5 Amazing South Haven Campgrounds & RV Parks

If you’ve got a soft spot for open roads and lakeside sunsets—as we do with our 16′ vintage Fiber Stream trailer—then buckle up.

Our latest escapade led us to South Haven, Michigan, a place so charming it made us consider postponing our perpetual journey. We’re here to spill the beans on the top campgrounds and RV parks that made our stay unforgettable.

What to Expect in South Haven, Michigan?

Picture this: We’re cruising down the highway, windows down, our trailer gleaming in the rearview mirror, and we roll into a town that feels like it popped out of a storybook. South Haven greeted us with its sandy beaches, historic lighthouses, and a downtown area that could charm the socks off a statue.

It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning paddleboarding on Lake Michigan and the afternoon indulging in local ice cream—because, obviously, we earned it.

1. Van Buren State Park

Approximate Price: $33 per night
Address: 23960 Ruggles Rd, South Haven, MI 49090
Miles to South Haven: 4 miles south

Parking our vintage Fiber Stream at Van Buren State Park was like finding the perfect seashell on the beach—rare and incredibly satisfying. Nestled among towering dunes with a mile-long stretch of beach, it felt like our little trailer had a front-row seat to nature’s best show.

We kicked off our shoes and dove right into beach life. Days were spent attempting to master the art of frisbee (spoiler: we didn’t), and evenings were all about campfires and debating whether the stars are brighter here or if we’re just more relaxed.

Pro tip: climbing dunes is way more fun on the way down.

South Haven Campground Vibe Scale:

• Scenery: 9/10
• Facilities: 7/10
• Privacy: 6/10
• Accessibility: 8/10
• Overall Vibe: Nature’s playground with a beachy twist

2. Sunny Brook RV Resort

Approximate Price: $50 per night
Address: 68300 County Road 388, South Haven, MI 49090
Miles to South Haven: 5 miles east

When we pulled our vintage trailer into Sunny Brook RV Resort, we couldn’t help but chuckle. Surrounded by luxury motorhomes that probably cost more than our house-on-wheels times ten, our little Fiber Stream stood out like a quirky, lovable sore thumb.

But don’t let the upscale vibe fool you—this place knows how to treat all its guests right. We indulged in the heated pool and even pretended to exercise in the fitness center. The manicured lawns and pristine ponds made for serene morning walks, where we mostly plotted our route to the nearest coffee shop.

South Haven Campground Vibe Scale:

• Scenery: 8/10
• Facilities: 10/10
• Privacy: 7/10
• Accessibility: 9/10
• Overall Vibe: Glamping glory with a side of pretension

3. South Haven Jellystone Park

Approximate Price: $60 per night
Address: 03403 64th St, South Haven, MI 49090
Miles to South Haven: 5 miles northeast

Who says you need kids to enjoy a campground themed after a cartoon bear? Not us! Pulling into South Haven Jellystone Park, we embraced our inner child. Our vintage trailer fit right in with the playful atmosphere—it’s got character, after all.

We didn’t shy away from the water slides or the mini-golf course. Yes, we high-fived Yogi Bear, and no, we’re not ashamed. Nights were a blast with outdoor movies, and we might have had one too many s’mores. The energy here is infectious, making it impossible not to have a good time.

South Haven Campground Vibe Scale:

• Scenery: 7/10
• Facilities: 9/10
• Privacy: 5/10
• Accessibility: 9/10
• Overall Vibe: Whimsical chaos with a sprinkle of sugar rush

4. South Haven KOA

Approximate Price: $55 per night
Address: 39397 M-140 Hwy, Covert, MI 49043
Miles to South Haven: 6 miles southeast

Our stay at the South Haven KOA was like catching up with an old friend—comforting and full of pleasant surprises. We parked our Fiber Stream under the shade of towering trees, immediately feeling at home among fellow travelers.

The petting zoo was an unexpected delight. Who knew goats had so much personality? We tried our hand at gem mining, which was more fun than we’d like to admit. The camp store saved the day when we ran out of marshmallows—an essential, obviously. Even a morning serenade of country music from our neighbors couldn’t dampen our spirits.

South Haven Campground Vibe Scale:

• Scenery: 8/10
• Facilities: 8/10
• Privacy: 6/10
• Accessibility: 8/10
• Overall Vibe: Dependable comfort with unexpected perks

5. Camp S’More

Approximate Price: $40 per night
Address: 73599 8th Ave, South Haven, MI 49090
Miles to South Haven: 7 miles east

Camp S’More was the serendipitous find that made us feel like true adventurers. Tucked away from the main roads, this campground offered the peace and quiet we didn’t know we needed. Our vintage trailer looked right at home among the trees.

We spent evenings around the communal fire pit, swapping stories with fellow campers. One evening, we met a couple traveling in a converted school bus, and the tales they told were as colorful as their vehicle. With no Wi-Fi to tether us to the digital world, we reconnected with nature—and each other.

South Haven Campground Vibe Scale:

• Scenery: 9/10
• Facilities: 6/10
• Privacy: 8/10
• Accessibility: 7/10
• Overall Vibe: Rustic charm with a side of genuine human connection

Bonus: Here’s the Nearest Free Camping—Shady Brook Park

Great news for the budget-conscious traveler! We uncovered Shady Brook Park, a free camping spot that brings you closer to nature without costing a dime. (Contact the city before arriving to make sure the park gates are open).

Approximate Price: Free
Address: 69460 66th Avenue, Hartford, MI 49057
Miles to South Haven: Approximately 20 miles east

We decided to give Shady Brook Park a go, parking our vintage Fiber Stream trailer under the leafy canopy of this quaint city park. Tucked away in Hartford, it was a pleasant surprise that such a serene spot existed so close to South Haven.

Facilities are minimal—think picnic tables and not much else—but that’s part of the allure. We spent the evening stargazing without the intrusion of campground lights or noisy neighbors. It felt like our own little secret hideaway. Just remember to pack out what you pack in; let’s keep this spot pristine for fellow free spirits.

South Haven Campground Vibe Scale:

• Scenery: 7/10
• Facilities: 3/10
• Privacy: 8/10
• Accessibility: 7/10
• Overall Vibe: Rustic tranquility on a shoestring budget

PRO TIP: The 6 Best Free Camping Spots in Michigan

The Most Fun Activities in South Haven

After setting up camp, we dove headfirst into all that South Haven has to offer:

• Beach Days at North Beach: We perfected the art of doing nothing while basking in the sun.
• Cycling the Kal-Haven Trail: Our legs paid for it the next day, but the views were worth it.
• Michigan Maritime Museum: We boarded historic ships and imagined ourselves as old-timey sailors.
• Wine Tours: We toured local vineyards and pretended to know the difference between Merlot and Cabernet.
• Sunset Strolls: Walking the pier at dusk became our nightly ritual, each sunset vying to outdo the last.

South Haven: Stats, Data, and History

• Established: 1869
• Population: Around 4,000 residents
• Historical Roots: Once a lumber trade hub, it transformed into a resort town in the early 1900s.
• Blueberry Haven: One of the nation’s top blueberry producers—yes, we indulged.
• Climate Perks: Warm summers for beach bums and snowy winters for the snowshoe enthusiasts.
• Fun Fact: Known as “The Catskills of the Midwest,” it was a favorite getaway for Chicagoans back in the day.

A Camping Trip to South Have is Always Recommended

Our journey through South Haven in our vintage Fiber Stream trailer was nothing short of magical. Each campground offered a different slice of paradise, from the bustling energy of Jellystone Park to the serene escape of Camp S’More.

So hitch up your trailer, grab your sense of adventure (and maybe some bug spray), and set your GPS to South Haven. Trust us, your future self will thank you.

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