers proximity to these attractions. "The town of Bridgman is super cute. Three local breweries are in town, along with a wine tasting room and local food restaurants," shares Kelsey G.
Dune climbing: Lake Michigan's eastern shore features impressive sand dunes for hiking and exploration. "Mt. Randall is the high dune to climb but not for the faint of heart!!! And beware, the sand does get HOT midday," advises Heidi S. about Warren Dunes State Park. The height and steepness of dunes vary significantly between beach access points.
What campers like
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access without requiring a boat trip elsewhere. At Thousand Trails Bear Cave, campers appreciate the on-site fishing. "Nice river fishing, nice stream scenery, big rec center," mentions Dawn T., though she also notes there is "no internet, pool needs repaired, no cell service."
Private bodies of water: Some campgrounds feature their own lakes or ponds rather than just Lake Michigan access. "This campground has a private lake which is surrounded by farmland. Lots of primitive sites right next to the lake. Fire rings with no grate," reports j S. about Lakeside RV Resort.
Recreational amenities: Many campgrounds offer activities beyond water recreation. At Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, "the wi-fi is great. The pool and playground area is nicely laid out. We ordered food from the store and they brought it right to our site," shares Rodney D., who adds that "the beaches of Lake Michigan are within 15 minutes or so."
What you should know
Variable cell service: Connectivity varies widely between and even within campgrounds. At Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney, campers report stronger signals than at more remote parks, though no campground guarantees full coverage. The resort is "really close to grand design. We stayed here to go tour the manufacturers process," notes Robert P.
Campsite layouts: Many campgrounds feature unique site arrangements that affect privacy. At Warren Dunes State Park, sites are set up "two together, at least in the part we were in. One site beside another without any buffer of bushes or trees, so potentially, you could be sharing an area with perfect strangers," according to Amy G.
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary significantly between parks. Some campers note exceptional cleanliness: "The shower and bathroom was the best I ever saw at a campground," reports Name at Maple Ridge Campground. Others find issues: "Bathrooms need work but I have my own so it didn't really affect me," states Rhonda B.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Some parks specifically cater to families with structured programming. "We camp here every year with our family since it is perfectly halfway between us, in Michigan, and my family in Chicago. The kids love the activities and the pool and my family who are not necessarily 'outdoorsy' love that they can sleep in an air conditioned cabin with cable!" shares Lisa P. about Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday.
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature multiple play areas. "There are multiple playgrounds for the kiddos. Great paths for walking or biking," according to Traci J. at Warren Dunes State Park. Some parks maintain separate play areas for different age groups.
Kid-friendly beach access: When considering beach trips, factor in the walk from campsites. At Weko Beach, "You can't get closer to the beach than at these beach access campsites. Nightly sunsets here will knock your sandals off," writes Kelsey G., though she cautions about "sandy campsite: this campground is not paved since it is in and amongst the dunes. Therefor, the soil is sandy and often soft."
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces: Soil composition affects leveling and stability throughout the region. Some parks offer more stable foundations than others. At South Bend Elkhart North KOA, "The sites were set with nice gravel onto a cement patio surrounded by large trees. So it had the nice feel of outside with no mud and dirt tracked into our pull through RV site," Joan notes.
Weekend vs. weekday availability: Seasonal occupation patterns affect site availability. "A majority of the RV sites here are occupied by locals who buy out the spot for the season and come in to enjoy it on the weekends," observes Kelsey G. about Weko Beach Campground, suggesting midweek visits offer better chances for prime spots.
Pump service options: For RVs without full hookups, knowing pump service details is crucial. At Thousand Trails Bear Cave, "This is a 1st come 1st serve choose your own camp site. Most of the full hookups are taken 1st by the annuals. Sucks really but they do have an onsite honeypot which will suck out your tanks for $10 each time around," explains Jack.
