Van Buren State Park

The park, including campground and day-use areas, will close Sept. 2, 2025, for a lagoon rehabilitation and beach access improvement project. While a reopening date is not yet set, we anticipate reopening in spring/early summer 2026. A proposed $1.1 million in federal relief funding from Gov. Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan made these and other renovations possible.

Address

23960 Ruggles Road
South Haven MI, 49090

Phone

269-637-2788
TTY/TDD711 (Michigan Relay Center)

Approximate Size

400 (Acres)

Recreation Passport

Required

Trail Length

Trail Head

Camp Sites/Fees

Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Van Buren State Park is home to 1 mile of sandy beach, high dune formations and a modern campground and offers easy access to Van Buren Trail State Park. Located 3 miles south of South Haven, the park is just minutes away from local shops and restaurants.

Make a Reservation Tell Us About Your Visit

Event Information

Explorer Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

More Information

The DNR is developming a new general management plan for Van Buren State Park. The online public survey closed Dec. 16, 2024. The DNR is currently reviewing submissions and will use this feedback to develop a draft general management plan. Thank you to everyone who participated! Visit project page.

Van Buren State Park is set along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The park is home to high dune formations, a modern campground, 1 mile of sandy beach, woodland trails and a day-use area.

The day-use area offers 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 sunbathing.

From the park, visitors can access the Van Buren State Park Spur Trail, which offers a scenic, 4-mile paved route into the City of South Haven. Along the way, visitors can access Van Buren Trail State Park (gravel surface) near 16th Avenue and continue on an additional 12 miles (south) to the City of Hartford. The Kal-Haven Trail State Park connects in South Haven and provides 33.5 miles of additional trail.

Yes, there is a Van Buren State Park, Van Buren Trail State Park and Van Buren spur trail. Come visit us!

Campgrounds

Van Buren-Modern Campground: 800-447-2757
(220)
Van Buren-Youth Group Use Area: 269-637-2788
(2)

Trails

Van Buren Spur Trail: Trail Length: 4.00 (Miles)
Van Buren Trail State Park: Trail Length: 14.00 (Miles)

About the Area

View Online Visitor's Guide

The charming beach town of South Haven is just minutes away and boasts unique eateries, wineries, boutiques and natural scenic surroundings. 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.

Activities (Display as List)

Alcohol Restrictions

Alcohol Restrictions: You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage in the park's day-use areas and designated swim beach April 1 through Labor Day (unless the park manager has granted written authorization through an event permit).

Biking

Biking: From the park, visitors can access Van Buren Trail State Park via a 2.5-mile paved spur trail. A 2-mile section of the trail between the city of South Haven and 16th Avenue is paved and suitable for bicycles. A 12-mile, undeveloped section of trail between 16th Avenue and the city of Hartford is an unimproved gravel surface and more suitable for mountain bikes.

Hiking

Hiking

Hunting

Hunting: Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call the park directly to ask about any special rules, concerns or considerations.

Metal Detecting

Metal Detecting: Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage natural and cultural resources in Michigan state parks nor violate applicable state statutes. This park map clearly shows where this activity is allowed to take place. Any items found must be reviewed by park staff and may be retained for further investigation. Areas located within the campground are limited to registered campers only.

Nature Programs

Nature Programs: Seasonal naturalists offer weekly nature-based nature programming Memorial Day through Labor Day. View weekly programming calendar (PDF).

Pet-Friendly Area

Pet-Friendly Area:

Pets are allowed along the entire length of the Lake Michigan shoreline (except for the designated swim area) and the park’s pet-friendly beach. The pet-friendly beach area – located south of the designated swim area – can be accessed via the dog beach access trails just west of the picnic shelter. The remaining shoreline – located north of the designated swim area – can only be access via the main "beach walk" located just west of the middle parking lot.

Pets must always be on a 6-foot leash and under an owner’s immediate control. All pet waste must be properly disposed of in trash receptacles.

Swimming

Swimming:

A designated swim area is located immediately west of the middle day-use parking lot that includes a modern restroom, accessible parking area and beach mat at west end. (not considered accessible due to steep grade to the water).

Please be mindful of Great Lakes beach safety. Pay attention to the beach flag warning system in designated swim areas; red flags indicate the water is unsafe and no one should swim in or enter the water.

Facilities (Display as List)

Beach House

Beach House: A beach house in the day-use area includes restrooms and vending machines.

Group Use Area

Group Use Area

Modern Restrooms

Modern Restrooms

Picnic Area

Picnic Area: The picnic area, located in the day-use area, includes picnic tables and charcoal grills that are available first come, first served. Modern restrooms are located nearby.

Picnic Shelter

Picnic Shelter: There is a picnic shelter located in the day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills, an electrical outlet and a modern restroom. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MIDNRReservations.com.