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Best Campgrounds near Alma, MI

313 Reviews

The Alma, Michigan area encompasses several campgrounds providing a range of camping experiences across central Michigan. Notable options include Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, located about 30 miles south near Laingsburg, and Just-In-Time Campground near Ithaca, approximately 15 miles from Alma. The region supports RV camping with full hookups, tent camping, and cabin rentals at places like Leisure Lake Family Campground and River Ridge Campground. Most established campgrounds are situated near small lakes or rivers, with several offering seasonal operation typically from May through October.

Many campgrounds in central Michigan require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. "This may be an older camp or the DNR was trying to save money when it was built. Most electrical posts are designed to accommodate at least 2 adjoining lots, and as many as 4. This in itself is not a concern until you realize the posts are way too far away to reach without an extension," noted one visitor regarding Sleepy Hollow State Park. Campers should verify hookup distances and amenities when booking. The typical camping season runs from April through October, with some facilities closing earlier in fall. Cell service varies throughout the region, with reviews indicating good coverage at some forest campgrounds but limited service in others.

Developed campgrounds near Alma generally receive positive reviews for their amenities and natural settings. Water features represent significant draws, with several campgrounds offering swimming beaches, fishing opportunities, and boat launches. Campers frequently mention the wooded settings and spacious sites as highlights at places like Sleepy Hollow State Park, where a visitor noted, "Our site backed up to trees and I can't recall seeing our neighbors to the left or right." Public showers and restroom facilities receive mixed reviews, with cleanliness varying by location. Several campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities including playgrounds, planned activities, and hiking trails. Mount Pleasant and other nearby towns provide convenient access to groceries, dining, and other supplies, with most campgrounds located within 20-30 minutes of commercial areas.

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Best Camping Sites Near Alma, Michigan (108)

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Recent Camping Photos near Alma, MI

143 Photos of 108 Alma Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Alma, MI

313 Reviews of 108 Alma Campgrounds

  • l
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Pull up, grab a registration envelope, look for a spot then part. Fill out the registration. Put one portion of it on the clip at the spot number market, keep another portion then return the completed envelope and $20 cash or check per night plus $19 for Michigan recreation passport (if you don’t already have one). They will mail you the passport, keep receipt for proof. Vault toilets available, some river spots, some secluded spots, clean. Saw DNR in the morning checking on everything.

  • Melissa H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Bustling, clean and friendly

    Easy friendly check-in. Firewood prices are cheaper than on roads in. Small and large bags of ice at a good price. Great for families. Clean facilities. They do spray for mosquitoes, so that wasn't too bad at all even in the heat of August. We stayed at 106, the description was on point, level and shaded. Campers were super friendly. We had no complaints about the campground itself but it would be nice if there was an RV lights out policy at night. It's really hard to sleep in a tent when your neighbors RV "porch" light is on literally all night shining in the tent while your neighbors are sound asleep in RV. We had to ask our neighbors politely to turn their outside LED light strips off the second night. They were great about it but, didn't seem to realize it would bother tent campers next to them.

  • Deb M.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Bay City State Park Campground

    Crowded and inconvenient

    So, this campground looks nice at first, with lots of trees on the sites. However, once you really start looking at them, none have a camping pad, so it’s random parking on the grass. Lots of moving around to get your electric hooked up to the shared and oddly placed power poles. Make sure to come with an extension cord - one member of our party had their power halfway into their neighbor’s site through a bunch of bushes. The sites near the entrance are very crowded together and filled with large loud groups. (please don’t park any extra vehicles hanging out over the road…) And cleaning the bathrooms at 8:30 and 9:30 in the MORNING? Bummer for tenters. It’s ok for a quick stop, but wouldn’t want to stay here too long. I would expect better from a State Park.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2025

    River Ridge RV Resort

    Nobody could help us

    Fri night 6 pm the office was closed, guard shack was closed. The girl at the convenience store, said come back Monday, maybe they would be open

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Pettit Park Campground

    City park

    Water and electric and a dump station. Near downtown Clare, nice park with pavilions, no reservations needed. Sites are within the city’s park so there’s local traffic.

  • linda F.
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Snow Lake Kampground

    There are to many rules to keep up with.

    This campground used to be great. I don't know what happened I believe they have so many seasonal that they have become the bread and butter. Don't seem to care bout weekender. Every time you turn around there's another rule and/ or fee. It has gotten to the point we no longer enjoy the place. We will never come back! I understand having rules but this is ridiculous. They advertise all these amenities but ya got to pay for it all as well as the site rental. They have gone downhill in customer service. The office staff is very rude as well as the campground seasonal that patrol and watch your every move.

  • AmcPhotography
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Chesaning Showboat Camping

    Camping

    it's a alright campground,quit,few things it could use,like another playground ,water hookups,and WiFi other than that it's good.

  • Andrew F.
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Big Bend Park

    Would not recommend

    Would not recommend. Upkeep is minimal and cleanliness is almost non-existent. Rules are rarely enforced and seasonal campers think they are above the law.

  • Andrew F.
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Oxbow Park Campground

    Would not recommend

    Would not recommend. Upkeep is minimal and cleanliness is almost non-existent. Rules are rarely enforced and seasonal campers think they are above the law.

Guide to Alma

Camping near Alma, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and biking: Explore the scenic trails at Brower Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The park is right next to the Dragon Trail, a hiking and mountain biking trail that runs 47 miles round Hardy Pond."
  • Fishing and boating: Enjoy fishing at Wabasis Lake County Park. A camper shared, "We have loved this campground for its sites right on the park, and great beach area with park at the beach also."
  • Family activities: Check out the fun activities at Walnut Hills Family Campground. One family said, "They really loved the dance party on Saturday and Sunday night."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Bay City State Park Campground noted, "Showers/restrooms are good, cleaned twice a day."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer large, separated sites. A reviewer at Newaygo State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites are large and separated from the next."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of campground hosts. One guest at Sherman City Acres said, "The host, Megan, is very gracious and accommodating."

What you should know

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Newaygo State Park Campground expressed frustration, saying, "Two nights of brain damaging laughter and frivolity by campsite 21 ruined the whole experience."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A visitor at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground pointed out, "NO market."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. A camper at Wabasis Lake County Park mentioned, "Lots of raccoons, that aren’t shy at all!"

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A family at Walnut Hills Family Campground enjoyed, "They have a few children's activities such as swimming, volleyball net, basketball court."
  • Safety first: Keep an eye on kids, especially around water. One camper at Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort noted, "Kidds are out of control on bicycles and walking they will dart right in front of you."
  • Plan for meals: Bring your own food or check for nearby grocery stores. A visitor at Ionia State Recreation Area mentioned, "Very affordable but once arriving and setting up we noticed why."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A camper at Lansing Cottonwood Campground said, "Great location if staying in the Lansing Area. Has full hook ups."
  • Be prepared for crowds: Some campgrounds can be busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Outdoor Adventures Lake Shore Resort noted, "Membership campground, membership fees are WAY overpriced."
  • Bring extra cords: Some sites may require extension cords for electric hookups. A camper at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground advised, "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far."

Camping around Alma, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Alma campgrounds?

Campgrounds around Alma offer varying amenity levels to match different camping preferences. Ionia State Recreation Area provides electric sites with shared water access, plus recreational activities including disc golf, mountain biking, hiking trails, and a no-wake lake perfect for swimming and fishing. Herrick Recreation Area features spacious, wooded sites with electricity and shared water. Most area campgrounds maintain clean vault toilets, with some offering modern restrooms and shower facilities. For families seeking more amenities, several campgrounds provide playgrounds, swimming beaches, and planned weekend activities.

Where are the best campgrounds in Alma?

The Alma area offers several excellent camping options within easy driving distance. Leisure Lake Family Campground near Sumner provides a family-friendly atmosphere with spacious sites. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Mud Lake State Forest Campground offers just 8 non-reservable sites with varying privacy levels - some tucked into trees and others offering lake views. Both locations provide easy access to local attractions while maintaining the peaceful camping atmosphere that makes the Alma region appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

How much does camping in Alma, Michigan cost?

Camping costs around Alma vary based on the type of facility and amenities offered. Just-In-Time Campground near Ithaca provides affordable sites starting around $25-35 per night for basic accommodations. Holiday Shores RV Park offers sites at moderate rates between $30-45 per night depending on hookups and location. State parks and forest campgrounds like those in the region typically range from $15-25 for rustic sites and $25-35 for sites with electric hookups, plus the required Recreation Passport for Michigan residents or daily entrance fee for non-residents.

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