Sleepy Hollow State Park offers practical glamping accommodations 40 minutes from Ashley, Michigan. During winter months, the park maintains heated structures suitable for cold weather glamping with temperatures reaching below freezing. Sites require extension cords for power connections, with electrical posts serving multiple campsites and often positioned at considerable distances from individual sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground, visitors can catch various fish species. "Fishing is good here for some largemouth bass, and huge blueguils. Lots of traffic being so close to City, but good day excursion," notes Michael P.
Disc golf course: The park features a full course perfect for disc golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. "Best hiking trails within 1 hour drive of the state capital... fishing, boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails, Geocaching available," reports Jacob B.
River paddling: Maple River Campground provides access to scenic river routes. "September 9th 2017 I hosted a Kayak/Canoe trip and we used this location for our landing and camping. It was a great little location that even had some river side cabins you could rent. The amount of nature was overwhelming. Lots of turtles and ducks to be seen," shares David F.
Geocaching adventures: Several parks near Ashley maintain geocaching locations for treasure hunters. "Fun backpacking trails best trails close to state capital... fishing, boating, disc golf, horse and bike trails, Geocaching available," says Jacob B. about outdoor activities in the region.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: Many campers value waterfront camping spots at Maple River Campground. "We were on site 6, and there was plenty of space! We were able to park the camper with the door facing the river. It was great for fishing, and our dogs had a great time too," reports Alexandra M.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting allows for animal observation opportunities. "The amount of nature was overwhelming. Lots of turtles and ducks to be seen," notes David F. about his paddling and camping experience.
Clean facilities: Bay City State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. "The restrooms and showers were very clean, smelled of bleach. The nature trail around the lagoon is a birder's dream. We saw white egrets blue heron, sand pipers and their babies," shares Jennifer H.
Winter activities: Some parks offer year-round glamping with seasonal recreation options. "During winter months, these trails transform for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making the glamping sites truly four-season destinations," states a visitor about winter recreation near Ashley.
What you should know
Electricity limitations: Multiple campers report power challenges at Sleepy Hollow. "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," warns Nick W.
Beach access: Some campgrounds require substantial walking to reach water amenities. "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... 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," explains Nick W. about his experience.
Campground rules: Snow Lake Kampground enforces specific regulations. "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," notes Clint about camping restrictions.
Additional fees: Budget for extra costs at some campgrounds. "You do have to pay $5 for shower use and $5 to use the dump station. They do have ice and firewood for sale there, but there isn't a little store so you have to leave the campground and drive a few miles for that," explains Alexandra M.
Tips for camping with families
Scheduled activities: Ionia State Recreation Area offers organized events. "Our kids enjoyed this park every year while growing up. Hunting for mushrooms, fishing, swimming in the lake, building forts, riding bikes. Big sites! This place was the perfect get away," shares Heather H.
Child-friendly beaches: Look for shallow, calm water areas best suited for younger swimmers. "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," notes Joshua E.
Playgrounds and splash pads: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "They have a splash pad area for the kids which they begged to go to every day! The only bad thing was we had to drive our kayaks across the street and then lug them down the very long walk way to the beach," reports Samantha C. from Bay City State Park.
Halloween events: Sleepy Hollow hosts special seasonal activities. "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," advises Stephanie C.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Pine Ridge RV Campground, choose spots carefully. "Some camp sites are squished up to others. Other camp sites have plenty of room. So when you are stuck in a spot that is tight it kind of ruins the experience. Weird thing is, the bugger sites are the same price," notes Kristin T.
Extension cord needs: Bring extra-long power cords for many area campgrounds. "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," advises Nathan V. about hookups at Sleepy Hollow.
Full hookup availability: Several parks offer complete services for RVs. "Each rv/trailer site is full hookup! Has both 50&30 amp. Tent sites also have water and electric," states Gabrielle S. about Snow Lake Kampground amenities.
Off-season camping: Consider visiting during shoulder seasons for more space. "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," shares Amy D. about site privacy.
