Cousins Campground

The Great Outdoors

Just a few minutes' drive south of Cousins RV Park is the beautiful Van Buren State Park. This 400-acre state park consists of woodlands, dunes, and meadows along the edge of Lake Michigan. The park features a mile-long sandy beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. There are a few short hiking trails at this park, which lead through the woodlands and up the dunes, providing excellent views of Lake Michigan. Pets are welcome at this park as long as they're kept on a leash, so make sure to bring your pooch along on your adventure. If you're looking to relax, a few picnic tables are overlooking the lake that are perfect for a lakeside lunch.Alternatively, you might want to travel slightly north and visit the peaceful Holland State Park. This small 140-acre state park is well known for its white sandy beaches on the edge of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, making this the perfect spot for sunbathing or taking a dip. If you're looking for the ideal photo opportunity, the park features a lighthouse known as "Big Red," which is well-known along Lake Michigan. If you're looking to make a splash, you can rent kayaks and canoes from the park, and there's a fish cleaning station if you're planning on catching your own dinner.Another popular state park right next to Holland State Park is Saugatuck Dunes State Park. This 1,000-acre park is perfect for hikers who like a challenge, as the park consists mainly of rolling hills, steep rocky cliffs, and 200-foot-tall sand dunes. Upon conquering this rugged landscape, hikers will be treated to beautiful views of Lake Michigan from atop the hills and dunes. Saugatuck Dunes State Park is also a favorite spot for bird watchers due to the 300-acre nature preserve, which is popular with migratory waterfowl and a variety of other wildlife.

Exploring the City

South Haven campers will have access to some exciting cities during their stay. Grand Rapids is one of the closest big cities and has an array of excursions that will satisfy even the pickiest camper. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a very popular attraction and features a variety of exciting interactive exhibits related to Grand Rapids. Kids will love riding the 1928 Spillman Carousel and playing with a range of classic toys from the past century. There are also exhibits on the ecosystems in Lake Michigan and the local Anishinabek people, meaning there's sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.If you're looking for something family-friendly to do on a summer day, consider a trip to the John Ball Zoo. This zoo/aquarium is full of weird and wonderful critters from across the world, with over 200 different species on display. Visitors will spot some rarely seen animals at the zoo, including black-footed cats, Magellanic penguins, and howler monkeys. The zoo also offers experiences like ziplining, feeding exotic birds, and riding camels.Grand Rapids is full of cultural delights, and campers with a love of art should visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum. This modern art museum contains a wide variety of art, with over 5,000 paintings, sculptures, and more, encompassing thousands of years of art history. This museum often holds temporary exhibitions which often feature world-renowned artists including Andy Warhol, Maya Lin, and Alexander Calder, so you'll likely see something new and exciting every time you visit.