Rocky Gap County Park

Description

Overlooking Lake Michigan from a bluff in Benton Township, Rocky Gap County Park provides a wonderful place to enjoy the Lake Michigan shoreline.  Rocky Gap County Park has 1,100 feet of Lake Michigan frontage.  It is an ideal location to take a relaxed lunch break, cool off with a quick swim, and enjoy a sunset.  The lower park provides easy access to the sandy beaches, and the upper park presents spectacular panoramic views from the Lake Michigan Overlook Deck.

Park Hours

Park Open: April - October
Park Hours: Approx 8 am to dusk, daily

Fees

No fee to park.

parking

Patrons must park in marked parking spots only, inside the parking lot. Do not park on the grass, on the road, or in "no parking" zones. Signs are posted. Vehicles will be ticketed or towed if illegally or unsafely parked. There is a lower (bottom of hill) and upper (top of hill) parking lot. The upper parking lot is periodically unavailable to beach goers when the Overlook Deck is rented out - at which times signs will be clearly posted. If you arrive at the Park, and there is no parking available, you are strongly encouraged to visit any of the other incredible beaches Southwest Michigan has to offer. Click HERE for a list of other local beaches.  

Lower Park Amenities

• Parking Lot
• Vault Restrooms
• Picnic Shade Shelter
• 2 Picnic Tables
• Benches
• Hard Surface Beach Access Ramp

Upper Park Amenities

• Parking Lot
• 2 Picnic Pods with 2 Tables Each
• Lake Michigan Overlook Deck with Pergola
• Benches

Restroom Facilities

Vault restroom facilities are located in the lower portion of the park and are open late Spring to early Fall. There are no facilities with running water at this park.

rental facility

The Lake Michigan Overlook Deck in the upper portion of Rocky Gap is available to rent for your next event or gathering.  

Park Rules

These rules are put in place to protect beach patrons. Please respect the rules and have an enjoyable and safe time at this County Park.

• Alcohol is prohibited at all Berrien County Parks locations.
• There are no pets or dogs allowed on the beach.
• Glass is prohibited at this park.
• Portable grills are not allowed.
• Parking is allowed in designated spaces or areas only. Vehicles parked in no parking zones or areas may be fined and/or towed at owner's expense.

 Rules Ordinance (PDF)

dune erosion control efforts

There is severe erosion occurring along the dune at Rocky Gap County Park. Use the ramp provided at the north end of the Lower Park to access the beach and the parking lot. Do not climb or tread on the dune. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the access ramp to the beach. 

life saving water safety tips

RESPECT THE MASSIVE POWER OF LAKE MICHIGAN

Lake Michigan can be very dangerous for swimmers and bathers. The cold temperatures early and late in the season can quickly cause hypothermia for swimmers. Large waves and dangerous currents can cause hazards conditions. Know and understand the forecast, waves, and water conditions BEFORE you head to the beach. Do not go in the water during dangerous conditions. Be aware that wave and water conditions on Lake Michigan can change throughout the day. 

READ THE BEACH HAZARD STATEMENT BEFORE YOU GO TO THE BEACH: View Great Lakes Beach Hazard Statement that is updated daily by the National Weather Service to learn about conditions of the lake and along the shore, including expected swim risk, wave height, water and air temperature, etc.

DROWNING PREVENTION FOR EVERYONE: View Life Saving Water Safety Resources about how to escape drowning and how to maneuver if you are caught in a Rip Current. 

NOAA NATIONAL BUOY DATA CENTER: View data being collected from a buoy off shore in Stevensville, MI. Learn current wave height, water temperature, air temperature, etc.