Best RV Parks & Resorts near Watervliet, MI

Thousand Trails Bear Cave and Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday provide full hookup RV sites within 30 miles of Watervliet. Thousand Trails Bear Cave operates from May through October with both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service, water connections, and sewer hookups at designated sites. The KOA features 166 sites including pull-through options that accommodate larger motorhomes, with both 30-amp and 50-amp service available. At Sunny Brook RV Resort in South Haven, 266 full hookup sites operate seasonally from April to October. Site dimensions vary across these parks, with some offering spacious pull-through pads while others have tighter back-in configurations. "Sites are plenty wide to fit your RV with slide outs and car next to it without feeling cramped. Utilities are at the very back of the site so you may need an extension for your sewer hose," noted one camper about their stay in the region.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when Lake Michigan access drives high demand for RV sites. Most parks in the area maintain paved interior roads that accommodate large motorhomes, though some parks have reported tight turns that require careful navigation. Cellular service varies throughout the region, with Verizon generally providing reliable coverage at most parks. Dump stations are available at several locations including Timber Trails RV Park near Decatur, which operates seasonally from May through September. The terrain across local RV parks ranges from level concrete pads at premium sites to more rustic gravel surfaces. Pet policies differ between parks, with most allowing pets but imposing leash requirements and designated walking areas. As one reviewer mentioned, "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."

Best RV Sites Near Watervliet, Michigan (85)

    1. Thousand Trails Bear Cave

    16 Reviews
    Buchanan, MI
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "This is a nice, family friendly campground."

    "Easy registration, friendly staff. Older campground, areas could upgrades. Most campers seem to be long term. Campsite 42 has a great overlook on the river."

    2. Hidden Ridge RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Wayland, MI
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 672-9196

    $50 - $70 / night

    "Hidden Ridge is a modern RV resort within 8 minutes of Gun Lake and sandwiched between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. There is no tent camping available at this location."

    "Spacing was generous between locations. We had a drive-in(forward) location(#10) overlooking the small lake. There was some interstate noise but it was more of a steady hum and not an issue at all."

    3. Lakeside RV Resort

    1 Review
    New Carlisle, IN
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "This campground has a private lake which is surrounded by farmland. Lots of primitive sites right next to the lake. Fire rings with no grate."

    4. Timber Trails RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Dowagiac, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 423-7311

    5. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

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

    "Our site was spacious and we didn’t even have the patio sites. We had a pull through with full hook ups. KOA was nice and clean. Staff was super helpful.

    It had a great pool and splash area."

    "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."

    6. Sunny Brook RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    South Haven, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 499-5253

    $85 - $97 / night

    "Plenty to do - pool, Pickleball, playground, and bands. Nice neighborhood feel, safe, and well-maintained."

    "All concrete, gated, beach in a small lake, basketball court, fishing, pools, and lots of grass for the dogs. Laundry rooms and bathrooms spotless."

    7. Yore Place RV Resort

    Be the first to review!
    Hartford, MI
    8 miles
    +1 (269) 427-7908

    9. Elkhart RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Granger, IN
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 800-2069

    $39 - $47 / night

    "We ordered pizza from the store, which was delivered to the site quickly. My grandson said it was very good. There was no gluten free as noted on the website, which we are used to happening."

    "This campground is close to home so we spent a couple days here so the kids could play while I worked. All staff was extremely helpful and friendly from the minute we pulled in."

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RV Park Reviews near Watervliet, MI

546 Reviews of 85 Watervliet Campgrounds


  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2017

    Beach Campground — Holland State Park

    Great Proximity to the Beach

    Holland State Park is popular for its expansive sandy beach along Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa where swimming, sun bathing, fishing, and boating are popular activities. Holland SP has two campgrounds – the Lake Macatawa Unit and the Beach Campground (which is where we stayed and the focus of this review). The Beach Campground is essentially a parking lot as the sites, patios and roads are paved with little grass among them. It is nestled between dunes which adds to the scenic value and blocks the strong winds coming off of Lake Michigan. The Lake Unit campground is much larger (211 campsites) than the Beach Campground and has more of a state park feel with trees, grass, and fire pits. 

    Site description:

    The Beach Campground has 98 RV sites of which 31 are 50 amp full hook-up and two camper cabins.  Some sites towards the northern section of the park have great views of Lake Michigan but be warned that strong winds can come off the lake and really shake your RV.  When we were there in early May the winds were very strong with blowing sand which made us really glad we were not near the water.

    Campsites are plenty wide to fit your RV with slide outs and car next to it without feeling cramped. Utilities are at the very back of the site so you may need an extension for your sewer hose. All sites were level. Every site has a picnic table. There are no fire pits at individual sites but community ones are located near the beach and you are permitted to use your own fire pit if you have one. 

    We were able to get nearly two dozen television stations with our antenna and had no problem locking into a satellite with our roof-mounted dish. Verizon phone and hotspot worked well. 

    So is this park big rig-friendly? In general, yes. Our site was certainly long (and wide) enough to fit our RV and the tow car next to it. However, we did have the back five feet overhanging the sand at the back of the site. This was no problem for us because our stabilizing jacks are in between our back tires. We were also there at a time when the park was fairly empty so backing in and pulling out was no problem. The sites are all set at an angle to the main road which makes backing easier. 

    Campground amenities:

    By far the beach is the biggest draw to the campground. The wide beach lures sunbathers out in warm weather and is popular for a walk at sunset.  There is a playground, picnic area, community fire pits, dump station, boat launch and concession stand. There is one restroom/shower house that was very clean but no laundry facilities.

    What we liked:

    We loved that fact that this campground was so close to water and the nice paved path for walking and hiking trails in the main part of the campground. Within 50 yards from our site we could be walking along Lake Macatawa or along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. The beach is wide and expansive and is the place to be for awesome sunsets. When we were there the beach was not crowded because it was cold and windy but it would be a great place to enjoy a good book under an umbrella. Definitely liked the fact that this was a full hook-up state park with level sites.

    What we didn’t like:

    The park is essentially a parking lot with little grass and trees. What really surprised us was how many cars drove through the campground that were not staying there. There apparently are no restrictions on who drives through the park so many day-use visitors came by just for a look resulting in unnecessary traffic.

    Be advised there is a “no alcohol” policy in the park and campground and you have to sign a piece of paper saying you will abide by that rule. The rule states that “Possessing or consuming alcohol is prohibited in all areas of the park throughout the entire year” even inside your RV. 

    In order to enter the state park you must have a Michigan Recreation Passport which costs $32 for an annual non-resident OR you have to pay $11/day to enter the park even if you are camped there. 

    Pet:

    There are plenty of places to walk dogs here and access points to water if your dog likes to swim. Unfortunately, they are not allowed on the beach but there is a long walking path and within the main part of the park are miles of hiking trails and a nice overlook.  This park does not have an unleashed dog park; however, there is one within five miles at the fairgrounds.

  • R V.
    Jun. 21, 2019

    Oak Grove Resort & Campground

    Great RV Resort close to Lake Michigan

    Clean family friendly RV Resort. Pool, hot tub, modern restrooms and showers, playground, laundry and bike rentals. I believe all the sites are full hookup, cable t.v. and wi/fi. Less than a mile to Lake Michigan and close to boat launch and Lake Macatawa.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    Area Convenient and Clean

    Elkhart County 4-h Fairgrounds: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for access to the area, very clean facilities, and not too many campers thus time of year.
    Price 2024: $35 for water/electric only. Security: No Usage during visit: Very light Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: none Site Spacing: very close Pad surface: our area was grass Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet except for one day of motorcycle raises at the nearby track.
    Outside Road Noise: Not most sites Through Traffic in campground: Some for activities at the fairground Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: some sites Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At sites Bathroom: Very nice flush toilets Showers: yes Pull Throughs: Yes Cell Service (AT&T): Varied throughout campground Setting: open grass fields around very well manicured county fairground. Recent Weather: 70s and rain. Insects:None Host: I am not sure.
    Rig Size: Large Sites: full hookups and water/electric only

  • 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!

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2017

    Elkhart County Fairgrounds

    Typical Fairgrounds Camping Experience

    I have camped here a couple of times while visiting northern Indiana to have repairs done on my RV. Overall, I like this campground where for $30/night you can get a 50 amp full hook-up site or $23/night a 30 amp and water site. If you plan on staying longer weekly and monthly rates are really good. The campground sits in the middle of the county fairgrounds so there is usually something going on – either a fair, concert, horse event, or an RV rally. Depending on what time of year you are here and part of the week, the campground could be very crowded or very empty. The nice thing is the people in the office let you pick whatever site you want and don’t assign one to you. There are 275 full hook-up sites with 50 amp full hook-up and 30 amp water & electric only. There are no fires allowed and some sites don’t have picnic tables but you can request one and they will bring it to your site.

    There is very little shade and during my last visit the late September fall temperatures climbed to nearly 90 degrees and was brutal. This campground is better suited for RVs than tents but you are permitted to tent camp. Bathrooms and showers are scattered about and I was amazed at always how clean they (and the grounds as a whole) are. They do offer WiFi which worked pretty well in non-peak hours like early morning but was not reliable and sometimes frustrating. Since many sites have a clear view of the sky, you most likely will get satellite television reception and a dozen or so antenna channels.

    One of the things I like about this park is the vast expanse of grounds to wander about walking my dog. There is a trail system just outside of the park that allows you miles and miles of walking and biking trails. Downtown Goshen is less than two miles away and has some great restaurants (including Venturi Pizza, Maple Indian Cuisine – which has an awesome buffet, and Goshen Brewing Company). The Saturday farmers market is great with lots of produce, breads, meats, cheeses, and crafts.

    The last time I visited coincided with the Mennonite Relief Fund which was a big fund raiser for their charity that packed the grounds with stuff for sale, food, and activities. It was fun to be there during the event but it meant the campground and grounds were packed.

    Now for the bad about this campground. It is located right next to very busy train tracks that operate 24/7 and blow their horns quite often. They were really annoying in the middle of the night. Sites are close together so if it is crowded and you have a neighbor, you will be right on top of them. There is no shade which can be very miserable.

    Pros:

    · Price - $30/night for a 50 amp full hook-up site

    · Nearby downtown stores and restaurants

    · Sites are not assigned so you can pick where you want to camp

    · Grassy patios

    · Large grounds to meander around

    · Nearby biking/walking trail

    Cons:

    · Very noisy from nearby trains operated at all hours

    · Few trees for shade or privacy

    · Some sites are very tight and close to your neighbor

    · Can be very crowded

    · WiFi provided but not reliable

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 14, 2025

    Shipshewana North Park Campground

    Nice campground in a convenient location

    We were passing through and decided to stop for frozen custard at the stand right next to the campground. The first review for this place did not seem very inviting but a more recent one was a little more positive. After checking it out, I thought it could use a little reinforcement of the positives! I’m not sure if there have been new owners since the first review but I received a very friendly greeting, and the office is open from 9 am– 8 pm and clearly marked as the place to check-in. 

    There are many options here: back-in or pull-thru tent sites, w/e sites, full hook-up sites, camper cabins, and fully equipped cabins. The campsites range from $32-$46 per night and the cabins range from $69-$144 per night. Sites 47-52 are close to the road so you will hear road noise, but Sites 11-35 are farther from the road and are more shaded. The layout is RV park style but there is reasonable separation between the sites. 

    The restrooms have a code for entry, and I did not see the inside of these.

    Amenities include:

    - a community fire pit

    -  game room with television

    - guest laundry 

    - dump station

    - gift shop

    - pet friendly options

     -WiFi

    - There is, of course, an ice cream/frozen custard stand that I dare you to resist. 

    While we would not consider it a destination, we would definitely consider camping here en route – the price is reasonable, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.

  • M
    Sep. 17, 2021

    Shamrock Park

    Great stay

    Village owned and operated campground, right on the St. Joseph River. Open all year. Many long term campers. $35 gets you a level full hook up site with WiFi. Very clean and well maintained with friendly staff.

  • B
    Aug. 26, 2018

    Eden Springs Park Campground

    Pleasant, friendly, small town camp with large pull through spots

    Eden Springs Campground & RV Park in Benton Harbor, Michigan, run by camp manager Cindy, may well be one of our favorite small town parks! We are spending the month of August 2018 here and have found the venue quiet, well maintained, friendly and inexpensive ($375 for a month). I do not expect the prices to stay this low now that it has been “discovered”. They are working on adding an updated restroom, dog park and other facilities. 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. We had enough space to park a jeep in front of and and in back of the attached rig. 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. Each site has a gravel space between them that could be traveled through, though campers all set up picnic tables, chairs and campfires there so practically there is no egress, thus privacy. This camp has the best WiFi of any camp we have ever stayed at. Some spots offer OTA TV and satellite reception. Ours did not as we chose to have a full tree canopy. Most of the sites offer Full Hookups with 30/50 amp service. The camp manager, Cindy, provides fire rings and picnic tables as requested, so, if you need either, just let her know when you call. The tables were clean and in good shape. The fire rings can be placed anywhere you want. As an aside, when a camper leaves, Cindy and her crew comes and removes the rings, cleaning up the residue so there is no mess left! The campground grass is cut routinely and “weed-whacked” as needed. Cindy has been one of the nicest hosts we have met on our travels. She is always pleasant, available as needed for emergencies and even delivered our mail one afternoon. She is a font of knowledge about the area and willing to share. Probably in keeping with her personality, the majority of the visitors here have been friendly, chatty and willing to help each other. The RV resort is about 10 minutes from St. Joseph, MI and multiple rural wineries in the area (a favorite pastime for my wife Audrey). St. Joseph’s is a small town located on Lake Michigan with excellent food, event venues and a lovely white sand beach. Be sure to stop at the Chocolate store in town & Silver Lake Pizza for a desert/dinner well worth the time. The town of Benton Harbor itself once was booming city/community, which has come into hard times, but we did not have any problems traveling around that area. This area also has a non-defunct amusement park attached to the campground which is being slowly renovated by a group of volunteers. They have restored several of the buildings, a fountain and a miniature train which takes visitors on a 1/4 mile ride on Saturday/Sunday. Additionally, the camp is home to it’s own 1800’s era baseball team which plays home and away games in the old bare handed style! Behind the camp is a now mostly abandoned religious enclave called the House of David which was started in the late 1800’s/ early 1900’s (Google it!). Some interesting architecture and several restored mansions for the 5 remaining members of the group. I recommend this park for someone wanting a quiet, clean stay.

  • Napunani
    Dec. 1, 2023

    Beach Campground — Holland State Park

    Beach Campground = Parking Lot

    If you like to camp in a parking lot, like Walmart or Cracker Barrel, you will love this lake side campground- it's a parking lot! 

    PROS 

    Toilet/shower facilities very clean 

    2 bars TMOBILE 

    Walking distance to Lake Michigan 

    Rangers strictly enforced beach closure each evening- lots of sirens. 

    CONS 

    Pricy state park camping at $53/night for full hook up

    $8 Fee to make on-line reservations 

    Since out of state, we had to purchase a $39 Michigan State Park Permit in addition to paying for campsite 

    No senior or veteran discount 

    Campground is one big asphalt parking lot with painted lines to delineate each site. Absolutely no privacy from any other campsite. 

    Camping is slammed together as tow vehicles have to be parked next to camper/RV insufficient space to park in front of camper/RV 

    Must check-in before going to campground even with on-line reservation and payment in full 

    3pm check-in was strictly enforced--there was quite a line of RVs backed up at 230pm. Once registration opened it took us 20 minutes to register. 

    Needed plumbers tape to connect hose to site water faucet 

    Waist high weeds behind campsites 

    No shade and most of time too windy to deploy awning 

    No security gate closure overnight. 

    Anyone can drive through or walk in from the beach. 

    Lots of drive thrus by non campers 

    No campfire rings or lantern poles at campsites 

    Lots of campfire debris dumped behind campsites from those who bring their own fire pit and charcoal grills 

    Site 396 not level 

    No park WIFI


Guide to Watervliet

RV camping near Watervliet, Michigan provides access to a range of campgrounds within 30 miles of Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline. This region experiences warm summers with average temperatures between 75-85°F and moderate humidity from June through August. Watervliet sits at an elevation of approximately 650 feet above sea level, with camping options ranging from lakeside settings to wooded areas with varying terrain.

What to do

Lake activities: fishing and kayaking: At Bear Cave RV Campground, campers have access to the St. Joseph River for water recreation. "Great kayaking and fishing campground! Beautiful area and really nice campsites," notes one reviewer. The riverfront location provides direct water access from the campground property.

Cave exploration: unique geological feature: Bear Cave offers an uncommon feature for Michigan campgrounds - an actual cave that visitors can tour. "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," explains one camper, though recent reviews indicate the cave may be temporarily closed.

Nearby attractions: blueberry picking: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday features blueberry fields throughout the property. "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!" shares one visitor. The campground is approximately 14 miles from South Haven's downtown shopping district.

What campers like

Clean facilities: modern amenities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained facilities at Sunny Brook RV Resort. "Laundry rooms and bathrooms spotless," notes one reviewer. Another camper reports, "Had a good experience during our 3 night stay here. Plenty to do - pool, Pickleball, playground, and bands. Nice neighborhood feel, safe, and well-maintained."

Kid-friendly activities: scheduled entertainment: Hidden Ridge RV Resort receives praise for its family orientation. "Kid friendly! This park always finds away to having something fun for the kids to do. Pool, splash pad, arcade, bounce pad, playground, outdoor sports, hayrides, crafts, store, pond for fishing, golf cart rental," reports one seasonal camper.

Privacy and atmosphere: quiet camping: Several campgrounds in the region provide peaceful settings. One camper describes Bear Cave as "a nice, off the grid camping with no cell service but if you want wifi then its 5.95 per day or if your here for a week + then 34.95 for the month up to 4 devices is your best bet." This lack of connectivity appeals to those seeking a digital detox.

What you should know

Site selection strategy: availability limitations: Many campgrounds in the area have a significant number of seasonal campers. At Bear Cave, "Most of the full hookups are taken 1st by the annuals. Sucks really but they do have an onsite honeypot which will suck out your tanks for $10 each time around."

Connectivity challenges: variable wifi and cellular: Internet access varies significantly by location. While some parks offer paid wifi, cellular coverage can be unreliable. "No internet, no cell service," reports one Bear Cave visitor, while Hidden Ridge offers better connectivity for those needing to stay connected.

Weather considerations: summer conditions: The region experiences typical Midwest summer weather patterns with occasional severe storms. At Elkhart RV Resort, one camper noted changing plans midday but still securing a spot: "Our plans changed mid afternoon, they had a spot for us. Reservations were easy and they were extremely welcoming and helpful."

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: recreation options: Family-friendly amenities are abundant at several campgrounds. "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," shares a Covert/South Haven KOA visitor.

Campground selection: noise considerations: When choosing a family-friendly campground, consider potential noise disruptions. Some campgrounds are located near railways or highways. "There is an active railroad nearby this campground. 4 Trains woke us up during the night," reports one Elkhart RV Resort camper.

Multi-generational options: accommodations for all: For families with members who prefer more comfort, some campgrounds offer cabin rentals. "The kids love the activities and the pool and my family who are not necessarily 'outdoorsy' love that they can sleep in an air conditioned cabin with cable!" explains a regular visitor to Covert/South Haven KOA.

Tips from RVers

Site configurations: pad construction: RVers appreciate concrete pads available at some campgrounds. At Sunny Brook RV Resort, one RVer observed, "The 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."

Navigation considerations: entrance accessibility: Some campgrounds have secure entrance systems. At Hidden Ridge, "It is a little pricier than other camp grounds but you get what you pay for. All sites are good size sites with a cement pad and very green grass. It is also very well run and maintained."

Temporary work accommodations: reliable internet: For those needing to work while camping, select campgrounds offer dependable connections. "This campground is close to home so we spent a couple days here so the kids could play while I worked. The WiFi was very reliable if you have to work," notes an Elkhart RV Resort visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular RV campsite near Watervliet, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Watervliet, MI is Thousand Trails Bear Cave with a 4.2-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find RV camping near Watervliet, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 85 RV camping locations near Watervliet, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.