Camping options near Cedar Springs, Michigan span from rustic sites to developed campgrounds with full amenities. The area sits within the White Pine Trail corridor, with elevations around 850 feet above sea level and summers that typically see humidity levels between 60-80%. Many campgrounds in this region feature fishing ponds and access to biking trails that connect to the regional trail system.
What to do
Fish at nearby lakes and ponds: Cedar Springs RV Resort offers a fishing pond where guests can enjoy catch-and-release fishing. "Nice fishing pond, the cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen at a campground and nice walking path," notes one camper.
Explore hiking trails: Newaygo State Park Campground features multiple trail systems that showcase the natural landscape. A visitor shared, "There is a large beach with playground equipment, kayak and boat rentals," while another mentioned, "There are a few trails in the park that are pleasant and the views of the lake are nice."
Float the Muskegon River: Salmon Run Campground & Vic's Canoes provides river access for tubing and kayaking. "Towed tubes to a few places on to river and enjoyed a long 3 hour float and a shorter hour float," writes one camper who visited with multiple families.
Play disc golf: The disc golf course at Newaygo State Park Campground receives positive reviews from outdoor enthusiasts. As one camper noted, "There's good hiking, an awesome disc golf course, and the lake right there with boat launches for fishing."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Wabasis Lake County Park offers larger sites that accommodate various camping setups. One visitor mentioned, "Each cabin had a living room, two bedrooms, kitchen work counter, dining table, microwave, and a small fridge."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. At Cedar Springs RV Resort, a visitor specifically mentioned, "The cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen at a campground," while at Duke Creek Campground a camper reported, "The facilities were spotless, there is a store, gated entrance, nice shady lots, friendly staff, everything was perfect."
Early morning views: Wabasis Lake County Park cabins offer special morning vistas. A camper described, "The cabins are located just across the road and slightly up the hill from Lake Wabasis, and facing almost due east, which leads to wonderful early morning sunrises over the lake from the front porch of the cabins."
Quiet weekday camping: Mecosta Pines Campground offers a more peaceful experience during weekdays. "The campground is overall really quiet during the week. Quite busy on the weekends but they are good about keeping quiet times," observed one visitor.
What you should know
Highway noise: Some campgrounds are located near major roads. One visitor to Cedar Springs RV Resort noted, "The highways a littler closer then it looks, so you do get a lot of road noise. Especially when trucks hit the chatter bumps on the side."
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife may visit your campsite. At Wabasis Lake County Park, a camper warned, "Lots and lots of raccoons, that aren't shy at all!"
Shallow lake conditions: Ed H. Henning Park and other area lakes have specific water conditions. As one camper at Wabasis Lake noted about shoreline sites, "Get cozy with your very close neighbor campers. Little or no tree cover and tight sites make it good for camping with friends or making new ones. Sites on the shoreline are great for fishing (although shallow and weedy) or boating in."
Reservation recommendations: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for holiday weekends. At Ed H. Henning Park, holiday rates can increase significantly, with one visitor reporting, "Was $85 for a rustic, no electric, tent only site. Granted it WAS labor day weekend so ya know."
Tips for camping with families
Look for scheduled activities: Duke Creek Campground offers numerous kid-focused events. A parent shared, "Your kids will LOVE this place-we had a blast! Train rides, Pool, Scavenger hunt, trails, bike rides, there just weren't enough hours in the day!"
Choose sites near playgrounds: At Mecosta Pines Campground, strategic site selection makes a difference. One family explained, "We initially booked a site by the river, but once we saw the sites next to the playground, we knew we had to switch for our sanity and so our toddler could play."
Consider cabins for convenience: Several campgrounds offer cabin rentals with amenities that make family camping easier. Scalley Lake Park Campground receives praise for its cabin accommodations: "The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here."
Look for beach access: Swimming areas provide entertainment for children. A visitor to Wabasis Lake mentioned, "This is a small campground with fairly good size sites. There is a playground in the center which was very handy for our little ones. The beach was clean and even had a snack shop."
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Some campsites require additional equipment for proper leveling. At Newaygo State Park, a visitor observed, "The sites are deep but many are close together."
Consider campground proximity to attractions: Location can be a key factor when selecting a campground. One RVer at Wabasis Lake County Park noted, "We've stayed here a few times over the last several years and it's been great every time! Whether we're in the area for the mtn bike trails, or for an event in Grand Rapids, this is the place we always try to stay at if they have an opening."
Reserve full hookup sites early: Campgrounds with sewer connections are in high demand. At Cedar Springs RV Resort, proximity to town provides convenience, as one camper observed, "Close to Cedar Springs downtown. Plenty of dining option and great proximity to F. Meijer bike path."
Verify campground rules: Some locations have specific policies about pets and alcohol. At Hoffmaster State Park, a camper mentioned, "Big thing to remember for Michigan state parks is no alcohol even in the campground."
