Home › Michigan › South Haven › Van Buren State Park
Van Buren State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,297 Google reviews · Running trail in South Haven, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Van Buren State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park with lakeside sand dunes & woodland trails features picnic area with grills & modern campsites.
What runners say about Van Buren State Park
“But the bathrooms were clean and new, the beach wonderful, and so many ranger programs for kids and adults.”
“While it might not be as big as some of the other nearby state parks, like Warren Dunes and such, its stunning beauty can easily match them.”
Awesome views on the beach, fun rocks to look through, and it's a great place to camp in the state park campground. Dog friendly everywhere after Labor Day, and there are lots of fun hiking trails. Definitely will be coming here again.
This is a great state park! My favorite part is the beautiful beach. You may need to wear water shoes to go swimming. There are lots of rocks for about 10 yards out and then a nice sandy bottom. It is a quick walk from the campground. The campground is well maintained and so quiet. We were on site 220.
This is a fantastic state park. Stayed a week in the campground. Nice camp sites, electric only, and a very quiet campground overall. There are 2 newly built bath houses/restrooms with a dishwashing station and the potable water stations throughout the park are also new.
This campground is very nice. Has a beach area you can walk to. Has the nicest bathrooms I’ve seen as far as campgrounds. They even have an area where you can wash your dishes. Definitely will be coming back.
Trail conditions & character
“While it might not be as big as some of the other nearby state parks, like Warren Dunes and such, its stunning beauty can easily match them.”
“There are 2 newly built bath houses/restrooms with a dishwashing station and the potable water stations throughout the park are also new.”
“There is a short walk to the beach and dog beach through the day use area but it's well worth it, especially to catch a sunset over Lake Michigan.”
“Beach access is great a trail right from the campground leads you to the parking lot of the beach.”
“The campground is nicely wooded, brand new bathroom facilities, and a close proximity to the beach.”
“Lake is REALLY rocky, water shoes recommended.”
“There are 2 newly built bath houses/restrooms with a dishwashing station and the potable water stations throughout the park are also new.”
Plan your run at Van Buren State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemichigandnr.com
- Phone+1 269-637-2788
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–10 pm |
Running trails near South Haven
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Van Buren Trail
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Lions Park
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Randall Park
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Van Buren Trail State Park
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Kid-friendly state park offering a walking path.