Best Campgrounds near Watervliet, MI

Campgrounds near Watervliet in southwestern Michigan offer a range of accommodation styles within easy reach of Lake Michigan beaches. The area includes established campgrounds like Eden Springs Park Campground and Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, with options for tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals. Several facilities in the region feature amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities, particularly at the KOA locations in Coloma and Covert. Most campgrounds in the area are privately operated, with state parks like Van Buren and Warren Dunes located within a short drive.

Many campsites in the Watervliet area require reservations, especially during the peak summer season when Lake Michigan beaches draw visitors. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with limited year-round options. The region's generally flat terrain makes for easy access to most established campgrounds, with paved roads leading to most facilities. Weather conditions are typically mild during camping season, though spring and fall can bring cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. Cell service is generally strong throughout the area, and most developed campgrounds provide Wi-Fi service. One camper noted that "Bathrooms were clean, showers were warm. We enjoy this place."

Family-friendly amenities receive consistently positive mentions in camper reviews, with several campgrounds offering specialized activities for children. The Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday stands out with features like a jumping pillow, swimming pool, and nightly tractor-pull train rides that appeal to families with young children. Eden Springs Park Campground provides unique historical elements, including a miniature train and restored buildings from the early 1900s. Proximity to Lake Michigan beaches and local attractions like wineries and u-pick fruit farms adds to the appeal for many visitors. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities and helpful staff at most campgrounds in the region. Sites with shade trees and level grounds are particularly valued, with one reviewer mentioning that "the sites were shady, grass and gravel, level and plenty of space in between you and your neighbors."

Best Camping Sites Near Watervliet, Michigan (110)

    1. Van Buren State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 637-2788

    "Not only is it a short distance from our home but it is a short walk to Lake Michigan! The campground has tree-lined lots and some of the loops are very wooded."

    "Walkable access to Lake Michigan is unbeatable! Bathrooms are very clean."

    2. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

    17 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 764-0818

    "Nice very busy pool and slide, play areas, walking trail, camp store with hot food. Not far from Lake Michigan and places to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Check it out you'll be happy you did."

    "This is a great place to camp with young children, as there are many activities around the camp. It is family owned and operated and you can tell- warm and friendly."

    3. Covert Park Beach & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 764-1421

    $40 - $100 / night

    "Pros: Lake Michigan is right there! We walked down to sunset and it was a 5 min walk max."

    "Close to beach of Lake Michigan. Walk in primitive tent site is what I stayed at. Many other sites available. Quiet at night. Great staff"

    4. Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday

    14 Reviews
    Watervliet, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 849-3333

    $60 - $120 / night

    "Showers close by. All in all we had a great first experience and would recommend this campground. Very close to Lake Michigan and the beach!"

    "The store has everything you could need and if they don't, there is a gas station right outside of entrance. Close to the lake, will visit again!"

    5. Dune Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 764-8941

    "Close to Lake Michigan and South Haven. Nice swimming lake with a shallow area that’s great for kids. Quiet, family oriented and well maintained."

    "This is a beautiful campsite with lots of good nature around. The primitive sites are the best in the area but the partial hookup sites are also beautiful."

    6. Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    Bridgman, MI
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 426-4013

    "Happened upon this Gem when driving the coast of Lake Michigan.  Watched the solar eclipse from the beach.   The DBR had a viewing area setup for adults and kids.  "

    "I’m 36 now, so it’s safe to say that I pretty much know the park like the back of my hand, and it truly has become a home away from home. Actually I prefer being there over my main home."

    7. Eden Springs Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Watervliet, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 927-3302

    "Eden Springs Campground & RV Park in Benton Harbor, Michigan, run by camp manager Cindy, may well be one of our favorite small town parks! "

    "You can walk around the campground and check out the restoration on these early buildings (and a flower bed shaped like a battle ship), take a train ride with the kids around part of the grounds, and hang"

    8. Kal-Haven Outpost

    10 Reviews
    South Haven, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 206-0900

    $22 - $68 / night

    "This was a nice campground right on the Kal Haven Trail - about 4 miles from South Haven."

    "The RVS and campers circled around the bathroom house. All tent camping was south of the campground in their own little spot as well."

    9. Shamrock Park

    11 Reviews
    Berrien Springs, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 473-5691

    $10 - $50 / night

    "It’s also a quick walk to a grocery store and restaurants. There’s no grill on the fire pit, so plan accordingly."

    "The bathroom was a very short walk and very clean. Fishing the river was fun and easy to access. They have big playgrounds that the kids enjoyed."

    10. Black River Trails Campground

    6 Reviews
    South Haven, MI
    14 miles
    Website

    $37 - $80 / night

    "This was a great little campground near South Haven, MI. We stayed in a small "RV Site" spot on the campground and that gave us our own electrical/water hookup."

    "It was great to see new friends Branden,Chrisand Nina via FaceTime and meet MaryJo..This place is close to the lake,town. Plenty to do in the area. If you’re close to south haven."

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Recent Reviews near Watervliet, MI

601 Reviews of 110 Watervliet Campgrounds


  • J
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Kal-Haven Outpost

    Great tent camping destination

    We really enjoyed our two nights tent camping at Kal Haven Outpost! The management is great, and the restrooms are very clean and the sites were really well designed. We love the wooded camping sites that we used in the four of us. Had a great time. We brought our bikes and use the trail for several miles. It was so peaceful and relaxing, and a great way to get away.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Drews Country Camping

    Rustic Backyard Camping Charm

    This is a sweet little family-owned park just outside Holland with about 30 grassy sites that feel more like someone’s big backyard than an actual campground. The place has been around since 1981, and while you’ll notice some older RVs parked around the edges and a slightly dumpy vibe overall, it’s still cared for with pride with fairly clean restrooms (in a building that looks like it was built in the 1930s), a small playground where the boys burned off energy, and a pool that (full disclosure) sits right up front near the highway so it feels a bit awkward, but still fun on a hot day. Our boys made fast friends, turning a simple game of tag into a neighborhood adventure before we strolled into town for cones at the Polka Dot Ice Cream Parlor and a sunset walk along 8th Street. I’d recommend Drew’s to families for its homey feel, fairly well-maintained facilities despite the vintage look, and the friendly mix of full-timers and travel-campers that keeps things relaxed and welcoming.

  • Therese S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    Nice Campground But Spendy

    Nice campground with easy access to dunes and lake, but the nightly fee for a motorhome with electric only (no water) was $60 a night. Quite a bit higher than we would typically go for, but other campgrounds in the area were shut down for the season. The spaces are small but it wasn’t too crowded, bathrooms and showers were very clean.

  • G
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Beach Campground — Holland State Park

    Entry policy needs revising

    Got to campground at 13:00, checked to see if my reserved site was vacant (it was vacant) then went to check in. Attendant told couldn’t check in until 15:00. Had to park in marina parking lot.  Went back to check in and there was a line out to the street (safety issue).  It then took us 1/2 hr to check in then had to wait another 1/2hr in line for water. Got to site at 16:15.  Something has to change. Was told this was a Holland State Park decision because other state parks don’t do this.  Horrible, horrible policy

  • v
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Markin Glen County Park

    Clean and near bike trails

    Great park. Well maintained. Very clean. Lots of bike trails, a beach area. Helpful staff!

  • Joel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    MTB camp and bike (again)

    We camped and rode (again) at Fort Custer.  We've been here 2x before (once in a cabin and once in tents) and this has now officially become a favorite. 

    We loved our site (so don't book this one) as it's close to the trails for riding.  The campground was almost to capacity, but still some open sites.

    All in all this was a great trip, and we even visited Belle's brewery on our way home.

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Small, lakeside, chill

    This was our first time staying at Covert Park Beach + Campground. We stayed in site 52 with our 21 ft travel trailer. The site is a good size. Tree placement made it a little tricky to back into, but nothing crazy. We stayed Sunday to Saturday, so we got to see it at its bustling weekend peak and the quiet, cozy weekday vibe. Family friendly, dog friendly and kid friendly. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach, but there's a beach a few minutes down the road (Hagar Beach) where you can bring leashed dogs. Sunset views were beautiful. Bathrooms were very clean and showers nice and hot. The two guys who were running the check-in and campground operations were super cool- they were the perfect mix of attentive and laid back. No sewer on campsites but there's a dump station when you enter/exit. Ice and firewood are abundantly available and can be delivered to your site. We loved our stay here. Tree cover is generous, and it really preserves the camping feel. Weekend crowd was fun, friendly and lots of locals. Would definitely stay again!

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Brookside City Park

    More expensive now

    Tents sites are now $20 and RV hookups (water and 20/30 amp) are $30. When I got to the police station they were closed for the week but a phone # was provided to call dispatcher and an officer responded promptly to help me get registered. Cash or check only.


Guide to Watervliet

Campgrounds near Watervliet sit within a generally flat terrain of southwestern Michigan, about 10-15 miles from Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline. The region experiences average summer temperatures between 75-85°F from June through August, with occasional thunderstorms. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from April through October, with water systems typically shut down after the first frost.

What to do

Biking the Kal-Haven Trail: From Kal-Haven Outpost, access the 33-mile trail that runs from South Haven to Kalamazoo. "It was so convenient to be able to bike ride, hike, or run on the trail that I hesitate to offer any critique... Check out the blue stairs beach at Lake Michigan (accessible in South Haven), Barden's Market for fresh baked goods and vegetables," notes one visitor.

Fishing on the St. Joseph River: Shamrock Park provides direct river access for anglers. "What impressed me most was that they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks," reports a camper. The river offers multiple fishing spots within walking distance of campsites.

Visit historic House of David: Take a self-guided tour of this early 1900s religious community near Eden Springs Park Campground. "Some interesting architecture and several restored mansions for the 5 remaining members of the group," explains a camper. The grounds include remaining historic buildings with informational signage.

What campers like

Clean, accessible shower facilities: Many campgrounds receive high marks for bathroom maintenance. At Van Buren State Park Campground, "Bathrooms are very clean. The sites were clean and well kept when we arrived. The fire pit and the picnic table were in excellent condition," writes one visitor. Most shower facilities offer hot water at no additional cost.

Beach access: Within 15 minutes of most Watervliet campgrounds, Lake Michigan beaches provide swimming opportunities. "Short walk to beach. Nice Camp store Lake place to hang out on the beach on Lake Michigan," mentions one camper at Van Buren State Park. Most beaches include parking areas and basic facilities.

Local produce opportunities: Many campgrounds sit near U-pick farms and produce stands. At Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, "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!" reports an enthusiastic visitor.

What you should know

Limited beach space in high-water years: Lake Michigan water levels fluctuate annually, sometimes reducing beach size. One camper at Covert Park Beach & Campground noted: "Beach is washing away, black sand for most of it, maybe due to storm. Still plenty when we went 7/2020 for kids to play."

Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. "The sites were shady, grass and gravel, level and plenty of space in between you and your neighbors," reports a visitor at Eden Springs Park Campground, while others like Covert Park have "small sites" where it "would not be very comfortable."

Seasonal availability limitations: Most campgrounds close for winter. Operating seasons typically run from late April through October, with a few exceptions. Dune Lake Campground operates "April 28 to October 1," and Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday stays open "May 1 to October 12."

Tips for camping with families

Look for dedicated children's activities: Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday offers numerous structured programs. "They have movie nights, we met Disney characters, did crafts, and enjoyed the barrel train & ice cream sundaes. The actual spots aren't huge, but since the campground is smaller that wasn't a shock. It was small enough for our kids to ride bikes around alone," reports a family camper.

Consider swimming alternatives to Lake Michigan: Inland lakes and pools provide calmer swimming options. Dune Lake Campground offers "Nice swimming lake with a shallow area that's great for kids." Most KOA campgrounds in the area maintain pools that are typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Reserve early for holiday weekends: The best family-friendly sites fill quickly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Black River Trails Campground often reaches capacity, with one visitor noting they "Stayed for two nights over Memorial Day weekend and loved being right on the Black River! Bathrooms and showers were some of the cleanest I've seen while camping."

Tips from RVers

Choose level sites: The region's terrain, while generally flat, can have uneven areas. "Our site was on a corner lot and couldn't have been more perfect for our stay," reports an RVer at Van Buren State Park, while at Eden Springs Park Campground, an experienced RVer noted "The sites are large, level and spaced far apart from each other. We pulled in with a 42' rig, pulling a 28' hybrid trailer (total 70') and easily pulled into our site without having to unhook."

Verify hookup locations before arrival: Some campgrounds have unusual utility configurations. Covert Park campers report "most sites the electrical box and water hook up is on the wrong side of the site. Bring extra line... we have 50ft hose so we were fine there (line goes through the middle of the site) and 25ft electrical and had to re-adjust the camper a few times."

Consider proximity to attractions: The best places to camp near Watervliet, Michigan often balance seclusion with convenience. Warren Dunes State Park provides a natural setting but requires awareness of location: "Seemed like it would be quiet and peaceful, but when we got out of the car, it was very clear we were not far from the highway."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any state parks with camping facilities near Watervliet?

Yes, there are several state parks with camping facilities near Watervliet. Warren Dunes State Park Campground offers semi-modern sites in a more secluded tent area separate from RVs, featuring clean sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Van Buren State Park Campground is about a 10-minute walk to Lake Michigan with free hot showers, clean facilities, and a large sand dune to climb. A bit further but worth the drive is Holland State Park, which offers two campground options: Lake Macatawa Campground with typical Michigan state park amenities and Beach Campground with clean shower facilities and proximity to Lake Michigan.

What campgrounds are available in or near Watervliet?

Several campgrounds are available near Watervliet, Michigan. Covert Park Beach & Campground offers both RV sites with hookups and primitive tent sites within walking distance to Lake Michigan. Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation is a family-run campground featuring a fishing pond, swimming pool, and gagaball pit with both full hookups and rustic camping options. Other nearby options include Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday with amenities like a hot tub and heated pool, and Thousand Trails Bear Cave, a quiet campground with a clubhouse, pool, and walking trails.

Which is the most popular campground near Watervliet, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Watervliet, MI is Van Buren State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 36 reviews.