The Big Rapids area of central Michigan offers rustic and developed campsites within the Manistee National Forest region. Located at approximately 900 feet above sea level, this area experiences warm summers with highs in the 80s and cold winters with frequent snow. Seasonal accessibility varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering year-round camping while others close from late fall through early spring.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Newaygo State Park offers an exceptional disc golf course that draws enthusiasts. One camper notes, "There's good hiking, an awesome disc golf course, and the lake right there with boat launches for fishing. If you're not into fishing or disc golf, you might be happier elsewhere."
Kayaking and tubing: Paris Park provides river recreation with equipment rentals. A visitor explains, "The park offers tubes and transportation as well. The river is great for kayaking, canoeing and tubing."
Fishing opportunities: Newaygo State Park Campground offers excellent fishing access. One visitor reports, "There's a trail along the perimeter of the campground with amazing views. Great stargazing as well."
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems connect around the area, with the Dragon Trail being particularly notable. A camper at Brower Park Campground shares, "The park is right next to the Dragon Trail, a hiking and mountain biking trail that runs 47 miles round Hardy Pond. There is a short loop called the Brower Park Loop that has some amazing views."
What campers like
Spacious rustic sites: Campers appreciate the larger sites at Newaygo State Park. One reviewer states, "The thing we love most about this campground is the spacious site and that it is truly rustic with vault toilets and hand pumped water."
Clean facilities: School Section Lake Veteran's Park Campground maintains good standards according to visitors. A camper mentions, "Small lake with clean shallow beach, wooded sites, clean (but slightly dated) facilities led to fun times with grandkids."
Family-friendly environments: Many campgrounds offer structured activities for children. A visitor to Mecosta Pines Campground notes, "The campground is overall really quiet during the week. Quite busy on the weekends but they are good about keeping quiet times."
Water access: Most popular campsites offer direct water access. One camper at Brower Park explained, "Brower Park is a quiet campground with three separate areas with sites... Our site was near the Muskegon River and was very peaceful."
What you should know
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds have tighter quarters than others. A visitor to School Section Lake noted, "You almost need 2 lots if you have a trailer that's larger than 25 ft. Especially if you have slide outs."
Extra fees: Be prepared for additional costs beyond site rental. A camper at Brower Park warns, "Be prepared for extra fees for your cars and boats, the sites are still so fairly priced its really not that bad."
No pets policies: Some campgrounds restrict pets entirely. A reviewer noted about School Section Lake, "No dogs allowed so make sure you plan accordingly."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty connectivity, especially in more wooded areas and at rustic sites.
Seasonal closures: Operating seasons vary widely, with most rustic sites closing by late October and reopening in April or May.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground-adjacent sites: Mecosta Pines Campground offers strategic camping spots for parents. One visitor advises, "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 organized activities: Some campgrounds offer structured programs. A camper at CranHill reports, "Kids loved the pony rides and we enjoyed trail rides... Kids loved crafts they had available."
Choose shallow swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature kid-friendly water access. A visitor to School Section Lake mentions, "Small lake with clean shallow beach, wooded sites, clean facilities led to fun times with grandkids."
Plan for weather variability: Spring and fall camping can experience significant temperature swings. Pack layers and rain gear, even in summer.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Look for level sites with adequate space. A camper at Brower Park shares, "Most of the sites are pretty large and all 3 areas of the campground are nice and a little different in their own way."
Water and electric availability: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups. A visitor to School Section Lake noted, "Very good water, and full hook up. I wish we had gravel verses dirt though, during the rain it gets a bit muddy."
Weekend crowds: Weekdays offer more tranquility at popular campgrounds. As one camper at Mecosta Pines observed, "The campground is overall really quiet during the week. Quite busy on the weekends but they are good about keeping quiet times."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV-friendly campgrounds near Big Rapids operate from April through October, with limited options during winter months.
