New Buffalo DOT Rest Area in New Buffalo, MI
Opens to Serve Travelers Efficiently
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| New buffalo, MI 49117 New Buffalo, MI 41.765209, -86.740562 Elevation: 696′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Rest Area (Official) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
New Buffalo DOT Rest Area: This MI Welcome Center is just a nice parking lot with toilets, vending machines, picnic tables, grills, dog are, etc. No tents! This is a rest area, not a campground. It is good for overnight RV parking. It is on highway 94 right after you cross into MI state.
The road in is Paved. New Buffalo Welcome Center is open All. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 1 at New Buffalo Welcome Center.
About This Location
The New Buffalo DOT Rest Area in New Buffalo, Michigan, sits right off eastbound Interstate 94. You’ll find clean restrooms, picnic tables, fresh drinking water, and easy access from the highway—honestly, it’s a relief for anyone road-tripping through the area.
We like this stop because it’s open 24/7 and has plenty of paved parking for both cars and RVs. The welcome center hands out maps and travel tips, which always seems to come in handy when you’re figuring out your next move or just want to know what’s around.
Whether you’re just pausing for a quick stretch or need a longer break, this place covers the basics without sending you out of your way.
Key Takeways
- Located at mile marker 0 on eastbound I-94
- 24-hour access, modern restrooms, and lots of parking
- Works for all travelers, including those with big vehicles
New Buffalo DOT Rest Area New Buffalo, MI
You’ll spot the New Buffalo DOT Rest Area right by mile marker 0 on eastbound I-94 as you enter Michigan. It’s a straightforward stop, good for anyone coming into or leaving New Buffalo.
Restrooms stay open all day and night, and we’ve always found them clean—honestly, some of the best on this stretch. The welcome center, open during the day, has travel info and maps if you need them.
Amenities here include:
- Modern restrooms
- Vending machines
- Picnic areas
- Pet zones
- Paved parking for everything from compacts to RVs
The Welcome Center usually runs from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, but even after hours, you’ll have access to the basics.
Things To Do
At this New Buffalo DOT Rest Area, you can stretch out at the picnic tables, grab a snack, or just enjoy a little fresh air. The paved parking and clean facilities make it easy to relax for a bit.
If you’re up for exploring, New Buffalo itself is close by. The public beach on Lake Michigan is a solid choice for a walk or just zoning out by the water.
Nature lovers might want to check out Galien River County Park. It’s got trails and some quiet spots. Oselka Marina is nearby too, if you’re curious about boats or want to plan a fishing trip.
If you’d rather stay inside, Four Winds Casino Resort isn’t far—there’s live entertainment and gaming. The Silver Creek Event Center sometimes hosts concerts or events that could be worth a look.
For something a little different, there’s the New Buffalo Bash Scavenger Hunt or even the Medieval Torture Museum. Odd, but hey, it’s something to talk about.
Directions
You’ll find the New Buffalo DOT Rest Area on I-94 eastbound near mile marker 0. If you’re heading east, just watch for the signs—it’s right off the highway, so no need to exit into the city.
Coming from the west, as long as you stick to I-94 eastbound, you’ll roll right up to it. Miss it, though, and you’ll have to wait for the next rest stop down the line.
If you’re going westbound or on a different highway, you won’t be able to get here directly. You’ll need to find another rest area or use a nearby exit for services.
Here’s a quick chart:
| Direction | Highway | Access Point | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastbound I-94 | I-94 East | Mile Marker 0 | Direct access, near New Buffalo |
| Westbound I-94 | I-94 West | None | No direct access to this rest area |
Vehicle Access
The rest area sits on the eastbound side of I-94, right at mile marker “0”. You just pull in directly from the eastbound lanes—no fuss.
You’ll find plenty of parking at the New Buffalo DOT Rest Area, and it’s set up for all kinds of vehicles. Cars, trucks, RVs—there’s space for everyone. The lot’s bigger than most, so you usually won’t be circling for a spot.
They’ve marked out parking for bigger rigs and commercial trucks, which helps keep things organized. This way, everyone finds a spot without too much hassle.
If you’re stopping overnight or just need a break, you’ll have access to bathrooms and vending machines at any hour.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
RV travelers and folks with camping trailers will find it easy to park here. At the New Buffalo DOT Rest Area The lot handles even the longest rigs, making it a smart stop if you’re driving something oversized.
There are more than 30 campsites here, and you can usually stay for one night. It’s a good option if you just need to catch some sleep before hitting the road again.
Amenities for campers include:
- Public restrooms
- Picnic tables
- BBQ grills
- Water access
Pets are welcome, and there’s enough space for them to burn off some energy.
It’s not a full campground, but for a quick overnight or a short break, it does the trick. It’s really meant for folks who are on the move rather than those looking to settle in for a while.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At the New Buffalo DOT Rest Area, you won’t find any paid camping or overnight parking spots. The place is free for short stops, quick naps, or a picnic if you’re passing through. If you’re thinking about staying overnight or camping, though, you might need a permit in certain nearby areas.
If you want to camp or stick around longer, Michigan’s rest area permitting rules kick in. Permits usually only cover the stretch between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, but they skip the July 4th weekend. And even then, you’re limited to Friday noon through Sunday midnight.
Honestly, it’s smart to check with the Michigan Department of Transportation or local authorities for the latest permit info and rules. That way, you won’t get caught off guard by any surprise regulations or fines.
The New Buffalo Welcome Center has plenty of parking and decent facilities, but you won’t find paid campsites here. It’s really just meant for quick pit stops or short visits.
If you’re planning a longer trip, you’ll probably want to look into official campgrounds or RV parks around New Buffalo that offer paid or permit-required sites. It just makes planning smoother, doesn’t it?
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| BBQ Grill Drinking Water Picnic Tables Restrooms Playground Trash Cans |
RV Parking |
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