Van Buren State Park

Home to 1 mile of sandy beach, high dune formations and a modern campground, this 400-acre park is one hour from downtown Grand Rapids and 10 minutes from the resort town of South Haven. Pet friendly! Lake Michigan provides a beautiful space for swimming and a sunbathing. The day-use area offers picnic tables and grills, a picnic shelter and two modern restroom buildings.

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 – 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 can only be accessed via the main "beach walk" located just west of the middle parking lot.

All Michigan state parks require a Recreation Passport for entry. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport at any state park or recreation area or online at https://midnrreservations.com/store (allow 2-3 weeks for delivery). A day pass for nonresidents is $11, an annual pass is $40. Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport by checking “YES” when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State. You can also purchase the Recreation Passport by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at SoS branch offices.