Introduction 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.
History Van Buren became a state park in May of 1965. 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.
Camping and Day Use The campground has 220 modern campsites, located so that both sunny and shady sites are offered. Each site has electricity, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Located within the campground are two modern toilet/shower buildings and a children's play area. The day use area has a picnic area with picnic tables and grills, a picnic shelter, and three modern toilet buildings. The shore of Lake Michigan provides a great area for swimming and a beautiful beach for sun bathing. NOTE: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the day use area.
Trail Information For those that enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling, the park administers both the 14 mile long Van Buren Trail and the Kal-Haven State Park Trail. The Kal-Haven State Park Trail is a 33 mile trail located on a 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 when there is a 4-inch snow base.
Area Attractions 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.
Location The Park is 3 miles south of South Haven on the dead end of Ruggles Road. Ruggles Road is accessed either by old Blue Star Hwy. (A2) or County Road 380. Both Blue Star (A2) and CR 380 are intersected by M-140 and M-43. The nearest freeway is I-196 and the park entrance is signed from exit 13.
CAMPING
Van Buren- Modern - (800) 447-2757, 220 site(s), $15.00, Modern Water Facilities, Electricity Available
Van Buren- Organization - (269) 637-2788, Organization Camp for Non Profit use
Related Links:
Van Buren State Park
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