South Haven, Michigan: VanBuren State Park, Bicycle Trail, Breweries

 May 2021, weekend, 2-nights

Sunset at VanBuren State Park

You can find information about this campground and the area by following this link to my previous post from our visit in August 2020. This post is mostly just to provide information about our campsite this trip; site 220. And, new info since our last visit.

Arrival and check-in

The office was staffed when we arrived Friday afternoon, and we waited behind one person. The check-in process went pretty quick when it became our turn.

Campsite 220 at VanBuren State Park
Our trailer was parked on the right; just outside this view

Campsite 220

Unfortunately, I have only one photo of this campsite. I can, however, provide a bit more information than what is listed on the reservation site. This site is spacious, level, and private. We had plenty of room for our trailer, truck, a small tent, and second vehicle.

Moon shot from campsite 220 at VanBuren State Park

The ground cover is listed as gravel; however, it is dirt. The entire site is dirt, which is the only thing we did not like about this site. It had not rained recently before our stay, so it was quite dusty on this campsite. The dog walk trail runs behind this site. The campsite is mostly shady, except in the late afternoon.

Beach

The main beach area was still roped off as though it was closed, although the bathhouse was open this year. There is a row of stones as you enter the water from the sandy beach, and then the lake bottom is sandy. I think the lines of stones were brought in to help with the erosion, because other beaches on this side of Lake Michigan are all sandy. We did not realize before we went to the beach this year that alcohol is not allowed on the beach. Last year, we had hiked out the dog beach access trail to watch the sunset, and had not seen a sign posted there. This information was not disclosed under "reservation messages" during the booking process, although it had been disclosed under "booking messages" when I received the confirmation (which I had missed). When we got home, I double-checked our booking in both spots after seeing the sign at the beach. 

Mural downtown South Haven, Michigan
Located across the street from recently opened New Holland Brewing

Bicycle trail, downtown South Haven, breweries

Our experience on the bike trail was the same as last time, and you can find that info by following the link at the top of this post. There is a public restroom downtown on the corner of Kalamazoo and Huron streets, which is also where a long bike rack is located. 

View from our table at South Haven Brewpub

The downtown area was a bit busier than it had been last August. Many of the breweries did not open until noon on Saturday. We were surprised, since they also serve food, and we observed other locations that were open with patrons enjoying a beverage outside on their patios. 

Logo sign above the bar at Harbor Lights Brewery 

The New Holland Tasting Room has outside seating. It was full when we walked by between our visits to South Haven Brewpub and Harbor Lights Brewery. Our experience at both these locations was the same as last time. Even though the brewpub has nicer outside seating, the beers and service at Harbor Lights were both much better.

Pretzel appetizer at Guardian Brewing in Saugatuck, Michigan

We had a great experience at Guardian Brewing where we stopped for lunch on the day we arrived. We learned about this brewery via HopPassport, and usually stop when we pass by. The service is great, the beers and food are good, and the outside patio is comfortable. They have a spacious parking lot, so it is easy to visit, if you are passing by with a trailer or something in tow.

All of the breweries mentioned here are in either in the HopPassport or Reel Craft Pass except New Holland Tasting Room. The other New Holland locations are in the HopPassport, so it seems likely the South Haven location may also join.

Let me know if you have any questions. Safe and fun travels to all!