#
Spots filling fast — Book now before it's too late!

Why You'll Love New Buffalo

Our New Buffalo summer camp is based right at New Buffalo Beach, one of the most loved family beaches on Lake Michigan, and a favorite destination for families looking for fun things to do in New Buffalo. With soft sand, clear water, a walkable harbor, and charming small towns all around, New Buffalo is a perfect place for families attending a New Buffalo, Michigan summer camp to spend the day before or after camp — or even turn camp week into a full beach vacation.

Families visiting our New Buffalo kids camp love how easy and welcoming the New Buffalo area feels: 

  • Safe, walkable lakefront communities
  • Great beaches + dunes + nature trails
  • Lots of kid-friendly dining and treats
  • Rainy-day backup options
  • Classic Harbor Country charm
  • All just minutes from camp!

What to Eat

Camp families will find plenty of great restaurants and casual bites in Harbor Country.

Where to Stay

New Buffalo has a great range of places to stay for families attending a New Buffalo, Michigan, summer camp, from comfy waterfront resorts to walkable downtown hotels and cozy vacation-style stays. Many options are just minutes from the beach, shops, and restaurants — perfect for beach days, evening strolls, and easy camp drop-off. New Buffalo fills up quickly in summer, and on holiday weekends, so early booking is recommended, especially for families attending a New Buffalo summer camp!

What to Do / Play

From kayaking the Galien River to tasting fresh-picked fruit, Harbor Country offers fun for every camp family.
Lakefront Adventures
  • New Buffalo Beach, New Buffalo –Our New Buffalo camp is based at Harbor Country’s most popular beach, which features a playground, concession stand, and a panoramic nature-trail boardwalk along the dune line.
  • Cherry Beach, Three Oaks/Harbert –A quieter, more natural-feeling beach with grassy dunes and a forested backdrop — peaceful and low-key. Parking is limited, but open to the public.
  • Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer –Massive dunes to climb, miles of beach, and wooded trails — an unforgettable outdoor stop for energetic families. Make the most of the trip by renting kayaks, paddleboards, or sandboards from Third Coast Paddling – camp families get discounted rates!
  • Weko Beach, Bridgman –Family-friendly spot offers a well-kept beach house, plus picnic areas and shaded spots for a relaxing beach day. Check the schedule for live music in the summer!
Beyond the Beach

Area Resources

Plan your visit with help from these local visitor bureaus and tourism resources.

Getting Here / Travel Info

New Buffalo, Michigan, is a convenient Lake Michigan beach town that’s especially easy to reach from Chicago and surrounding Midwest cities.

New Buffalo is located just off I-94, right near the Indiana–Michigan border. It’s about 1 hour from downtown Chicago, 45 minutes from South Bend, and 1.5 hours from Kalamazoo, making it a popular and easy drive for camp families.

Families flying in will want to rent a car or arrange rideshare from nearby airports.

Amtrak stops in New Buffalo, with direct service from Chicago on the Wolverine line. The station is walkable to town, beaches, and many lodging options, making it a stress-free travel choice.

New Buffalo is compact and easy to navigate. Many families walk or bike to the beach and camp locations. Uber and Lyft are available, and parking is accessible throughout town.

Pick YOur Location

St. Joseph
New Buffalo