MI Van Buren State Park

[Sweeney]

This was a quick one-night camping trip on my way back from northern Lower Michigan. With limited time, I didn’t take many photos (they don’t turn out great anyway) or explore much beyond the drive to the destination.

Campground Costs​

The park’s fees caught me off guard. The base camping rate was $30 per night (Labor Day weekend, Friday to Saturday), but at check-in, they added a $15 fee and charged $5 per bundle of firewood. These extra costs weren’t clearly listed on their website, which felt like a nickel-and-dime approach—except it’s more like dollars.

Campsite Details​

The campground had compact sites, each with space for a camper and about 10-15 feet of personal space. Some sites were larger, especially those on the outer edges of the loop where the road curved. I stayed at site #3, which backed up to a sand dune—a spot I’d choose again if I return. As a teardrop camper without a bathroom or shower, I relied on the campground’s facilities. The bathhouse and water source weren’t too far from my site, but the 3 a.m. trek felt long. Thankfully, I brought my porta-potty.

Beach Access​

The beach was about a third of a mile from my site, though I later discovered a trail at the top of the dune near my campsite that likely offered a shorter route. I stumbled upon the beach while exploring. Clear signage pointed the way, and the sand was clean, soft, and reminiscent of Florida beaches. The beach was well-maintained, with minimal driftwood or debris. Gazing out at the vast freshwater expanse of Lake Michigan felt like being at the ocean, despite the four-hour drive from home.

Would I Return?​

Possibly, but I’d aim for a weekday to avoid crowds or consider nearby parks like Warren Dunes, where I spent many weekends as a kid. Those childhood trips were all about the beach, not the campground.

The Drive Home​

Heading south through southwest Michigan, I took surface roads instead of the interstate, passing through the state’s fruit-growing region. This was the highlight of the trip. Apple orchards, peach groves, and vineyards lined the route, bringing back childhood memories. I didn’t have time to stop much, but I’m already planning a return trip in the next few weeks to buy fresh apples. Late August and September are a beautiful time to visit Michigan’s fruit country.

Photos

After Encouragement from TheSongDogHouse...

 

[TheSongDogHouse]

Great review. Keep trying on the pics- you cant do worse than me!

 

[Van_and_Terri]

This was a quick one-night camping trip on my way back from northern Lower Michigan. With limited time, I didn’t take many photos (they don’t turn out great anyway) or explore much beyond the drive to the destination.

Campground Costs​

The park’s fees caught me off guard. The base camping rate was $30 per night (Labor Day weekend, Friday to Saturday), but at check-in, they added a $15 fee and charged $5 per bundle of firewood. These extra costs weren’t clearly listed on their website, which felt like a nickel-and-dime approach—except it’s more like dollars.

Campsite Details​

The campground had compact sites, each with space for a camper and about 10-15 feet of personal space. Some sites were larger, especially those on the outer edges of the loop where the road curved. I stayed at site #3, which backed up to a sand dune—a spot I’d choose again if I return. As a teardrop camper without a bathroom or shower, I relied on the campground’s facilities. The bathhouse and water source weren’t too far from my site, but the 3 a.m. trek felt long. Thankfully, I brought my porta-potty.

Beach Access​

The beach was about a third of a mile from my site, though I later discovered a trail at the top of the dune near my campsite that likely offered a shorter route. I stumbled upon the beach while exploring. Clear signage pointed the way, and the sand was clean, soft, and reminiscent of Florida beaches. The beach was well-maintained, with minimal driftwood or debris. Gazing out at the vast freshwater expanse of Lake Michigan felt like being at the ocean, despite the four-hour drive from home.

Would I Return?​

Possibly, but I’d aim for a weekday to avoid crowds or consider nearby parks like Warren Dunes, where I spent many weekends as a kid. Those childhood trips were all about the beach, not the campground.

The Drive Home​

Heading south through southwest Michigan, I took surface roads instead of the interstate, passing through the state’s fruit-growing region. This was the highlight of the trip. Apple orchards, peach groves, and vineyards lined the route, bringing back childhood memories. I didn’t have time to stop much, but I’m already planning a return trip in the next few weeks to buy fresh apples. Late August and September are a beautiful time to visit Michigan’s fruit country.

Photos

After Encouragement from TheSongDogHouse...

Thanks for the review. Unfortunately can’t see the pictures. My suggestion for a 3am potty break is a Gaterode Bottle as it has a wide opening neck.

 

[Sweeney]

looks like something else broke -- drat! What is wierd is I can see them.

 

[Jenn]

This was a quick one-night camping trip on my way back from northern Lower Michigan. With limited time, I didn’t take many photos (they don’t turn out great anyway) or explore much beyond the drive to the destination.

Campground Costs​

The park’s fees caught me off guard. The base camping rate was $30 per night (Labor Day weekend, Friday to Saturday), but at check-in, they added a $15 fee and charged $5 per bundle of firewood. These extra costs weren’t clearly listed on their website, which felt like a nickel-and-dime approach—except it’s more like dollars.

Campsite Details​

The campground had compact sites, each with space for a camper and about 10-15 feet of personal space. Some sites were larger, especially those on the outer edges of the loop where the road curved. I stayed at site #3, which backed up to a sand dune—a spot I’d choose again if I return. As a teardrop camper without a bathroom or shower, I relied on the campground’s facilities. The bathhouse and water source weren’t too far from my site, but the 3 a.m. trek felt long. Thankfully, I brought my porta-potty.

Beach Access​

The beach was about a third of a mile from my site, though I later discovered a trail at the top of the dune near my campsite that likely offered a shorter route. I stumbled upon the beach while exploring. Clear signage pointed the way, and the sand was clean, soft, and reminiscent of Florida beaches. The beach was well-maintained, with minimal driftwood or debris. Gazing out at the vast freshwater expanse of Lake Michigan felt like being at the ocean, despite the four-hour drive from home.

Would I Return?​

Possibly, but I’d aim for a weekday to avoid crowds or consider nearby parks like Warren Dunes, where I spent many weekends as a kid. Those childhood trips were all about the beach, not the campground.

The Drive Home​

Heading south through southwest Michigan, I took surface roads instead of the interstate, passing through the state’s fruit-growing region. This was the highlight of the trip. Apple orchards, peach groves, and vineyards lined the route, bringing back childhood memories. I didn’t have time to stop much, but I’m already planning a return trip in the next few weeks to buy fresh apples. Late August and September are a beautiful time to visit Michigan’s fruit country.

Photos

After Encouragement from TheSongDogHouse...

Not seeing any pics. I know the area and I'm sure it's great! I will use the pics in my memory file.

 

[SethB]

looks like something else broke -- drat! What is wierd is I can see them.

@Sweeney On your previous link to a pic in your media album I got a “You do not have permissions…” message.

Your account level is pretty special, maybe there are some permissions presets?

 

[dustinp]

That's weird, the pics are showing up fine on my PC, and they were nice, especially the beach ones!

 

[Van_and_Terri]

That's weird, the pics are showing up fine on my PC, and they were nice, especially the beach ones!

Maybe it’s a IOS thing?

 

[Sweeney]

Maybe it’s a IOS thing?

Possible but doubt it. they just pushed an update and I allowed it -- who knows what they changed but I don't want to get into a situation where we are unsupported again...

Dunno....rights shouldn' tmatter, it is runs as the daemon user --- not tied to individual users...

I don't know... maybe I need to write another check for a 30 days of support to get it fixed....I've got a big job tomorrow related to hydralics on a Brinkely and an awing install -- that might give me some extra cash

 

[TheSongDogHouse]

I'm reading of random photo bugs recently on a couple other xenforo sites....bunch a hosers there in Toronto, ya sure ya betcha Ole. Rolling out Fora for teh Goolag and its popping up tryna sell me something...nyet, tovarische.

...my guess the server software uogrades but honestly, i have NFI, as I'm strictky a menu driven guy, not IT guy, nor a coder. I'm tempted to load a linux distro on an old laptop to ditch MS forever except it would give me brain damage...

I do tweak my Brave browser to the site level to minimize data scraping etc and thats not it, cuz my iphone with newest Ios is working on other xenforo sites with photo upload fine RN just not here.

Sorry to task ya Sweeney and I for one can wait until you have free time to donate, much appreciated your high tech wizardry in this and new venture (RVGeek seriously rocks by the way!).

Windoz guy here who decided Iphone more secure when MS dropped the Nokian and WindowsPhone software- I was in Fargo as it turns out when they let thst leak and actually went to the old GreatPlains/Microsfoft campus in person to get an answer...very hush hush but there ya go, Bill was already on the Lolita express so who knows?

So ya, interoperability with my big old fat fingers on this itty bitty screen...grrr.

I'm constantly going to the Genius Bar to have them deconflict my MS apps on iphone...sonsabunches have to change domething so some product manager can earn stick options is my take- Windows 11? Nope.

Its a racket, break things and make them pay on subscription model...

Sheesh ya dont get me started on cars that need a software code to unlock more horsepower...View attachment 1756868509970.png

Rant/off

 

[Sweeney]

I'm reading of random photo bugs recently on a couple other xenforo sites....bunch a hosers there in Toronto, ya sure ya betcha Ole. Rolling out Fora for teh Goolag and its popping up tryna sell me something...nyet, tovarische.

...my guess the server software uogrades but honestly, i have NFI, as I'm strictky a menu driven guy, not IT guy, nor a coder. I'm tempted to load a linux distro on an old laptop to ditch MS forever except it would give me brain damage...

I do tweak my Brave browser to the site level to minimize data scraping etc and thats not it, cuz my iphone with newest Ios is working on other xenforo sites with photo upload fine RN just not here.

Sorry to task ya Sweeney and I for one can wait until you have free time to donate, much appreciated your high tech wizardry in this and new venture (RVGeek seriously rocks by the way!).

Windoz guy here who decided Iphone more secure when MS dropped the Nokian and WindowsPhone software- I was in Fargo as it turns out when they let thst leak and actually went to the old GreatPlains/Microsfoft campus in person to get an answer...very hush hush but there ya go, Bill was already on the Lolita express so who knows?

So ya, interoperability with my big old fat fingers on this itty bitty screen...grrr.

I'm constantly going to the Genius Bar to have them deconflict my MS apps on iphone...sonsabunches have to change domething so some product manager can earn stick options is my take- Windows 11? Nope.

Its a racket, break things and make them pay on subscription model...

Sheesh ya dont get me started on cars that need a software code to unlock more horsepower...View attachment 12177

Rant/off

Thanks for confirming it is nost just 'us' with the graphics problems --- Xenforo is proud of their support, and they aren't that good. Hopefully an upgrade comes soon taht fixes this -- if you happen to see anything drop me a note -- I wish I had time to really become expert on topic, but to be honest I just can't.

Right now, just looknig for options, I'm digging my toes into other software since Xen seems to be on the "enshitification" path of constant "improvement" --- there are few options and only 1 so far realistically seems to have a migration path -- there's too much history here even to consider leaving it all behind.

Xen is also on the subscription model plan - not a fan. I'm personally moving as muhc of what I do to open source as possible. The support is more community based, but still better than most commercial software and problems like this photo issue is generally fixed...FAST. The "you will own nothing and be happy" -- well, hopefully these companies get Cracker Barreled once a few more people 'wake up'

 

[Jenn]

I'm reading of random photo bugs recently on a couple other xenforo sites....bunch a hosers there in Toronto, ya sure ya betcha Ole. Rolling out Fora for teh Goolag and its popping up tryna sell me something...nyet, tovarische.

...my guess the server software uogrades but honestly, i have NFI, as I'm strictky a menu driven guy, not IT guy, nor a coder. I'm tempted to load a linux distro on an old laptop to ditch MS forever except it would give me brain damage...

I do tweak my Brave browser to the site level to minimize data scraping etc and thats not it, cuz my iphone with newest Ios is working on other xenforo sites with photo upload fine RN just not here.

Sorry to task ya Sweeney and I for one can wait until you have free time to donate, much appreciated your high tech wizardry in this and new venture (RVGeek seriously rocks by the way!).

Windoz guy here who decided Iphone more secure when MS dropped the Nokian and WindowsPhone software- I was in Fargo as it turns out when they let thst leak and actually went to the old GreatPlains/Microsfoft campus in person to get an answer...very hush hush but there ya go, Bill was already on the Lolita express so who knows?

So ya, interoperability with my big old fat fingers on this itty bitty screen...grrr.

I'm constantly going to the Genius Bar to have them deconflict my MS apps on iphone...sonsabunches have to change domething so some product manager can earn stick options is my take- Windows 11? Nope.

Its a racket, break things and make them pay on subscription model...

Sheesh ya dont get me started on cars that need a software code to unlock more horsepower...View attachment 12177

Rant/off

That was such an excellent rant! Sitting here with morning coffee and fire, and having a laugh and honestly feeling better about all the .....other stuff. Thanks you two!

 

[Sweeney]

Just bein' a trouble maker

 

[TheSongDogHouse]

That was such an excellent rant! Sitting here with morning coffee and fire, and having a laugh and honestly feeling better about all the .....other stuff. Thanks you two!

Heh. You're welcome. Can't take this stuff too seriously and it helps to vent ovcasionally!

I still say that camp deal you have is the most epic hidden secret oasis ever.

One of these days I have to come visit. It maybe awhile...right now the sale and move to Floriduh (?) for Retirement Redoubt is underway, so I expect as part of long delayed BucketList to Deadhorse...h/t @dirty6
And David R the TransCan guy.

 

[Jenn]

Heh. You're welcome. Can't take this stuff too seriously and it helps to vent ovcasionally!

I still say that camp deal you have is the most epic hidden secret oasis ever.

One of these days I have to come visit. It maybe awhile...right now the sale and move to Floriduh (?) for Retirement Redoubt is underway, so I expect as part of long delayed BucketList to Deadhorse...h/t @dirty6
And David R the TransCan guy.

The eagles, ducks, otters, etc have all moved on and time for me to do that too. Packing up and checking the tires ! There's a prairie out there tha I am looking forward to....

 

[TheSongDogHouse]

The eagles, ducks, otters, etc have all moved on and time for me to do that too. Packing up and checking the tires ! There's a prairie out there tha I am looking forward to....

Yep sure is some pretty country on the straight shot to your destination. Travel safe send pics!

 

[Sweeney]

The eagles, ducks, otters, etc have all moved on and time for me to do that too. Packing up and checking the tires ! There's a prairie out there tha I am looking forward to....

Working your way towards Necedah? These big gatherings are the highlite of my camping season -- I'eve got 3 or 4 more local camping weekends ahead of me - and 1 gathering. I'd like to go back up to Michigan -- probably Warren Dunes -- and visit some of the fruit producers up there! There's something special about buying honeycrisp's, peaches, or blueberries from the grower directly. Plus you get the "delecacies" like blueberry donuts

 

[Van_and_Terri]

Working your way towards Necedah? These big gatherings are the highlite of my camping season -- I'eve got 3 or 4 more local camping weekends ahead of me - and 1 gathering. I'd like to go back up to Michigan -- probably Warren Dunes -- and visit some of the fruit producers up there! There's something special about buying honeycrisp's, peaches, or blueberries from the grower directly. Plus you get the "delecacies" like blueberry donuts

Don’t forget the cheese curds! Nothing like getting fresh ones from the local cheese farms!

 

[Sweeney]

Don’t forget the cheese curds! Nothing like getting fresh ones from the local cheese farms!

Thats more wisconsin --- other side of the lake. 90 mile swim The southeast part of Michigan is definately fruit and vinyards, though mid-west wines are alway way too sweet for my taste.

You coming to CICO this year?

 

[Jenn]

Working your way towards Necedah? These big gatherings are the highlite of my camping season -- I'eve got 3 or 4 more local camping weekends ahead of me - and 1 gathering. I'd like to go back up to Michigan -- probably Warren Dunes -- and visit some of the fruit producers up there! There's something special about buying honeycrisp's, peaches, or blueberries from the grower directly. Plus you get the "delecacies" like blueberry donuts

Yes! With equal parts of 'sad to leave' and 'lookin forward to the trip'.
I have an REI alcove that needs a new home. Its 10 yrs old but not used for 5 or 6 years. And 2 wind walls. Anyone want it? I'll bring it to cico.