Tent camping around Union Pier, Michigan offers sandy camping options within a short drive of Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline. The region sits on glacial deposits that created the distinctive dune landscape, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F. Many campgrounds in this area have adapted to the sandy soil conditions by creating level tent pads or designating specific areas for tent camping away from RV sections.
What to do
Blueberry picking season: Campers staying at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday can pick fresh blueberries right on the property during summer months. "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!" notes camper Cindy B.
Bike riding access: The Kal-Haven bike trail connects South Haven to Kalamazoo, offering extensive riding opportunities. "We rode 47 miles round trip from Bloomingdale to Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo," reports one cyclist who stayed at Covert/South Haven KOA.
Swimming options: Beyond beaches, several campgrounds offer on-site swimming. Shady Point Campground provides lake access for campers. As Nicole P. explains, "It sits on Bair Lake and was great for swimming. The bathroom and showers were well maintained."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Central Avenue Walk-in Sites at Indiana Dunes National Park features strategically placed campsites. The campground layout includes "Site one is the only site on the front end of the trail. You have to walk all the way down and take a left before you find sites 5, 4, 3, and 2 in that order."
Family activities: Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday receives positive feedback for its organized events. "They have movie nights, we met Disney characters, did crafts, and enjoyed the barrel train & ice cream sundaes," reports Cassie B., who appreciated the campground's compact layout.
Convenience to beaches: Tent campers value proximity to Lake Michigan. At Sweet Cherry Resort, tent sites occupy a dedicated area with parking nearby. While sites are grouped together, the location provides excellent beach access, just "a 3 minute drive to a public beach with great swimming and a beautiful sunset."
What you should know
Site conditions vary: Some campgrounds struggle with drainage during rainy periods. One camper at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA noted: "Our site was horrid- a full hook up with a fire pit in the mud pond. We had mosquito soup for the rear of our very small campsite."
Walk-in requirements: Campside Michigan offers only four tent sites in a walk-in setting. Campers must park and carry their gear to the designated camping area, so packing efficiently is important.
Seasonal nature: Most campgrounds operate only from spring through fall. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday specifically runs "Apr 17 to Oct 18," while American Campground operates "May 1 to October 31," with many facilities closing after Labor Day.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Campgrounds with pools and organized activities provide built-in entertainment. "Heated pool and lots of activities for kids," notes Amy J. about her annual trips to Covert/South Haven KOA.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping or with mixed outdoor enthusiasm, Camp Shabbona Woods offers an entry point. "Camp suite is set up very well for first time campers or new people interested in trying out camping," explains Scott M., though he cautions the "campgrounds do not have a lot of shade as new saplings are still growing."
Evaluate bathroom facilities: Family camping requires clean restroom access. At Shady Point Campground, one family staying 4 nights found "The bathroom and showers were well maintained" and appreciated the "well stocked store with very reasonable prices."
Tips from RVers
Gate closure policies: Some campgrounds restrict late-night access. At Camp Shabbona Woods, Jeffrey L. reported: "They close the gates after 10pm was weird but overall ok."
Weather preparedness: The Lake Michigan shoreline can experience severe weather. At Lakeside Campground, primarily filled with seasonal campers, owners "were super nice and found room for us for one night layover" when travelers needed shelter.
RV site quality varies: Reviews indicate significant differences in site conditions even within the same campground. "Our site was horrid... It was a very expensive glorified parking spot," reported one RVer at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA, while others at the same location praised their spacious, shaded sites.
