Best Glamping near Alma, MI

This was our last stop on a trip where we camped in 6 different Michigan State Parks. 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. We tried several lots and couldn’t reach any of the outlets. We finally met a couple who saId they had extensions at the office. So, we finally got set up with an extension cord from the camp office and decided to walk to the beach. Our site was adjacent to the path leading to the beach so we figured we could use a little walk. The path led to another path that led to a parking lot for the beach. After crossing the parking lot we still had to cross a large yard/park that finally opened onto the beach on this small lake. It was all very scenic, but we weren’t expecting a major hike to get to the beach. Showers are nice. They also have a neat ice cream vending machine that I had to check out for scientific purposes only. For a Michigan state park we were quite disappointed.

What can I say, I love the Michigan State Parks.  I find they are the best, Sleepy Hollow is not different and it has so many things to do.  I would advise if you want to camp there on a weekend to make reservations well in advance.  We stay here because there are only 2 campgrounds in the Lansing East Lansing Area this being one of them and the other does not have all full hook ups and charges more.  When we visit our daughter at Michigan State University this is the place we stay,  20 - 30 minutes into the University depending upon the traffic.

It has large wooded sites only electric but you can fill up the water at the dump station.  Each site has a picnic table and Fire ring.  Each campsite has a asphalt pad. They sell fire wood at the campground office. Bring what you need or you can go into St. johns to the Kroger or Walmart.  they have 2 main camping loops with 2 loops in each of the main loops and a shower restroom in each main loop.  The restrooms are very clean and kept up.  I love the showers  hot water and for me that is hot and great pressure, I could shower all day.  Sure beats our shower in the RV.

The State Park is on Ovid Lake and it is a beautiful lake, great for fishing, canoeing, paddle boards, kayak, and swimming. they have a shelter for you if you have a big party.

They also have a group campsite and a picnic area for large groups. d You can also bring your horses go to the Equestrian area and unload and get on the trail.  

You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards.  They also have a great play ground for the kids and a fishing pier. Bring Bikes or just hike on the trails and head down to the beach.

Quietly tucked into Clinton co Michigan. Sleepy is easily accessible. Its close to Lansing. There are shopping centers nearby. Country party store is closer!! Very large lake....Ovid is her name! Offers many species of fish for catching!! There are fishing docks, ONE IS NOT VERY ACCESSIBLE TO NON AMBULATORY PERSONS !!! THIS ONE'S IN THE CAMP AREA! The path is nicely groomed. The bea h is a long way from the parking lot a d there is no beach access from camp. The park is usually a clean family place...but for really young children or elderly persons it may. Ot be your first choice. I live nearby and have camped there zillions of times. I love it and shower bouses in camp are clean! Friendly staff a d they ate SERIOUS about quiet time! Bug spray required !!

We stayed during very hot weather at the beginning of July 2020. I wanted to visit Potter Park Zoo so we choose to stay at Sleepy Hollow for a few days. Our site backed up to trees and I can't recall seeing our neighbors to the left or right. Because we didn't get any shade from the nearby trees we had to run the ac which is unusual for us in Michigan. We were in the midst of a heat-wave though and it was much appreciated. The park needs to upgrade the electrical system as this was putting a strain on their electrical equipment. We did go for a short paddle on (C) Ovid Lake, but again, no shade and HOT. I can't recall why we didn't go swimming?? Overall the campground was nice and I would stay again.

Ionia has so many great outdoor activities for almost anyone.  There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing.   The beach is fantastic especially for little kids who might not be the best swimmers ready for Lake Michigan or lakes with lots of boats and waves to deal with.  Nice and sandy and a nice store and ice cream shop at the beach. 

The campground itself is very nice, but you may find the activities are a short drive away from your site to get there.  The sites are all a little bit shallow especially if you have a larger travel trailer you may find it a bit tight.  There is a great variety of shaded and sunny sites.   There is only one bathroom for the campground so it can be a bit busy and it could probably use an update.

Well if you are arriving here late, good luck.... Pretty much the worst signage I’ve seen in Michigan State Recreation Area. Very good signs to pretty much everything other than Beechwood Campground. Once you do figure out that you have to drive to acolyte back end of park to register then turn all the way back around and find hidden non marked campground, you’ll soon realize they are walk/hike in sites. NO WHERE on DNR website for reservations does it say this. As is if this isn’t bad enough, once you park and find trail the sign then reads “East or west” for sites. Not B1- whatever this way B whatever that way do bring your compass too and flashlight if dark. To say the sites are uneven is putting it mildly. For 15 sites, you seriously can’t level them?? Really lazy considering how nice disc course is and signage for course. I wouldn’t waste your time or money camping here, visit park and use trails or disc course yes. Camp, no way ever again!!

This was such a beautiful location!! And definitely a nice find! The one and biggest downside, which was NOT the parks issue more of a Michigan problem, was the infestation of gypsy moth caterpillars literally raining down on us the entire time…harmless little fuzzy guys but sooo damn annoying!!!! We later broke out in rashes all over due to the hairs from them getting into our pores and making you super itchy….so aside from that slight hiccup. It was a beautiful location and all the neighbors we encountered were awesome and very helpful! One even helped us out taking us to get firewood for an awesome deal!! Only downside is that we thought there would be a walkable beach access but there really wasn’t unless your down for and very steep narrow sandy path to the water and a very tiny “beach” area. And there was no walkable fishing spots either due to the only water access was on a cliff surrounded by trees so we decided against that. The views were incredible tho!!! And every campsite we saw including our own had a ton of tree spots perfect for hammocks!!! Overall I loved this spot with or without the caterpillars and would definitely go back!!

This campground is the best one in their fleet. It is super dog friendly as well. This is our “go to” spot for sure. Love it here and the staff are great.

loved this place!   had a beautiful riverfront spot where we were able to put our camper parallel to the water instead of backed in!  it was beautiful....  only problem was the washed out driveway... oh, and some kind of fly invasion one night, but other than that the setting is beautiful!

They were very organized at this campground. Every weekend they have a theme. We stayed when they had the country western weekend. They had all kinds of stuff going on for kids. Pony rides, wagon rides, petting zoo, games and activities. They also had a country music concert in the park one evening. The pool was very nice, but we found at times it was extremely busy. It would of been nice if they had a swimming area on the lake but they didn’t. This is a Christian campground so they are very strict on alcohol consumption. On your site only, but not allowed anywhere else in the park. Overall we had an enjoyable stay.

One of the best times camping we’ve ever had. Loved the campsite! Would highly recommend this park! Good, scenic hiking trails...with lots to explore!

I frequent this park if I am camping or not. decent disc gof course and access to Lake Ovid is great, miles of trails to hike/bike/ride horses. Hosts are very friendly and is always a joy to talk with the rangers

Rangers working the area are very friendly. Many options to choose from in terms of camping, from rustic, tent to fully functional cabin lodging. The park is very large, so it is always good to have a vehicle able to drive to the trails and beach. Campsites are decent sized, can fit probably 3 four person tents per site, which includes a concrete firepit and picnic table. In the north campsites there is a lot of tree covering, and there are a lot of walnut trees that were shedding a lot this time of the year. Bathrooms are well spaced between the campsites you, and have showers along with some vending machines outside of them. Spigots are scattered throughout and are very accessible. Be sure to bring at least 100 feet of extension chord if you want electricity, because the power ports are not as accessible from some areas. Overall very pleasant campground.

quiet campground during the day, short drive to the beach, biking and equestrian trails available. loud around the restroom at night, cleaning crew came through at 10 pm.

Loved this place! Quiet, beautiful nature trails and lake.

Camping here is like going on a vacation from a vacation.

Nice campground with a footpath from each loop to the beach! Excited to stay at the primitive campsites this summer, they look super nice and further away from all the noise of the regular campsites. Also LOVE the disc golf course here! Not very many parks have them.

Awesome campground, horse trails available, volleyball nets, beach, and trails! Don’t get too rowdy however because the DNR constantly patrols the area.

Nice beach but you have to walk a short distance to get there. Bathrooms are clean,paved roads and grass sites

There is plenty to keep you occupied at this campground. Full disc golf course. Trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Basketball court and playground. Beach area for swimming and a pier for fishing. Sites were nice size. Some sites are pull through and many of the pads looked like they were fairly new. It was a little bit of a walk to the lake and disc golf area but not too bad. There is also a parking lot at the lake so you can always drive there as well. There is no camp store so you’ll have to drive to either Laingsburg or Ovid if you need anything.

I grew up camping at this campground and would recommend it. There isn't much to do in the area, but if you are all about sticking around the campground, it is a fun place to be. There is a beach and playground, but it is quite the walk from the campground. Plan to drive or bike ride if you have trouble walking long distances. Every year they put together an awesome Halloween trick or treat weekend, but be sure to book the day of six months before because otherwise you will not get a site. The bathrooms are newer and the grounds are well kept.