Van Buren State Park Detail

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23960 Ruggles Road

Recreation Passport Required: Yes

S. Haven, MI 49090

Approximate Size: 400 (Acres)

Phone Number: (269) 637-2788

Unit Map

TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

Location Map/Directions

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Make a Reservation at this Park

	Alcohol Restrictions		Biking
	Hunting		Metal Detecting
	Michigan State Park Explorer Program		Swimming

	Beach		Electrical Service
	Group Use Area		Modern Restrooms
	Picnic Area		Picnic Shelter
	Playground		Sanitation Station

Click Here for Activity, Facility and Accessibility Details

Van Buren-Group Use Area

(269) 637-2788

2 site(s), Contact the park

Biking, Group Use Area, Hiking, Michigan State Park Explorer Program, Playground, Rustic Site, Swimming

Van Buren-Modern

(800) 447-2757

220 site(s), $23/$21/($16 semi modern-off season rate)

Biking, Electrical Service, Hiking, Michigan State Park Explorer Program, Modern Restrooms, Picnic Area, Picnic Shelter, Playground, Some Campsites with 50 amp Service, Swimming

Van Buren Trail State Park

Trail Length: 13.00 (Miles)

Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Van Buren State Park has one mile of sandy beach and high dune formations. It’s the perfect place to lounge on the beach, walk through woodland trails and enjoy a picnic lunch. Located 3 miles south of South Haven, the campground is only minutes away from local shops and restaurants.

Van Buren State Park Events
GO--Get Outdoors Calendar of Events
Step Into Summer Fun 5K Run/Walk

Information about area surrounding the park

South Haven was founded in 1833 by J.R. Monroe (Monroe Blvd). It is located at the mouth of the Black River on Lake Michigan. A premier tourist destination, it has been featured in Midwest Living Magazine, The Chicago Tribune and the Detroit Free Press, as well as many other prominent publications.

Various festivals are held throughout the year including: Harbor Fest (June), The Annual Art Fair (July), The National Blueberry Festival (August), The All Craft Show (Labor Day Weekend) and The Antique Engine & Tractor Show (September).

Those interested in boating or fishing will find public boat launch facilities, charter boat fishing and a marina. In the summer, there are free weekly concerts at Riverfront Park.

Other points of interest include, The Michigan Maritime Museum, The Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, The Flywheeler Museum, an Art Center and many public golf courses.

For those who enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross county skiing and snowmobiling, the Kal-Haven Trail is located in the nearby city of South Haven. It 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. Trial users will pass through small towns, cross over bridges and pass through small towns and pass points of historical interest as they travel through Michigan’s beautiful countryside.

Van Buren State Park is comprised of 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 form the current park.

The campground has 220 modern campsites, located approximately 400 yards from Lake Michigan. While none of the campsites offer a view of the lake, there is a short walking path linking the campground to the day use area and the sidewalk down to the beach. Each site has electricity, a picnic table and a fire ring. Located within the campground are two modern restroom/shower buildings and a children’s play area. Reservations may be made up to six months in advance.

The day use area has picnic tables and grills, a picnic shelter and two modern restroom buildings. Lake Michigan provides a great area for swimming and a beautiful beach for sun bathing.

If you bring a pet please be aware that pets are not allowed on the beach within the State Park boundaries. Your pet must be on a leash not exceeding six feet and clean-up is required. Pets may not be left unattended at any time and are not allowed in any park buildings.

Make a Tax Deductable Donation to Van Buren State Park