Kal-Haven Outpost began as a far-off dream discussed over campfires between two college friends Rob and Scott. The dream of a campground built from the campers’ perspective. That dream became a reality when in 2015 Scott and Kary called Rob and Heather and told them they had purchased the property along the Kal-Haven Trail just five miles from South Haven MI. It was the perfect spot to create something unique, not just another (SW Michigan) campground.
Rob and Heather had just bought their first home weeks prior to this call in Cheyenne WY! However because of the perfect location and area, they immediately put their (newly purchased) house up for sale again and moved across county to begin a new life and adventure.
"Chatting with our guests about all of the adventures, excitement, memories and even a few mishaps over a cup of coffee in the morning is the most fulfilling life I can imagine. My family and I couldn't be more excited to share this beautiful slice of Southwest Michigan with the world!"
Robert Kempton
Owner
Rob and Heather were married on the campground the following year, 2016, with Scott and Kary’s daughter as their flower girl. It was a wonderful celebration made even better by the fact it was celebrated on the campground. It was an amazing beginning to an amazing place.
The first several years were a whirlwind of learning how to build, run and own a campground, all while families were growing. Sourcing materials locally has always been at the core of the Kal-Haven Outpost's philosophy. The cabins were built on site by local craftsmen and finished out by Robert himself with rustic knotty pine tongue and groove broads made in Midland, MI. A lot of picnic tables, headboards, tables, benches, and other wood projects were finished those winters in the then-unheated garage. Both families grew in 2017, with the Whiteford's welcoming their second in the spring and the Kempton's their first in the fall. At 4 days old, the Kempton's newborn was in the store helping out (mostly just melting hearts)! During this time, the Whiteford's also purchased and started renovating Hotel Nichols in downtown South Haven. The 2018 offseason saw the addition of our custom built Couples Cabins, which took the best attributes of the Family style cabins and ran with it!
2019 Heather and Rob welcomed their second daughter at the beginning of the season. She was also in the campground store after just a few days after coming into the world! Scott and Kary welcomed their third in the fall. 2020 was a crazy year for everyone, including campgrounds! However instead of folding, the campground thrived and became better and more efficient. 2021 made for a an amazing year with the campground completely replacing the exterior of the duplex. The following year, the Whiteford's welcomed their fourth and The Outpost's latest accommodations were added, our glamping tents and custom school bus conversion.
We at Kal-Haven Outpost believe family and friends are the most important things in the world. Even when the season gets busy we make time to have regular family picnics throughout the summer. Kids growing up together, having playdates and playmates outside where they can be free (and get a little dirty) is what life is all about.
"Our 50-acre outpost on the Kal-Haven Trail is my family's heaven on Earth. Our children learn the valuable things that their classrooms simply cannot teach them. Karine and I cherish the serene relaxation we receive while they do it!"
Scott Whiteford
Owner
The clean bathrooms at The Outpost are a cut above the facilities that any other campgrounds offer, featuring large format tiles, rough cut hickory sawn locally, a fully handicap accessible bath/shower and private shower rooms. On any given morning/afternoon/evening Rob or Heather can be seen cleaning the bathhouse, this being a point of pride to have the cleanest campground bathroom people have seen. Even their daughters may have tagged along to help!
Year after year improvements have been made including our huge off leash dog park, expanded playground, improved walking trails on property, the addition of bike rentals and countless minor upgrades. This year, 2024, is no different! We are finalizing the fishing pond, which will be stocked in the coming seasons, and built custom camper and cabin play structures.
Kal-Haven Outpost is a campground built from the perspective of campers on the bonds of friendship and family strength. It continues to expand and thrive, because of the unique visions of all involved.
- Pet and Family Friendly
- Family Owned and Operated
- With Passion and Dedication to our wonderful customers!