Western Michigan near Watervliet sits just 5 miles inland from Lake Michigan at approximately 700 feet elevation. The area experiences seasonal temperature swings from winter lows around 15°F to summer averages of 80°F, making late spring through early fall prime camping season. Camping options range from no-reservation primitive sites to full-service RV resorts with concrete pads, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from April through October.
What to do
Hiking trails and waterways: Black River Trails Campground provides convenient access to the Black River. "We wanted to camp, and be close to the local beaches and this was a perfect location to camp at night then drive to South Haven Beach (maybe 10 min drive if that). They offered showers, bathrooms and even had kayak/canoe trips if we had stayed there during the day," notes one camper at Black River Trails Campground.
Cycling adventures: Kal-Haven Outpost sits directly alongside the popular Kal-Haven Trail. "A group of us bike from Kalamazoo to South Haven every year using the Kal-Haven trail. We usually tent camp but tried a cabin here this year. It was the perfect option as the campground is right off the trail," shares a visitor at Kal-Haven Outpost. The trail runs 33.5 miles between South Haven and Kalamazoo, offering a paved route through woods and farmland.
Fishing opportunities: The St. Joseph River provides productive fishing spots throughout the area. "Nice river fishing, nice stream scenery, big rec center," mentions a camper at Bear Cave RV Campground. At Shamrock Park, they cater specifically to anglers: "What impressed me most was that they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks."
What campers like
Spacious, well-appointed yurts: Yurt camping near Watervliet, Michigan offers more comfort than traditional tents. "We camped during their 'soft open' Memorial Day weekend - the park was 2/3 full and closed to day use so the smaller beach (water level is way up) wasn't a problem," shares a visitor at Covert Park Beach & Campground. Yurt options typically include wood floors, electricity, and nearby water access.
Unique historical features: Some campgrounds preserve historical structures from the region. "The campground has clean bathrooms and showers, a small play area for children and a small train that takes you around the camp. It's very cute and a great side option to the overfilled beach campgrounds," says a camper about Eden Springs Park Campground.
Outdoor recreational facilities: Many campgrounds provide activities beyond just camping. "Very clean and well-kept park. Lots of fun activities on the weekends for the kids and FREE! They have movie nights, we met Disney characters, did crafts, and enjoyed the barrel train & ice cream sundaes," reports a visitor at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday. Facilities often include swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized weekend activities.
What you should know
Beach access logistics: Lake Michigan beaches are accessible from most campgrounds but may require driving. "We camped here three summers ago. The campgrounds were well-maintained, and pretty mellow compared to some of the other campgrounds in the area. Its a short walk to a beautiful and clean beach with incredible sunsets," explains a visitor at Covert Park Beach & Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Michigan weather affects camping conditions significantly. Most campgrounds operate only from April through October. "We spent 5 days here in June. The campground is clean, the wi-fi is great. The pool and playground area is nicely laid out. A tornado passed within a mile or so of the campground and the employees were out within minutes to make sure everyone was o.k.," notes a camper at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday.
Rustic to luxury options: Accommodations range from basic tent sites to luxury yurts and cabins. "The RV sites are furthest from the amenities, but also the most shaded. There are smaller 'amish cabins' for rent that have A/C, tent sites with electrical hook ups, and larger full-scale cabins that look to sleep 6+ comfortably," describes a visitor at Eden Springs Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular weekend entertainment. "This campground is made for families. It has a pool and lots of activities for kids," says a visitor at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday. Look for campgrounds that offer organized activities like movie nights, train rides, or craft sessions.
Playground access: Facilities for children vary significantly between locations. "There are a lot of lodging options, tons of kids activities, both free and for a small fee, great pool, cafe and store! Lots of sports equipment to loan as well," reports a visitor about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA. Some campgrounds even offer splash pads or dedicated play areas for different age groups.
Safety considerations: Family-oriented campgrounds typically provide secure environments. At Shamrock Park, "We reserved 3 camp sites and when we arrived they were ready and very clean and well kept. 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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Verify available hookups when reserving sites for RVs. "Very clean and well-maintained park. The sites are designed so that no camper or RV faces a sewer connection. All of the hook ups are centrally located between two sites, with each rig having their driver side towards the hookups and their awning/entry sides facing the opposing side," explains an RVer at Eden Springs Park Campground.
Site leveling: RV sites vary in how level they are across campgrounds. "The site is a good size. Tree placement made it a little tricky to back into, but nothing crazy," mentions a camper with a 21-foot travel trailer at Covert Park Beach & Campground. Some parks offer pull-through sites while others require more maneuvering for larger rigs.
Premium RV resorts: For luxury RV camping, dedicated resorts offer enhanced amenities. "This is a great place to stay. All concrete, gated, beach in a small lake, basketball court, fishing, pools, and lots of grass for the dogs. Laundry rooms and bathrooms spotless," reports a visitor at Sunny Brook RV Resort, which caters specifically to larger RVs with full concrete pads.
