VAN BUREN STATE PARK
Van Buren State Park offers approximately 400 acres of land located along the Lake Michigan shoreline in northern Van Buren County. The focal points of the park are its high dune formations and one mile of sandy beach. Van Buren became a state park in May of 1965 when the original 167-acre plot was purchased from the Harry LaBar Drake family. Since then two other land purchases have been made to make up the current park.
The Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. Details and information on how to obtain your Michigan Recreation Passport can be found by visiting the
MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT web page.
Van Buren-Group Use Area(269) 637-2788 2 site(s), Contact the parkGroup Use Area, Rustic Site
Van Buren-Modern(800) 447-2757 220 site(s)Campsites with 50 amp Service, Electrical Service, Modern Restrooms
The shore of Lake Michigan provides a great area for swimming and a beautiful beach for sun bathing.
Van Buren State Park is located near Benton Harbor, South Haven
The day use area has a picnic area with picnic tables and grills, a picnic shelter and two modern toilet buildings. Picnic shelter is on a first come first serve basis unless reserved. Reservations may be made by contacting the park. Playscape area in the main day use area is now ADA compliant.
Michigan State Park Explorer ProgramLearn more about the natural features and resources located in this park with the Outdoor Explorer Program.
South Haven is a wonderful year round area. Various festivals are held throughout the year such as the National Blueberry Fest, Harbor Fest, July 4th Arts Fair, Labor Day All Crafts Fair and the February Ice breaker. South Haven also has one of the finest Maritime Museums on the Great Lakes. The country side has many small farm markets and antique stores to browse through. Those who are interested in boating or fishing will find public boat launch facilities, charter boat fishing and marinas. There are many public golf courses in the area.
For those who enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling, the 14-mile long Van Buren Trail and the Kal-Haven Trail start in the nearby city of South Haven. The Kal-Haven Trail is a 33 mile former railroad bed and has a limestone/slag surface. The trail links the city of South Haven to the city of Kalamazoo. The trail user will pass through small towns and villages, cross over bridges, pass points of historical interest and go through some of Michigan's beautiful countryside. Both trails are opened in the winter and snowmobiling is allowed.
Warner Camp60 55th Street
Grand Junction, MI
269-434-6844
From I-96 take Exit 13 W. 1/2 mile, N. on Old Blue Star Hwy. For 4 miles. Left on Cr 380, then left on Ruggles Rd.
We really enjoyed our stay at Van Buren State Park. One of the nicest state parks we have stayed at. Beautiful campground, great shower and restrooms. Clean, quiet and enjoyable. Nice access to Lake Michigan.
Very clean, well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities for campers. Quiet evenings, no rowdiness ever in this park: nice for children. A great place to camp to enjoy the wonderful beaches of Lake Michigan...and close to South Haven.
Include me as another fan of the Thirsty Perch...best perch on the Great Lakes !!
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