Beaches & Waters

Arvesta Sports Complex

Located just 4 miles from downtown South Haven, Lake Arvesta has amazing water attractions including two wibbit inflatable aqua parks and a full-size cable park - giving guests the opportunity to learn how to wakeboard, water ski, and kneeboard. Also features indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. Lake Arvesta Farms offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces that can host private events for up to 300 people. Scenic views and serene surroundings paired with outdoor adventure make Lake Arvesta Farms a unique venue for weddings, social events, corporate outings or events, conferences, trade shows, or other large group events. 

Casco Township Nature Preserve

A beautiful preserve along Lake Michigan.  There are very steep stairs up the bluff to a nice paved path.  There are bathrooms and picnic tables. With access to Lake Michigan, visitors can presently enjoy vista views, wildlife, walks, picnics and natural beauty.

Deerlick Creek Beach (South Haven Township Park)

Dog-friendly beach. A good place to avoid the crowds, walk the beach and launch your kayak via the small creek opening into Lake Michigan. Leashed dogs allowed on the beach and in the water.

Dyckman Beach

From I-196: Exit 22, turn west off of exit ramp onto North Shore Drive. Cross Blue Star Highway. and follow around curve. Located to the right of the only Stop sign on North Shore Drive. $10 per trip parking fee (credit card or cash).

Friends Good Will Splash Pad

Our incredible new lakefront splash pad provides a wonderful alternative water play environment for kids and families! Modeled after the Michigan Maritime Museum's tall ship Friends Good Will, our splash pad will provide kids with great memories and experiences. Located just east of South Beach on the Black River channel.

Newcome Beach

From I-196: Exit 22, turn west off of exit ramp onto North Shore Drive. Cross Blue Star Highway and follow around curve. Located on the right side of the street. Street parking only.

North Beach

Beach is ADA accessible, has a concession stand, picnic area, play equipment, restrooms, and beach volleyball courts. $10 per trip parking fee (credit card or cash) or $30 for a weekly pass.  

North Beach Concession Stand

This beach concession stand has a great selection of food! Hot dogs, Polish sausage, brats, shredded BBQ pork sandwich, nachos, and popcorn. Also 16 flavors of Sherman's ice creams. Soft serve ice cream, root beer floats, soft drinks, shaved ice drinks (lots of flavors), and freshly squeezed lemonade! T-shirts, sunglasses, beach toys, etc. Volleyballs/nets are available for rent.

Oak Street Beach

From I-196: Exit 22, turn west off of exit ramp onto North Shore Drive. Cross Blue Star Highway and follow around curve. Located two blocks from Newcome Beach, on the right. Parking lot is for those with a beach sticker parking pass only--$10 per day

Packard Park & Beach

Park has grills, picnic tables, a deck overlooking Lake Michigan, and a large shaded grassy area. $10 per trip parking fee (credit card or cash) or a free option to parallel park on North Shore Drive.

Pilgrim Haven Natural Area

Pilgrim Haven Natural Area offers a beautiful sample of lakeshore habitats. A barrier-free concrete walk to the beach allows people of all abilities to reach the shore. One-third mile of easy trail through woods and meadows that leads to Lake Michigan overlooks and barrier-free paved access to the beach. Swimming. Wildlife Viewing. Hiking. Snowshoeing. Canoeing/Kayaking.

Scooter Joe's Wheel and Water Rentals

Surrey bikes, beach cruiser bikes, 7 speed bikes, beach rentals & lily pads, kayaks, paddle boards and more in St. Joe & South Haven

South Beach

South Beach is ADA accessible, has grills, picnic area, play equipment, restrooms, and our big, red lighthouse. $10 per trip parking fee (credit card or cash) or $30 for a weekly pass.  

South Haven's Historic Lighthouse

For over 100 years the lighthouse has guarded the entrance of the Black River. Thousands of South Haven lighthouse fan photos have circled the globe!

Van Buren State Park

Park has biking, hiking, and metal detecting. There is a beach, picnic area with shelter, playground, and restrooms. Out of state car parking for the day is $11, Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport for $11 (annual pass for all Michigan State Parks), or parking is free if you already have the Recreation Passport. An out of state annual parking pass is $32.