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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 sites near Alma, Michigan range from rustic state park campgrounds to full-service RV resorts within a 30-mile radius. The region features rolling farmland interspersed with small lakes and the Pine River watershed, with elevations between 700-800 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in central Michigan operate seasonally from April/May through October, with peak capacity during summer weekends.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Deerfield Nature Park, campers access sites by boat or a one-mile hike. "You can access by boat or it's a 1 mile hike. Very peaceful, there is only 10 site and pit toilets... we did 2 kayak trips while we stayed and was great to have landing so near sites," reports David F.

Casino entertainment: Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park provides convenient access to nearby casino facilities. "My aunt loves to visit the soaring eagle casino and because we live about an hour and half away, she likes to camp at the campground. This campground is a few miles from the casino, but offer free shuttles to the soaring eagle properties," explains Stephanie C.

Water activities: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas with added attractions. "The high lights are the large blow up toys in the lake! The kids love them! Be sure you bring extra money, there is a charge and it's not cheap!" notes Karen P. about Lake of Dreams Campground.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "Clean restrooms, showers and laundry. Casino shuttle. Wet firewood," reports Michael G. about Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park.

Spacious sites: Adequate camping space ranks high on visitor preferences. "Campsites are decent sized, can fit probably 3 four person tents per site, which includes a concrete firepit and picnic table," notes Nathan V. about state park camping.

Family atmosphere: River Ridge Campground receives praise for its family-friendly environment. "This is a great family campground. There are Sites right on the river, kayak rentals, pool and hot tub, and a separate swimming hole with sandy beach and inflatable toys! It has a great playground for kids, volleyball court, basketball court and camp store!" says Katie J.

What you should know

Booking requirements: Reservations become essential during peak season. "We have stayed here 2 or 3 times a year for 5 years. Good sized lots & most are very level or need minimal leveling," notes Bob W. about Leisure Lake Family Campground.

Location context: Some campgrounds sit within rural agricultural settings. "Also this campground is out in farm country so if the occasional smell of manure and a lot of flies bother you then maybe this isn't the campground for you," advises Clint about Leisure Lake Family Campground.

Fee structure: Additional costs apply for certain amenities. "It's super close to the casino, you get discounts at the water park! 4th of July fireworks the best and so close!" mentions Renee C. about Soaring Eagle Hideaway RV Park.

Tips for camping with families

Water park access: Some campgrounds offer special arrangements with nearby attractions. "We did not use the soaring eagle water park, but were told that the use of the water park is included in your stay at the RV park. I did not ask how many that includes, but for $64 a night at this resort, I would hope they would allow the family to use the water park," explains Stephanie C.

Entertainment options: Campgrounds frequently schedule weekend activities. "Lots of events on the weekend including fireworks or movies on there big screen. Nice private beach and they even have floating trampoline to play on," says David F. about Just-In-Time Campground.

Bring extensions: Electrical access may require additional equipment. "Some 50 amp site some 30 amp. Make sure to have cash or a check as the office is only staffed part time. You can do a self check in and leave in the drop box," advises William D. about Saginaw Chippewa Campground.

Tips from RVers

Level sites: RV campers prioritize level camping pads. "The roads were paved and it was very well kept. The sites are all full hook-up," notes Stephanie C. about Soaring Eagle.

Hookup considerations: Available utilities vary by campground. "Great campground only 20 minutes from my home. I'm retired and usually camp during the week. Always clean well kept up campsites. Friendly staff. Roads are in great condition, dry, no potholes," reports William L. about Lake of Dreams Campground.

Seasonal constraints: Weather patterns affect RV camping conditions. "We stayed during very hot weather at the beginning of July 2020. Because we didn't get any shade from the nearby trees we had to run the ac which is unusual for us in Michigan. The park needs to upgrade the electrical system as this was putting a strain on their electrical equipment," advises Amy D.

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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