Best Tent Camping near Allegan, MI

The Allegan County area offers several tent camping options within a short drive of town. Pine Point Campground, located directly in Allegan, provides year-round primitive tent campsites with basic amenities. For tent campers seeking water access, WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite offers a unique experience with just three tent-only sites accessible by both vehicle and boat along the Kalamazoo River. East Lake Camping in Hopkins, approximately 15 miles northeast of Allegan, features walk-in tent sites alongside a small lake in a rural setting surrounded by farmland.

Most tent campgrounds near Allegan provide basic amenities with varying levels of development. Pine Point offers the most primitive tent camping experience with vault toilets but no showers, electricity, or water hookups. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables on natural surfaces. WaterTrail Ventures provides drinking water, toilets, and complimentary firewood for tent campers. East Lake Camping offers more developed facilities with hot showers and flush toilets, though tent sites are relatively small and close together. Seasonal access varies, with East Lake operating from May through October, while Pine Point remains open year-round for winter tent camping opportunities.

Tent campers report varying experiences at these locations based on their preference for amenities versus seclusion. One visitor to WaterTrail Ventures noted they "kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for," highlighting the natural setting. The campground's location "off the beaten path" appeals to backcountry tent camping enthusiasts seeking quiet surroundings. At East Lake Camping, a camper observed that while "sites are very small, not much privacy," the grounds are "well kept throughout with beautiful flowers." For tent campers prioritizing facilities over spaciousness, the "wonderful" bathrooms with "great hot water and water pressure" provide comfort not typically found at more primitive tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Allegan, Michigan (19)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Allegan, MI

578 Reviews of 19 Allegan Campgrounds


  • T
    Apr. 15, 2021

    Ely Lake Campground

    Keyword: RUSTIC

    This is our "home base" campground. It's familiar. We've been coming here for decades. Comfortable, and quiet(for the most part).

    Caveat: no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Can run your generator(inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover.

    Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water. There is a dumpster available in the busier parts of the season but this campground is open year round.

    No playground. Just the beach and the trails.

    Sites range from small tent sites to fairly large, but the "roads" inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels.

    In short, if you want a quiet getaway from your usual then this is a great place to go. If you're expecting a pool, arcade, and dining hall... Look elsewhere.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort-South Haven, MI

    This is my top pick for South Haven

    Although this campground has great amenities, a pool, clean showers, and good sites/cabins, it is hard to book. If you know you are going to come to this area and camp, you need to book it a while in advance. I have used a pop-up and there was good space between campers. When I tent camped, we had a great spot near the cafe, the showers are amazing over there, they are more secluded. Our tent spot had electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. We camped on the grass and there is gravel to park your car. This campground is a perfect place to stay when visiting surrounding towns and going to the beach.

    Don’t forget to go to Sherman’s!!

    There was a forecast or rain, don’t mind the tarp

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Brookside City Park

    Beautiful super small camping in town

    The campsites are located past the playground and shelter. Just keep driving down the road that looks like an alley. There is a wonderful place set up for just a few campers. 

    A couple sites are for tents only and the others are standard sites. There are a few trees by the sites but it’s mostly open area. Portable toilets are at the end of the camping area and in the playground area. The playground is a day use area for town so expect to meet some locals. 

    Driving just down the street takes you to the police station. This is where you register for the site. Town is around you and ready to explore. There are a few train tracks and industrial businesses which provide a bit of noise along with traffic. For us, the noise just slid right into the background. 

    This is a great place for a low price.

  • Jeremy K.
    Feb. 3, 2023

    WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite

    Friendly, peaceful, relaxing

    This little campground is definitely off the beaten path. We kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for. 

    Upon arriving we were greeted with smiles and our hosts were more than helpful. They showed us our campsite and provided firewood (which happened to be sassafras which smells heavenly when burned and keeps the mosquitoes at bay) at no extra cost.

    It was the perfect end to a perfect day. 

    I highly recommend spending a night or two here at the river.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    Nice rustic site

    Nice rustic campground with a beautiful lake view. Nice big fire rings. Vault toilet and water pump nearby. Some what level site but in the small side. Perfect for tent camping or a teardrop. Definitely nothing over 15'. Was able to park across from my site to maximize space.

    Gorgeous little lake town just 8 miles away has a full grocery store and restaurants.

    Campsites border the Deep Lake trail.

  • B
    Jun. 11, 2023

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Great Lakeside Camp

    Great campground. Better cared for than a State Park and better accommodations, too. Newish shower house with 6 uni-sex showers (all with their own locking doors). Water mechanisms on several made hot water a little tricky… test before you undress haha. If 5+ showers are in use, don't count on much hot water.

    Very friendly operators and employees. Genuinely interested in how you're doing. Above average camp store and they even deliver your firewood order to your site for you ($7 for a 15"x15"ish bundle).

    Beach access is easy and the beach is nice. On the cooler week we were there, would only see one or two other people out if any, but when school gets out mid-June, sounds like it gets busier. Our Monday-Friday stay saw us as the only tent campers which was great. Our kids enjoyed the playground and we made use of the grills by the picnic shelter a few times.

    All tent sites (except for T12) are walk in (but most are only 100-300 feet).

    Tent Sites 1, 2, 3, 11 and 12 as well as the group site are on their own away from the main loops. They are served by a flush toilet with running (cold) water. Or you can make the slightly longer walk to the shower house.

    Tent 1 is 100 foot walk, small site, easily visible from T-2 and 3 as well as the group site.

    Tent 2 is medium sized, across from T-3 and visible from T-1 and T-3. 

    Tent 3 is large. Slightly overlooks the group site and can see T-1 and T-2.

    Tent 4 is large, but almost totally isolated. It's surrounded by hills (although T-5 is on one of those hills so could overlook it. Long walk to bathroom.

    Tent 5 overlooks 4 a little and is a medium sized site. Also long walk to bathroom.

    Tent 6 is elevated above everything so overlooks T-5, T-7 and the RV loop. It's a huge site with nothing but nature around and above you. Long walk to bathroom.

    Tent 7 shortest walk to car parking, but surrounded by other sites. Access to other sites runs through site as well.

    Tent 8 and 9 are basically one large site with two tables and fire rings. Requires a walk up several flights of stairs, but puts you on top of a bluff that, without trees, would give you a view of the lake. They charge a premium for these sites.

    Tent 11 is probably the longest walk… you walk past T-1,2,3, then up 70 steps to the top of a ridge. You cannot see or be seen and the picnic table is covered with a shelter. Not a ton of space, but a great site for a lite packer.

    Tent 12 is a drive in site right next to the bathroom and the main drive into the campground.

    We were pleasantly surprised and, outside of a cold shower or two, never disappointed in our stay.

  • Napunani
    Dec. 1, 2023

    Beach Campground — Holland State Park

    Beach Campground = Parking Lot

    If you like to camp in a parking lot, like Walmart or Cracker Barrel, you will love this lake side campground- it's a parking lot! 

    PROS 

    Toilet/shower facilities very clean 

    2 bars TMOBILE 

    Walking distance to Lake Michigan 

    Rangers strictly enforced beach closure each evening- lots of sirens. 

    CONS 

    Pricy state park camping at $53/night for full hook up

    $8 Fee to make on-line reservations 

    Since out of state, we had to purchase a $39 Michigan State Park Permit in addition to paying for campsite 

    No senior or veteran discount 

    Campground is one big asphalt parking lot with painted lines to delineate each site. Absolutely no privacy from any other campsite. 

    Camping is slammed together as tow vehicles have to be parked next to camper/RV insufficient space to park in front of camper/RV 

    Must check-in before going to campground even with on-line reservation and payment in full 

    3pm check-in was strictly enforced--there was quite a line of RVs backed up at 230pm. Once registration opened it took us 20 minutes to register. 

    Needed plumbers tape to connect hose to site water faucet 

    Waist high weeds behind campsites 

    No shade and most of time too windy to deploy awning 

    No security gate closure overnight. 

    Anyone can drive through or walk in from the beach. 

    Lots of drive thrus by non campers 

    No campfire rings or lantern poles at campsites 

    Lots of campfire debris dumped behind campsites from those who bring their own fire pit and charcoal grills 

    Site 396 not level 

    No park WIFI

  • Brian O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2020

    Shamrock Park

    Great for fishing

    We wanted to stay at Warren Dunes State Park, but I think this discovery was a better choice. A clean and friendly municipal campground on the St. Joseph River. The grounds are mostly open with little shade, but we had a tent site by the river and trees. What impressed me most was that they have a building specifically for cleaning fish, with scales, cutting boards and sinks. Another nice feature is the outdoor sink at the shower & restroom building for campers to wash dishes. As tent campers I wish more places had a set up like that. There’s a large stack of firewood, so it’s easy to get a bundle that’s good and dry. We did go to Warren Dunes for an afternoon. It’s busy and crowded. If you go to the beach, be aware there’s very little shade. North of there is Grand Mere State Park, which is better for hiking. In Berrien Springs, check out Zick’s specialty meats across the river from the camp.


Guide to Allegan

Tent campsites near Allegan, Michigan sit within the gently rolling landscape of southwestern Michigan, approximately 25 miles from Lake Michigan's eastern shoreline. The area experiences distinct seasons with warm, humid summers reaching into the 80s and cold winters that can provide year-round camping opportunities at select locations. The sandy soil common in the region makes for good tent drainage during Michigan's frequent summer thunderstorms.

What to do

Wildlife viewing: Kayak the Kalamazoo River from WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite for exceptional nature encounters. "We kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for," notes Jeremy K., who appreciated the peaceful paddle experience.

Blueberry picking: Visit during summer months at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday where guests can harvest their own breakfast ingredients. "This KOA has blueberry fields everywhere on the property. For a period of time in summer and early fall, you can pick your own blueberries in the morning to have in your breakfast pancakes!" says Cindy B.

Hunting: Access game lands near primitive sites at Allegan County Pine Point Campground where local campers report successful outings. "Nice trails good hunting," notes Sara G., highlighting the dual recreational possibilities at this basic facility.

What campers like

Private beach access: WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite offers secluded waterfront relaxation away from crowds. "It was beautiful with solar lights at night and a private beach. Great swimming, in a very private area," explains Karlina L., who enjoyed the exclusive setting.

Clean, modern bathroom facilities: East Lake Camping maintains well-kept shower buildings that appeal to tent campers wanting comfort after outdoor activities. "The bathrooms were wonderful with great hot water and water pressure," according to Wailym C., who appreciated this practical amenity.

Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal operations, Allegan County Pine Point Campground provides year-round tent sites for cold-weather enthusiasts. This allows access to winter hunting seasons and snow activities rarely available at other campgrounds in the area which typically close from October through April.

What you should know

Site size variations: East Lake Camping offers both small lakefront spots and more spacious options on their upper loop. "There are more spacious sites available on the upper grassy loop," notes Wailym C., providing a tip for tent campers seeking room to spread out.

Seasonal operation differences: Most tent camping facilities near Allegan operate only during warm months. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday runs from "May 1 to October 12" according to their listing information, typical of the region's camping season.

Arrival timing restrictions: Some campgrounds charge early check-in fees. "Make sure you do not arrive before 2:00PM, as they require a $10 early registration fee," cautions Dan K. about Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, suggesting travelers plan arrival times carefully.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA provides multiple recreation options within walking distance of campsites. "We love this little KOA and camp here often with family... the activities are super fun and the pool is a nice size for the kids. My nephew loves the goats more than anything!" shares Lisa P.

Enclosed pet areas: Families camping with dogs will find dedicated spaces at several locations. "Pets are welcome here with two fenced dog runs and trails to keep the owners exercised," explains Greg B. about Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, making it easier to manage pets while tent camping.

Proximity to Lake Michigan beaches: Tent sites near Allegan provide access to Great Lakes swimming within reasonable driving distances. "Close to our favorite vacation town of south haven. This campground is made for families. It has a pool and lots of activities for kids," notes Amy J., highlighting the dual appeal of campground amenities and nearby attractions.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: Sandy Pines RV Resort and Campground has specific areas for larger units. "The main thing that I didn't like about sandy pines is that if you have a large camper, you can only get a spot in phase 3, which is really far away from all of the fun activities," advises Andrea, suggesting families with big rigs should consider renting golf carts.

Parking logistics: Some campgrounds have designated overflow areas for early arrivals. At Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, if you don't pay the early arrival fee, "you'll be directed to overflow parking where you can loiter until 2:00," according to Dan K., which can be problematic for large rigs with tow vehicles.

Weather considerations: Spring rainfall can create access challenges. "The cabins are on the far back of the property and there is a depression in the gravel road before getting to them. Because it rained rather heavily, it makes it formed a huge collection of water," warns Devina M. about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA, suggesting campers bring appropriate footwear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Allegan, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Allegan, MI is East Lake Camping with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Allegan, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Allegan, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.