RV sites near Union Pier, Michigan offer accessible lake camping in southwestern Michigan, where sandy soil and mature forests characterize the landscape. Most campgrounds in the region sit within 10-15 miles of Lake Michigan beaches, with sites available from April through October. Seasonal temperature variations affect camping conditions, with summer highs averaging 80-85°F and cooler nights in spring and fall.
What to do
Fishing spots: Bear Cave offers river fishing along the St. Joseph River with boat launch and dock access. "The resort sits on the St. Joseph river & this park has a boat ramp & dock for fishing," notes one camper at Thousand Trails Bear Cave.
Lake Michigan beaches: Most campgrounds provide access to Lake Michigan within a 15-minute drive. At Weko Beach Campground, "The beach is cool! You can drive right up," though a reviewer mentions daytime parking costs $10 beyond the campground fee.
Hiking trails: The dunes offer unique hiking experiences with varying difficulty levels. "If you are able, do the 3 dune challenge. It wasn't easy for this old body, but I was glad to have marked it off my list," shares a visitor to Indiana Dunes State Park.
Blueberry picking: Some campgrounds integrate farming activities. At Covert/South Haven KOA, "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!"
What campers like
Cave exploration: Unique natural features draw campers to certain sites. At Thousand Trails Bear Cave, "There is actually a cave in the campground that you can take a tour of while you are here... There is also a waterfall right next to the cave."
Family activities: Organized events keep younger campers engaged. "Lots of kid activities. Brand new pool and a decent little gift shop for snacks and random odds and ends," reports a camper at Bear Cave. Another mentions "the barrel train ride is a lot of fun for the whole family" at Covert/South Haven KOA.
Security features: Some RV parks near Union Pier prioritize security. "Great staff and a very clean location to camp," states a visitor to Michigan City Campground, while another notes, "Love the secure entrance and key card access."
Natural shade: Mature trees provide relief from summer heat. Weko Beach offers "a gorgeous campground. Yes, the spots are small and yes there's lots of seasonal campers, but everyone is super friendly and you can't get closer to this gorgeous beach. The entire campground is wooded with huge trees."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Water access varies by season. At Bear Cave, the popular attraction may have limited availability: "The cave was closed with no plan to reopen in 2025. But even without the cave there was still a playground, pool and little walking trail near the waterfall."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service and internet access vary widely. "No internet, no cell service," reports one Bear Cave camper, while another notes, "If you want wifi then its 5.95 per day or if you're here for a week + then 34.95 for the month up to 4 devices is your best bet."
Beach parking costs: Additional fees may apply for beach access. "To park in the daytime is $10, on top of the campground fee," notes a Weko Beach visitor about the parking situation.
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. At Indiana Dunes State Park Campground, "The only reason I rate this park a three is that it's very close to train lines and the trains going through and blasting their horns all night long."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas. "This is a nice, family friendly campground. Lots of very friendly other campers, a heated pool, playground for the kids, nice size lots with fire pits," reports a Bear Cave visitor.
Multi-generational options: Some parks accommodate various comfort levels. At Elkhart RV Resort, "The kids used the pool, which was a bit cold but large. We ordered pizza from the store, which was delivered to the site quickly. My grandson said it was very good."
Scheduled activities: Weekend programming keeps families engaged. At Maple Ridge Campground, "Owner operator campground where the family knows how to cater to the kids. Multiple activities on Saturday included tractor ride, kids bingo, and elephant ears."
Playground access: Recreation facilities vary by location. "There is a pool, playground, nice walking areas," reports a Bear Cave camper, while Maple Ridge offers "Playground, pool, activities for the family, updated bathhouse!!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Premium sites offer additional amenities. Michigan City Campground provides "90 ft premium pull through spot. Nice campground that is maintained. There is a pool, fishing pond, and playground for kids."
Leveling challenges: Terrain affects setup requirements. At Weko Beach, "The only challenge is that most of the camp spots are not level so bring your levelers!"
RV size limitations: Not all parks accommodate larger rigs. Bear Cave "is a 1st come 1st serve choose your own camp site. Most of the full hookups are taken 1st by the annuals," and "The only sewer hook-ups are all taken by seasonal campers."
Amenity access: Service availability varies by season and location. "There is an onsite honeypot which will suck out your tanks for $10 each time around," notes a Bear Cave reviewer, while Indiana Dunes provides "electric only but that didn't really bother us—we just showed up with the water tank full and other tanks empty."