Van Buren State Park

Category: State park

Address: 23960 Ruggles Rd, South Haven, MI 49090, USA

Phone: +12696372788

Opening hours

Sunday: 8AM–10PM

Monday: 8AM–10PM

Tuesday: 8AM–10PM

Wednesday: 8AM–10PM

Thursday: 8AM–10PM

Friday: 8AM–10PM

Saturday: 8AM–10PM

Reviews

Heather Swaenepoel

Jul 4, 2022

Can’t beat the beautiful beach and being only 5 minutes away from South Haven. They just put in new bathrooms that are clean and very nice, but be prepared to push the button every 15 seconds which was weird for a brand new bathroom. Other than that, it is a great park!

Rebecca Spenelli

Jun 21, 2022

This state park did not disappoint. Very well taken care of. Shade and picnic areas. Functional bathrooms. Playground. Sand ramp down to beach area. Sand, Rocks, Sandy swimming areas. Even a life jack station where the kiddos can borrow one if needed. We really enjoyed this beach. Not as congested as in town South Haven beaches, much more relaxed experience.

Dominique Grabbe

May 14, 2022

5/13/22 approx. 4-630pm. Great for swimming, dog walking, rock hunting, dune running, woods exploring! It was a Friday evening and a lot of younger folks were getting out of school and doing what young kids do. Before the County Park, there is a place to pull off where you can take a small walk through the woods and out to many beautiful viewing spots.

R Strasser

May 9, 2022

Beautiful section of the Lake for sure. Dunes you can climb (I did not, but my adult kids did) bathrooms, Picnic tables, grills, and a play area with swings and a slide. There is a wash station but it was still cold when we went so I assume they will be open as the weather turns warmer. We did see people with dogs on leashes so I assume it's dog friendly but don't quote me on that as I did not read the sign for that information. The driftwood along the beach made nice little nooks for relaxing and feeling semi private. We saw people on top of the dunes with hammocks, looked like an amazing way to enjoy the beach! You do have to pay a fee for entry if you don't have the park pass on your licence plate.

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Questions & Answers

Can you rock hunt here

sharon elliott | Feb 14, 2019
Barbara T | Feb 15, 2019

I didn't pick up one rock...this beach cannot compare to lake superior or lake huron!

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Do they allow pets?

Jaclyn Gillenwater | Feb 14, 2019
Rorie Merz | Feb 15, 2019

Yes put them on a leash and you are good

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what kind of hiking is near the lake shore in Van Buren state park?

Joyce Guetschow | Feb 14, 2019
D Richard | Feb 15, 2019

They have many trails and dunes to hike and climb. Very nice camp and close to water. They also have the kal haven trail which is 33 mile long trail for biking walking and running.

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Is the beach crowded this time of the year? Is it a nice beach?

Natalya Kravchenko | Sep 16, 2021
Mike Brown | Sep 17, 2021

It is not as crowded as some beaches to the north. But, it is a very enjoyable area to take a family!❤👍😁

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Can you bring your dog?

Ximena Hernandez | Feb 14, 2020
Rich Brooks | Feb 15, 2020

Dogs are allowed at campsites if attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in beach , picnic and other areas though. You can try calling Covert township park which is not far from there.

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Where can you get water, and wash dishes?

emily syck | Feb 14, 2020
Gary Hawks | Feb 15, 2020

They have a couple water spigots in each loop. You go with a container to get water. We wash our dishes in some little buckets. They don't have any dish washing facilities.

I heard there was a trail off the day park that they allowed dogs on to access the beach is that true?

Annette Bernal | Feb 14, 2019
Tina Darling | Feb 15, 2019

Yes. Its away from the public beach. There is a small off the side of the road parking area that leads to a path and steps. The whole area is beautiful ! We to want to enjoy our time w our furbabies!

Do they allow alcohol?

Zach Edwards | Feb 14, 2019
Tonya Floyd | Feb 15, 2019

Ok at your campsite but not on beach

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Will I be able to get a campsite if I booked for two weeks from now?

Nick Lloyd | Feb 14, 2020
Phyllis McCrossin | Feb 15, 2020

Except for holiday weekends I've always been able to reserve a site.

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Is the beach really nice?

Daniel Buffham | Feb 14, 2019
D Richard | Feb 15, 2019

Nice beach plenty of area to walk. Not to rocky on shore but first nit by water is rocky. They do have a bath house and playground.

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Looking for food vendor information for 2018

Curtis Woods | Feb 14, 2019
Brian Wilson | Feb 15, 2019

There is no food service....please come

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How much is it to camp a night

Ruth Burkhead | Feb 14, 2019
Benjamin Holsted | Feb 15, 2019

I arrived on bike and camped in a tent. Was charged $10. Stayed at several State Parks along the shore in both Indiana and Michigan and was always charged $10-12 for a full site. There will of course be different fees for tent vs RV.

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Does the Van Buren State Park campground have shower facilities?

Ken Foster | Feb 14, 2018
Bonnie Kleis | Feb 15, 2018

Yes they do have very nice shower facilities and restrooms. The restrooms have handicap access but the showers do not as of yet.

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What's with all the little caterpillars on the walkway to the beach this year?! They have eaten the leaves on a couple of trees bare! They're gross!

Dale Leist | Jul 18, 2021
Amy K. Milligan | Jul 19, 2021

I believe those are Gypsy moth caterpillars. They are an invasive species.

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Any advice for newbies for the beach/swimming? We’re first timers, and aren’t camping, we just saw the sign driving home from South Haven beaches and would like to check it out.

Victoria Brenda | Jun 18, 2021
Diana Aldea | Jun 19, 2021

Idk about swimming. I've never tried in the lake,, but the beach seemed pretty nice when I went. Just make sure you stay on the main path when you get there. It goes behind the 2 buildings from the parking lot towards the lake.

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Is there a dump station for campers at Van Buren state park

Mary Smallegan | Apr 19, 2021
Gage Schneider | Apr 20, 2021

Yes there is

Can you fish here?

Omar Aguayo | Feb 13, 2021
Angel H | Feb 14, 2021

Not the best place to fish. Find a smaller lake.

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Is there a place to keep an eighteen foot speed boat overnight at the state park?

Deb Tiller | Feb 13, 2021
Adam Peterson | Feb 14, 2021

Unless you mean leaving it in a parking lot, not docked somewhere. In that case, yes. The beach parking and gravel overflow lots are both available for that.

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What is the best option for a weeks worth of firewood? Is there anyone local who delivers to the campground?

Chris Bezdziecki | Feb 13, 2021
Doug Huitt | Feb 14, 2021

The wood sold at the campground is too green. Buy your wood from one of the people on Blue Star Highway.

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Do you have to pay a fee to get to the beach

Lacey Keaton | Feb 13, 2021
Elizabeth Kirby | Feb 14, 2021

The park pass gets you into all state parks in MI and I do t believe they required right now bc of Virus.

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I'm on oxygen and can't walk far nor climb. Is there any place to park that is Very close to the beach? If not here, can you suggest somewhere? I've only found Weko.

Kathy Ryan Thornton | Feb 14, 2020
Tamara Olson | Feb 15, 2020

there is a very nice parking area just past the headquarters area. There is a paved path that will go straight to the beach. Took about 5 mins to get there. It was not a climb to get to the beach but a bit of an incline for coming back to the parking lot. I had lung surgery a couple months before going and I did have to stop and rest on the way back. Hope this helps.

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How much do u have to pay to park.

Vicky Hildebrant | Feb 14, 2020
Kaden Jonas | Feb 15, 2020

I believe if you already have bought a campsite or just visiting a friend there it's free. You just need a state park pass for MI

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Is there any availability for dispersed camping?

Ian Andrews | Feb 14, 2020
Eric Gallagher | Feb 15, 2020

No there is not.

Is the walk from camping far from the beach ? I have hip problems .

alicia hall | Feb 14, 2020
Jessica Baptiste | Feb 15, 2020

It's a decent walk from the campgrounds. The closet parking place will put you about 100/150 yards from the beach area.

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Is there any beach left here?

Lisa Schulz | Feb 14, 2020
Mike Bierbaum | Feb 15, 2020

Not much! It's a tiny sliver now.

What is the cost per night for camping?

Marie Weber | Feb 14, 2020
M Hawk | Feb 15, 2020

It's $32.00 a night for us, but we're from Indiana. It may be cheaper if you're a resident.

Do you have to pay to go for one day?

Ximena Hernandez | Feb 14, 2020
Candice Boggess | Feb 15, 2020

Just a reminder: (cuz I always forget, lol) If you have the State Park recreation sticker on your vehicle that you pay extra to get when renewing your plates at the bureau, I do believe that allows you to get into the State Parks for free as well. Hope you all have a wonderful, safe and fun 4th of July!!🇺🇸🎇🌞🏖🎉🎆🇺🇸😄

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Do you have to pay to get in?

Ximena Hernandez | Feb 14, 2020
Candace Brinkley | Feb 15, 2020

It's $9 for a day pass or $33 for an annual pass for non-residents

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Are people allowed to get married on the beach, if so what are the rules and guidelines? Thanks in advance!

Megan Michael | Feb 14, 2020
Laura Baumgras-Pearce | Feb 15, 2020

It's a public beach so you won't be alone, you can probably reserve the picnic shelter though.

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If I want to bring my dog to the beach what do I need to show at the entrance? (I.e. vaccines, etc)

Gabrielle Nelson | Feb 14, 2020
Gabrielle Nelson | Feb 15, 2020

I read there was a separate beach access that allowed dogs, I've seen multiple reviews about it as well

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I went last year and there were great flat smaller rocks. Is this only during a certain time? Looking to go this weekend.

Tami Licquia | Feb 14, 2020
Angel's Breeze | Feb 15, 2020

No. You just have to look for Them. They are always around. Sometimes You get those in the water by the edge to at least ankle deep, after a good amount of waves have been rolling. Good Luck and Happy Rock Hounding

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Is there a boat launch?

Sherra Slee | Feb 14, 2020
Christy Durrett | Feb 15, 2020

No. They have them a few miles down the road in South Heaven

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Can you see rocks yet ? What about blue ice ?

sharon elliott | Feb 14, 2020
Tracy McFall | Feb 15, 2020

Blie ice is visible and no the rocks are still covered mostly

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Can I have a fire on the beach

jcb101 - | Feb 14, 2019
Scott Kietzman | Feb 15, 2019

No

What if someone cancels can you get that site

Stephanie Blaylock | Feb 14, 2019
Russell Tillery | Feb 15, 2019

I heard if someone cancels that makes that site free but only if they cancel with the park website or in person at the Ranger Station.

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what time is check-in?

Paula Andrysiak | Feb 14, 2019
John Preston | Feb 15, 2019

Somewhere between 1 and 3

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Are there grilling stations?

Briana Asmus | Feb 14, 2019
Stephen McGuffey | Feb 15, 2019

Yes there are several locations with grills

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how many camp sites

Victor Del Real | Feb 14, 2019
David Thomas | Feb 15, 2019

220 camp sites

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Do they have cabins for rent?

Craig Sharpe | Feb 14, 2019
Pam Harris | Feb 15, 2019

There is a place nearby that does. I don't recall the nane but it's in Covert.

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