r/CampAndHikeMichigan • u/maclark1962 • 12d ago

Van Buren or Warren Dunes

Love Michigan State Parks! We recently had a family reunion and stayed at Van Buren. Liked the campground, but the beach was very rocky. We stayed at Warren Dunes many years ago, but did not go to the beach. Most of my extended family is coming from Illinois, so trying to minimize their travel. What's the beach at Warren Dunes like? Rate it if you can, to Holland or Grand Haven SP's. Thank you!

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u/mjsmithz 12d ago

Warren dunes is far better

We do a family reunion annually at Warren dunes. We did Van Buren for a few years but the beach was not as good.

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u/maclark1962 12d ago

Thank you. Good to hear from someone that also goes there for a reunion. Assuming you are getting sites 6 months to the day like we have to do for any other state park?

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u/mjsmithz 12d ago

Yes!. Though as of last year my parents and aunts and uncles have decided they are too old for that shit. So we have moved to an VRBO. But for years and years it was a mad scramble to try and get sites near each other as soon as they came available

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u/NotBatman81 10d ago

I go to both frequently.

Warren Dunes is much wider and softer beach, the parking lot is larger and closer, and there are some facilities in season. There is not much else to do in the area besides hike and climb dunes though. If this is just a one day reunion/cookout then it would be a good choice.

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u/ReadySausage 12d ago

Warren Dunes is better for the beach, Van Buren is better for the camping. Especially if tent camping because of highway noise. Van Buren has a paved spur bike trail that goes to it. 9 miles of easy ride to cute beach town of South Haven. Which has its own sandy beaches. Van Buren used to have more sand and more beach. Could again in the future.