Beach Guide for The Herons' Cottage Guests
- Chris
- Aug 6, 2025
- 3 min read
Whether you’re looking for a quiet afternoon in the sand or a full-day adventure with hiking, food, and paddleboarding—there’s a beach nearby for you! Here’s what you need to know:
A small beach great for a quick lake day.
Parking:
• $15 per vehicle (pay at kiosk, credit card only)
• Get there early—parking fills up quickly
• If the lot is full, try parking in town (1-mile walk)
Good to Know:
• No lifeguards
• Flag system used for water conditions:
🟥 Red = high hazard, strong currents
⛔ Double red = water access prohibited
🟨 Yellow = use caution for dangerous currents & high waves
🟩 Green = good to swim, calm conditions
Know how to survive a rip current. Click here to learn.
Avoid the kaisin (circular structure in the water)—it’s deeper around it
Concession stand available at the beach house
Spotty cell service, but you may get signal near concessions
A large, family-friendly beach with space to roam and lots to do.
Parking:
• $11 per car (state park pass, valid all day and for re-entry)
Beach Highlights:
• No lifeguards, flag system applies
• Food trucks in every parking lot (a bit pricey but convenient)
• Accessible beach mats in parking lots 2 & 3
• Small beach store near the 2nd & 3rd parking lots
• Wheelchair-accessible beach wheelchair available for free (on tracks!)
• Pet beach in the 4th parking lot—great if you love dogs
• Kayak & paddleboard rentals at the last parking lot
• Grilling allowed in designated areas
• Sand dunes & hiking trails: climb the big dune across from lots 2–4
• On clear days, you might glimpse Chicago’s skyline over the water!
Tips:
• Wear footwear on hot days—sand gets very hot!
• Check Warren Dunes State Park Facebook page. Staff updates it daily!
• Great for kite flying on breezy days
• Watch or bring an RC car—people often drive them on the sand
• Sunsets are amazing from the top of the dune!
A popular family beach with lifeguards.
Parking:
• $8/day for Berrien County residents
• $15/day for non-residents
• If main lot is full, park up on the bluff and use the stairs or long stroller-friendly ramp
Beach Notes:
• Lifeguards on duty
• Flag system in place
A smaller beach in a very lively lakeside town.
Good to Know:
• Lifeguard on duty
• Flag system used
• Smaller than Warren Dunes but often busy
• If the lot is full, town parking is available—depending on where you park, expect about a mile walk
• Great spot to pair your beach day with shopping or dining in downtown New Buffalo
✅ Final Tips for Beach Days:
• Always check the flag color before swimming
• Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and footwear
• Cell signal can be unreliable—download maps or info ahead of time
• Some cell phones switch from Eastern Standard Time to Central Standard Time while at the beach
• Early mornings = easier parking
• Keep an eye on weather and wind for ideal kite or RC fun
Enjoy the sun, sand, and stunning sunsets that make Southwest Michigan special! If you need beach gear (chairs, towels, umbrella ), check the cottage—we’ve got you covered!
🪶 From all of us at The Herons’ Cottage, happy beach hopping!
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