Tucked along a stunning stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, Van Buren State Park offers wide sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and open water as far as the eye can see. Join us all season long to explore it all from a rental kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
Weather may affect hours. Click “Book Now” for real-time calendar.
Designed for all experience levels, these trips offer calm water, straightforward routes, and plenty of time to relax and take in the scenery.
Your safety is our top priority. We adhere to strict safety standards so you can focus on your paddling adventure with confidence.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available mid-May through mid-October for river locations and late May through Labor Day for beach locations. Please check availability as hours are subject to change due to weather.
Kayaking or paddleboarding at Van Buren State Park is one of the best ways to experience South Haven’s Lake Michigan shoreline. This beloved 400-acre park stretches along a full mile of wide sandy beach backed by towering dunes — launch right from the shore and paddle along the coast with sweeping views of the dune ridgeline and the deep blue of Lake Michigan stretching out as far as you can see. Big water, big views, and an unforgettable experience for paddlers of all skill levels.
When you’re done on the water, hike the dunes, explore the woodland trails, or hop on the Van Buren Spur Trail — a scenic 4-mile paved path into downtown South Haven that connects to the Kal-Haven Trail, running all the way to Kalamazoo. A full day, all in one park.
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Van Buren State Park kayak and paddleboard rentals are located on the beach in front of the walkway.
Park Entry & Parking: Please note that the Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into Van Buren State Park and all other state parks and recreation areas in Michigan.
We constantly monitor the weather at our rental sites to make sure conditions are safe for our customers. If our reservation calendar shows that we are open today, you can be confident that you can safely enjoy the water.
In the event that conditions are unsafe, our reservation calendar will show that we are closed. If you have already made a rental reservation, you will be notified via text (if you consent to be contacted) and email as soon as possible, and you’ll receive a full credit to reschedule at your convenience.
The loungeboard is a wider inflatable paddleboard specially designed to help paddlers maintain their balance. It has a weight capacity of 400 lbs., perfect for families and couples to paddle together or just lounge. They are available at Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Jean Klock Beach in Benton Harbor, Warren Dunes State Park, and Van Buren State Park.
At all of our rental sites, you can paddle as long as you like and just turn around when you’re ready to return to the launch site. (No need for a shuttle, which we do not offer.) Our most popular reservation length is two hours.
If you need to reschedule your reservation, use the link in your booking confirmation email to choose a new day and time. You must reschedule BEFORE your original reservation time. We’re happy to reschedule rentals, but there are no refunds on these services.
You do not need to worry about tipping our kayaks over. They are beginner-friendly sit-on-top style kayaks that are very stable and designed not to tip easily. While our kayaks are designed for stability, it’s important to note that any kayak can tip if a paddler stands up or behaves unsafely.
Yes, each guest is required to sign a waiver, which includes agreeing to wear their life jacket the entire time.
We encourage you to book ahead of time online to make sure you get the equipment you want when you want. Visit thirdcoastpaddling.com, click “book now,” and choose your rental location. You’re also welcome to drop by to rent, but your selection may be limited – or not available at all – depending on demand.
