Van Buren State Park
South Haven, MI
Van Buren State Park, a few miles south of South Haven, has about a mile of sandy Lake Michigan beach backed by high, wooded dunes. There's a campground in the trees and trails into the dunes. It's a quieter alternative to South Haven's town beaches, especially on weekdays.
A solid, less crowded beach, but the dune climb and park fees can deter casual visitors.
How we score beachesWalk south along the beach for fewer people. Most day visitors stay close to the main path from the lot.
A Michigan Recreation Passport (or nonresident pass) is required for vehicle entry.
Paths lead from the lot over the dunes to the beach, with some soft sand and a climb.
Campers fill the park all summer, though the beach stays roomier than South Haven's. In fall the wooded dunes turn color and the beach empties.
More Great Lakes beaches
Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach
Empire, MI · Great Lakes
Freshwater Lake Michigan surf below towering sand dunes, some over 400 feet tall, with water clear enough to rival a coastline and a hike back up the dune to burn it off.
New Buffalo City Beach
New Buffalo, MI · Great Lakes
New Buffalo City Beach is the first real Lake Michigan beach you hit crossing from Indiana, a wide stretch of sand at the end of Whittaker Street beside the harbor and the Galien River channel. Chicago weekenders fill it in summer. The town's shops and restaurants are a five minute walk back up the street.
Warren Dunes State Park
Sawyer, MI · Great Lakes
Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer has roughly three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and some of the tallest dunes in southwest Michigan. Tower Hill rises about 260 feet above the lake, and climbing it and running back down is a rite of passage. On a hot July Saturday the beach feels like a small city.