Camping near Vandalia, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do
- Hiking and Beach Access: Many campgrounds are close to Lake Michigan, providing great hiking trails and beach access. For instance, at Warren Dunes State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Overall, great walking paths, hiking and the beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
- Fishing and Water Activities: If you enjoy fishing, Shamrock Park is a good spot. A camper noted, "What impressed me most was that they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks."
- Exploring Nature: Potato Creek State Park Campground offers miles of hiking and biking trails. One visitor shared, "Great spacing between sites and offers miles of hiking and biking trails."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Van Buren State Park Campground stated, "Camp is clean and quiet. Bathrooms and showers are clean."
- Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have friendly staff who enhance the camping experience. A visitor at Covert Park Beach & Campground mentioned, "The camp is under new management and they are friendly and welcoming."
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space to set up their tents or RVs. A review for Bear Cave RV Campground highlighted, "Large sites that are level!"
What you should know
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A review for Van Buren State Park Campground noted, "If you want quiet or the sound of nature, this campground is not for you."
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in the summer. One camper at Warren Dunes State Park Campground warned, "Mosquitoes were awful even before the rain."
- Limited Privacy: Some sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A visitor at Weko Beach Campground mentioned, "The sites in this loop are so tiny you’re basically on top of your neighbors."
Tips for camping with families
- Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. At Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, one parent said, "Lots of fun activities on the weekends for the kids and FREE!"
- Plan for Noise: If your family prefers a quieter experience, consider visiting during off-peak times. A camper at Van Buren State Park Campground noted, "Definitely too crowded and loud way past quiet hours."
- Bring Outdoor Games: Having games on hand can keep kids entertained. A visitor at Potato Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "With a selection of fun things to do, our family never runs out of things to do here."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A review for Bear Cave RV Campground advised, "Call beforehand if you are 40' or bigger."
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday mentioned, "We had a pull through with full hook ups."
- Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Some campgrounds may have poor cell reception. A visitor at Potato Creek State Park Campground noted, "Verizon signal essentially nonexistent."
Camping near Vandalia, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
