5 Amazing South Haven Campgrounds & RV Parks

The state of Michigan usually congers up thoughts of automobiles, Wolverines, and cereal from Battle Creek, but being surrounded by several “great” lakes has plenty of benefits, as well.  

Take, for instance, several lakeside villages, complete with beaches, lighthouses, and charm.

South Haven, Michigan, has cornered the market on the quaint lakeside atmosphere. The town of South Haven is also home to beautiful campgrounds.

What to Expect in South Haven, Michigan?

Look no further than the twelve pristine beaches meticulously laid out for viewing stunning sunsets. Or the historic downtown filled with boutiques, galleries, and enough antique stores to suit any professional shopper.  

And what self-respecting beach town would be caught without the requisite scenic (and still functioning) lighthouse?

When planning a camping trip to Western Michigan, South Haven must be added to your itinerary. Here’s a list of 5 great campgrounds to choose from if you find yourself longing to explore this enticing destination.

#1 Van Buren State Park

If beach access is your #1 priority, Van Buren State Park Campground is a prime location.  

Two hundred twenty good-sized campsites lie about 400 yards from Lake Michigan, where campers enjoy massive dunes and one full mile of beachfront real estate.  

Each campsite is equipped with electricity, a picnic table and fire ring, and two restroom/shower buildings are scattered within the campground.  

Cell service is somewhat available, with Verizon and T-Mobile offering more reliable signals, and reservations for sites are accepted up to 6 months in advance.

Avid sun worshippers and beachcombers will adore this campground for its proximity to sand and surf, and those drawn to the amenities of town will be pleased with its location: just 3 miles south of South Haven.

#2 Sunny Brook RV Resort 

Luxury knows no bounds at Sunny Brook RV Resort. With access to a private beach and premium campsites with gazebos and professional landscaping, campers will feel as if they have entered Shangri La.  

Many sites are also available for private ownership, but the campground has all the associated amenities of a high-end resort, like a heated pool, private lake, and clubhouse. Cell service is not particularly reliable here, but there are so many activities here that you won’t miss it!

If you are looking for a pampered experience with manicured sites and staff that strives hard to meet your every need, Sunny Brook will not disappoint.

#3 South Haven Jellystone Park 

Family fun is the optimal phrase used to describe South Haven’s Jellystone Park Campground.  

One hundred twenty-one campsites offer a wide variety of topography, with space for tents, RVs, and oversized motorhomes. Every member of your tribe will find something to love here. The activities range from crafts, organized sports, dances, and even fire truck rides! 

A recreation center, swimming pool, and Kid’s Corral provide plenty of indoor and outdoor enjoyment. And when you’re ready to explore outside of your campground, the town of South Haven is only 7 miles away, with a dozen beaches just beyond.

Families of all sizes will fall in love with Jellystone Park. Adventures lie around every corner here, and rumor has it Yogi Bear likes to hang out by the pool!

#4 South Haven KOA 

Located 10 minutes from South Haven, this KOA Campground has numerous campsites to appeal to virtually any size camper.  

Pull-through spaces measure up to 105 feet in length, and the amenities provided here should entice RVers from around the region.  

Enjoy the heated pool, pavilion and dog park, and don’t miss the trampoline basketball court, hayrides, and movie nights. A cafe onsite offers pizza, pretzels, and ice cream, all of which can be delivered to your campsite. Kids will clamor to the rock climbing wall and a fishing pond.  

Clean, hot showers and an ample laundry room are available for the less glamorous side of camping, as well!

An all-encompassing getaway in your RV is precisely what you will experience at the South Haven KOA, as playful relaxation is on the menu here every day. 

#5 Cousins’ RV Park 

This beautiful, well-maintained park offers both shady and grassy campsites to its many repeat visitors.  

Located close to town, Cousins’ has mature landscaped sites, paved roads, a clean shower house, laundry facilities, and a clubhouse. All campsites provide full-hookups, and the staff here is accommodating.  

With a 30 year history, the RV park has found its most treasured feature: peace and quiet.  

You will find no family activities or playgrounds, just beautiful scenery, respectful neighbors, and the perfect staging area to explore the Western Michigan lakeshore.

Those traveling without small children will find themselves craving the quiet solitude of Cousins’ RV Park. It presents a calming environment where campers return to their RVs to unwind after a day of sightseeing, and where they kick back and revel in the tranquility of the day’s beginning (or end).

Bonus: Here’s the Nearest Free Camping

Shady Brook Park

Tenters and RVs of less than 15 feet in length might enjoy a free night or two of camping at Shady Brook Park in Bloomingdale, Michigan.  

Located 18 miles east of South Haven, the park offers 4 grassy campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. There is also a clean outhouse available. Campers are welcome to stay for up to 5 nights free of charge, but the town requests pre-registration at City Hall so they are aware of who is visiting.  

The park is open April through October.

If free camping is your jam, here are the 6 Best Free Camping Spots in Michigan!

Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA

To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! 

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