The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Alto, MI

634 Reviews

Campgrounds near Alto, Michigan provide a mix of developed facilities and natural settings within a short drive of Grand Rapids. Tyler Creek Campground in Alto offers tent and RV sites with full hookups, operating from mid-April through mid-October. The surrounding area includes several mixed-use campgrounds like Indian Valley Campground & Canoe Livery in Middleville and Welcome Woods Family Campground in Hastings, both featuring cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options. Most established campgrounds in the region maintain electrical hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, with many also offering recreational amenities like swimming areas and hiking trails.

Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the Alto area, with most facilities open from May through October. The Yankee Springs Recreation Area, approximately 20 miles southwest of Alto, provides year-round access but with limited services during winter months. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when occupancy rates are highest. Campers should note that some facilities like Deep Lake Rustic Campground in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area will be temporarily closed during 2024 for improvements. A review mentioned that "Yankee Springs is an easy and family friendly place to camp. Site 31 and any along that path back up to a little creek and trail which was just perfect for the kids to play in."

The region's mixed-use campgrounds frequently receive positive feedback for their versatility and family-friendly amenities. Several visitors highlighted the recreational opportunities available at campgrounds like Ionia State Recreation Area, which features "a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing." Campgrounds with water access tend to be particularly popular, with many offering boat launches, fishing docks, and swimming areas. While some campgrounds provide more secluded, wooded sites, others feature more open layouts with less privacy between campsites. Bathroom and shower facilities at most established campgrounds are generally well-maintained, though quality and availability can vary by location. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Alto, Michigan.

Map showing campgrounds near Alto, MichiganExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Alto, Michigan (130)

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

    25 Reviews
    Cloverdale, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 795-9081

    "First time in central Michigan and it was absolutely beautiful. The campground has a great location and lots of mountain bike and hiking trails."

    "This is a campground in Yankee Spring Recreational Area in Mid-Michigan. This is a nice rustic campground near the NCT(North Country Trail)."

    2. Ionia State Recreation Area — Ionia Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Ionia, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 527-3750

    $24 / night

    "There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing.   "

    "First let me say the rustic area is walk-in only. I was unaware of this until we arrived."

    3. Tyler Creek

    8 Reviews
    Freeport, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 868-6751

    $28 - $50 / night

    "Recently, I inherited a pop up camper and chose this place to be my first location to try it out. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Our site was nice with electric and water hookups."

    4. Welcome Woods Family Campground

    6 Reviews
    Hastings, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 945-2803

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Close to home but feels “up north”. They offer both rustic and water and electric sites. This is a family campground and my kids loved the playground!"

    "Campsites are right next to each other."

    5. Indian Valley Campground & Canoe Livery

    4 Reviews
    Caledonia, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 891-8579

    "A small onsite store, but not to far of a drive if you need a grocery store or other amenities. They are also very affordable for canoe and kayak rental. Great place to go!"

    6. Sharp Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Middleville, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 795-3856

    $34 - $115 / night

    "Stayed at 113 on the small lake. Narrow spot but behind is a fire pit and small dock to drop in a canoe/kayak. Bathrooms and shower was spotless."

    "property, recently renovated. ( one still finishing renovations as of 4/16/22) Beach area for swimming

    Two playgrounds

    Field for play, basketball net, volleyball court, and state park trailers near by"

    7. Gun Lake Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Middleville, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 795-9081

    "This is also a short drive away from tons of beautiful walking paths."

    "You can walk the trail to the state park beach and store. Bathrooms are clean."

    8. Crooked Lake Campground and RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Caledonia, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 270-7739

    "I had a great spot overlooking the lake and next to the boat launch. Campsites are spacious, there are two vault toilets and a water pump."

    9. Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins

    6 Reviews
    Cannonsburg, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 691-8534

    "Amazing spot away from the city! The owner of the place is very accommodating and pleasant to be around. Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!"

    "The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here"

    10. Woodchip Campground

    8 Reviews
    Byron Center, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 878-9050

    "We love this as an easy getaway close to home. I wouldn’t call it a beautiful campground... but it is clean, and has a ton to do for kids!"

    "Great trees surrounding the property. Tons of kids - great activities for them! Campground is clean, and staff friendly."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 130 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Alto Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Alto, MI

173 Photos of 130 Alto Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Alto, MI

634 Reviews of 130 Alto Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    PJ Hoffmaster State Park

    Beautiful Park

    Campground is nice, quiet, and there’s a trail that leads directly to the beach!

  • G
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Beach Campground — Holland State Park

    Entry policy needs revising

    Got to campground at 13:00, checked to see if my reserved site was vacant (it was vacant) then went to check in. Attendant told couldn’t check in until 15:00. Had to park in marina parking lot.  Went back to check in and there was a line out to the street (safety issue).  It then took us 1/2 hr to check in then had to wait another 1/2hr in line for water. Got to site at 16:15.  Something has to change. Was told this was a Holland State Park decision because other state parks don’t do this.  Horrible, horrible policy

  • v
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Markin Glen County Park

    Clean and near bike trails

    Great park. Well maintained. Very clean. Lots of bike trails, a beach area. Helpful staff!

  • Joel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    MTB camp and bike (again)

    We camped and rode (again) at Fort Custer.  We've been here 2x before (once in a cabin and once in tents) and this has now officially become a favorite. 

    We loved our site (so don't book this one) as it's close to the trails for riding.  The campground was almost to capacity, but still some open sites.

    All in all this was a great trip, and we even visited Belle's brewery on our way home.

  • W
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Hoffmaster State Park Campground

    We will keep coming back

    We stayed Sunday, and Monday night of Labor Day weekend for the second time this year. This place is clean! The only negative of this place is that the water is not as clear compared to a little north & south. I think it has something to do with the grand river being so close. The walk down & back to the beach is pretty strenuous if you are not used to the dunes & a hill. If you are elderly or not in shape you might go to the beach at an easier access point. Bathrooms & showers are always very clean. They have a campground host that offers free coffee in the mornings & tools you can barrow for your campsite. This is a great place for families. Well spaced sites. No alcohol allowed and pretty quiet after 11pm just the occasional person is awake. We had the site with the creek behind us so we sat our tent up facing the creek. Monday morning there was a lot of people leaving so we did get woke up pretty early w/ a lot of noise of people leaving from Labor Day but Monday night we had empty sites all around us & it was very chill Tuesday morning. I was a little worried that the workers would say something to us bc we had not packed fully by 11 but we were able to finish our breakfast and pack up quickly without them saying anything to us.

  • M
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Crockery Creek RV Park

    Rude and unprofessional

    The little owners wife racially profiled my kids friends mom,  in front of the kids!!!!!!  Ha!  She tried accusing us of sneaking in their pool.  That's hilarious,  because we paid $3700.00 for a seasonal.  The pool is actually small and it was oily and full of hair.  Being off Apple Ave,  it's  loud and hard to relax.  My husband had a tragic workplace accident,  so we weren't able to get to the camper in a few weeks.  The owner called him multiple times at once,  being aggressive with his tone,  trying to get us to pull our camper so they can rent that spot out.  They must be desperate for money.  They should try reading up on the law.  Their website lies about their amenities,  they had no fish all season and their pond was disgusting.

  • James V.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Steamboat Park Campground

    Wonderful, well thought through campground.

    I have had a very enjoyable stay. The river location is quite nice and the grounds are very well cared for. The site(and all sites, as far as I can see) are quite level. The bathrooms are not just clean and well maintained, but the shower rooms also have a dedicated sink and toilet, which I much appreciate. The washer and dryers in the bathhouse are brand new and take credit cards. While it is near a regional airport, there is close to no air traffic and no commercial traffic I noticed. Overall, probably one of the top 5 campgrounds I have encountered, if the list was for being up to date, well thought out and well provisioned. Everything was top notch.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Brookside City Park

    More expensive now

    Tents sites are now $20 and RV hookups (water and 20/30 amp) are $30. When I got to the police station they were closed for the week but a phone # was provided to call dispatcher and an officer responded promptly to help me get registered. Cash or check only.

Guide to Alto

Camping near Alto, Michigan centers around lake access and woodland settings within 20 miles of Grand Rapids. The region features both state-managed recreation areas and privately owned campgrounds with varying levels of amenities. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons often bring cooler nights around 40-50°F with seasonal rainfall.

What to do

Hiking trails: At Deep Lake Rustic Campground, extensive trail networks connect to surrounding natural areas. "There's a beautiful lake to fish and kayak. Tons of hiking trails!!" reports Jessica R., who visited the campground in early spring.

Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds provide lake and river access points for anglers. "Great times has a fishing dock and a boat landing but no beach," notes DALE B. about Deep Lake. Most fishing areas are stocked with panfish, bass, and pike species common to Michigan inland lakes.

Water recreation: Ionia State Recreation Area offers comprehensive water activities on Sessions Lake. A camper mentioned that it has "a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing." The designated swimming beach includes sandy shores and gradually sloping water entry points suitable for various skill levels.

What campers like

Shaded sites: Many campers value the tree coverage at Welcome Woods Family Campground. One reviewer noted, "Our campsite was huge and mostly private," highlighting the spaciousness not always found at more developed campgrounds.

Lakeside camping: Waterfront sites remain in high demand throughout the region. "The sites over looking Deep Lake are wonderful if you can snag one," advises Mary Z., who appreciates the more secluded atmosphere compared to nearby options.

Family amenities: Woodchip Campground receives consistent praise for its kid-friendly facilities. "There is a pool, bounce pillow and basketball court. There are seasonal sites and other full hook-up sites," notes a reviewer who found it ideal for families with children.

What you should know

Campground navigation: Some recreation areas can be confusing to locate. A Deep Lake visitor shared: "Plugged the address into IPhone that was on my Reservation and when I got there not only was the address not an address, but more a spot at end of triangle in road some 1/8 - 1/4 mile past one of what I learned later, many Park entrances."

Bathroom facilities: Campsite near Alto, Michigan vary widely in restroom quality. Sharp Park Campground stands out for "Clean, updated bathrooms with hot showers," according to a recent visitor, while more rustic options typically offer vault toilets.

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region fill quickly during summer weekends. "Make sure you get information from the same person before making decisions and book both the week and weekdays as they fill up fast on weekends," advises a camper who experienced miscommunication at one location.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly sites: Sites adjacent to play areas provide convenience for parents. A Woodchip Campground visitor mentioned: "There are campsites in a circle around the playground, so you can sit at your site and watch the kids play."

Swimming options: Look for beaches with gradual entry points. "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," notes a visitor describing the swimming area at Ionia State Recreation Area.

Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds near Alto offer scheduled events. "Kids loved going on wagon ride to find the pumpkins and then decorating them. They really enjoyed the glow wagon ride," reports a family who visited Indian Valley Campground during fall camping season.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Many campsites in the region present leveling challenges. "To say the sites are uneven is putting it mildly. For 15 sites, you seriously can't level them??" observed one RVer at Ionia State Recreation Area, suggesting bringing additional leveling blocks.

Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in state recreation areas. One camper at Sharp Park Campground noted the campground "provides Full hook up and tent water and electric sites," making it a good option for RVers requiring complete connections.

Size restrictions: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. A visitor to Woodchip Campground stated: "Sites are small. We enjoyed being right on playground," indicating the trade-off between site size and proximity to amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV hookups or accommodations for RVs at Alto Campground?

Yes, there are RV accommodations available in the Alto area. Woodchip Campground near Byron Center is big-rig friendly and offers full hookup options for RVs. Eastpointe RV Resort provides premium RV sites with numerous amenities including clean sites, laundry facilities, showers, and bathrooms. Many campgrounds in the region accommodate various RV sizes and offer electrical hookups, though the specific amperage may vary. It's advisable to check with individual campgrounds about their RV length restrictions, as some may have limitations due to site configurations and access road dimensions.

Where is Alto Campground located and how do I access it?

Alto Campground is located in western Michigan, near the community of Alto. For similar campgrounds in the region, Tyler Creek offers easy drive-in access and is situated near Alto with convenient road access. Another option in the vicinity is Indian Valley Campground & Canoe Livery near Middleville, which provides multiple access points including drive-in and walk-in options. The Alto area campgrounds are typically easily accessible from major highways and local roads, making them convenient destinations for campers from nearby cities like Grand Rapids.

What amenities and facilities are available at Alto Campground?

Campgrounds in the Alto area typically offer standard amenities. Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground features electrical hookups, clean facilities, and access to a large lake for fishing with fishing docks available. For more amenities, Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation provides clean bathhouses, a swimming pool, fishing opportunities, a gagaball pit, and is family-friendly. Most campgrounds in the region offer fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water. Bathrooms and shower facilities vary by location, with many providing clean, well-maintained options for campers.

Keep Exploring