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Van Buren State Park
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| State Park Contact Information: |
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Van Buren State Park
23960 Ruggles Road
South Haven, Michigan 49090
Phone: 269-637-2788
Reservations: 800-447-2757
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Area Accommodations
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| Adopt-A-Park Contacts: |
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Photography: add your photos
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| State Park Reservations: |
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Reservations: 
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| State Park Overview: |
| 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. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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Great Family Camping.
The campgrounds are top-notch with great facilities. The beach is a bit of a walk from the camp, but a nice bike ride. The beach was a little dirty the last time we were there, but not usually that way. Campsites are well spaced and good size. Overall, good fun and not far from South Haven. Be sure and eat at the Thirsty Perch if you like fresh perch, good eats...
Written by Brian
4-Aug-2008
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Very clean and quiet
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 !!
(name not given)
25-Aug-2009
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| Camping: |
| 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 |
| Picnicking: |
| 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. |
| Swimming: |
| The shore of Lake Michigan provides a great area for swimming and a beautiful beach for sun bathing. |
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| Area Accommodations |
| B&Bs / Inns | | Martha's Vineyard Bed and Breakfast - Extravagant hospitality pampers you in this peaceful, park like estate near the beach. Built in 1852, each guest room is uniquely decorated, has a private bath, verandah and fireplace. Some Jacuzzis. | |  | The Kingsley House B&B Inn - Fennville, MI
Stunning Queen Anne Victorian on Michigan Historic Register. Wrap-around porch, 7 fireplaces, jacuzzi suites, full gourmet breakfast every morning. Minutes from Holland, Saugatuck and South Haven.
Web Site: http://www.kingsleyhouse.com |
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| |  | J. Paules Fenn Inn - Fennville, MI
Country Four Square built around 1900. All private bath, full gourmet breakfast 8-10AM, evenings wine and deserts 6PM till?, some rooms have fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs, WiFi, Robes, Non-smoking, Pet Friendly. Week-day, AAA, AARP, Seniors (65) discounts always M-F.
Web Site: http://www.jpaulesfenninn.com |
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| | Sherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast - Saugatuck Michigan, Surrounded by woods, this beautiful Victorian-style home offers fireplace-Jacuzzi suites, heated pool, bicycles, wraparound porch. 1/2 block to Lake Michigan & spectacular sunsets | | Hotels/Motels | |  | Suburban Extended Stay Hotel - South Bend, IN
The newly built Suburban Extended Stay? Hotel provides easy access to a number of local points of interest. This extended stay hotel offers features and amenities like: Well-equipped kitchens, Weekly housekeeping services, Free premium cable television with movie channels,On-site guest laundry facilities, Free wireless high-speed Internet access, Free local calls. Guests can also enjoy the indoor pool and fitness center. Give us a visit on the website or call us for reservations.
Web Site: http://www.suburbanhotels.com/hotel-south_bend-indiana-IN305?sid=Mhwci |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
| Southwest Michigan Tourism, Parks & Nature Areas - Southwestern Michigan Parks & Nature Areas |
| Nature Programs: |
| Michigan State Park Explorer ProgramLearn more about the natural features and resources located in this park with the Outdoor Explorer Program. |
| 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.
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. |
| Area Campgrounds | | |
| Directions: |
| 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. |
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