Tent campsites near Delton, Michigan provide access to lakes, woodlands, and nearby recreational trails throughout the central Michigan region. Most Delton-area campgrounds sit at elevations between 800-900 feet with sandy soils that drain well after rain. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with July and August seeing the heaviest campground usage and requiring advance reservations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Both East Lake Camping and Sandy Pines RV Resort offer on-site fishing. Sandy Pines receives positive feedback for its fishing opportunities with one reviewer noting, "I love sandy pines!" while East Lake Camping provides access to a small lake suitable for casual anglers.
Beach swimming: East Lake Camping features a swimming beach that receives positive attention from families. A camper mentioned, "Pretty lake with swimming beach and playground lovely for day use," making it a good option for those who want water recreation without driving to Lake Michigan.
Hiking trails: WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite offers hiking opportunities along with river access, with one visitor commenting, "It has great trails for walking" and "a private beach." Located near the Kalamazoo River, these trails provide opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Lake Michigan visits: While camping near Delton, many visitors take day trips to Lake Michigan beaches. Several campgrounds serve as good base camps for these excursions, with Covert/South Haven KOA situated only "15 minutes from South Haven's beautiful beaches" according to reviewer feedback.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA earns praise for its natural setting with one camper noting, "Sites are fairly wooded (lots of pine trees) and not too crowded." Another reviewer appreciated that "Tent sites are perfectly spacious and it's a nice wooded area."
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower cleanliness varies significantly between tent camping options near Delton. East Lake Camping receives specific praise with one camper reporting, "The bathrooms were wonderful with great hot water and water pressure." Similarly, Allendale KOA visitors appreciate "clean and spacious" shower facilities.
Family activities: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday stands out for its organized recreation options. A reviewer mentioned, "friendly staff, lots of kid activities. nice pool, clean campground. barrel train ride is a lot of fun for the whole family." The campground also features blueberry picking in season.
Quiet atmosphere: Several tent camping areas maintain better noise control than RV sections. One camper at Camp Clear Sky highlighted its "charming campsite" quality, noting it was a peaceful retreat relatively close to Grand Rapids.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Operating seasons vary significantly between campgrounds near Delton. East Lake Camping operates from May 1 to October 1, while Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday has a longer season from April 17 to October 18. Some private campgrounds like Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA remain open year-round.
Arrival timing restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce strict check-in policies. One camper at Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA warned, "Make sure you do not arrive before 2:00PM, as they require a $10 early registration fee. If you decide not to pay, you'll be directed to overflow parking."
Amenity variations: Basic amenities differ between tent campgrounds. While most offer water and toilets, shower availability is inconsistent. Camp Clear Sky provides an "outdoor kitchen with running water and flush toilet" but lacks shower facilities. Tent campers should verify specific amenities before booking.
Reservation requirements: During peak summer months (June-August), advance reservations are essential at most developed tent campgrounds near Delton. Walk-in tent sites fill especially quickly at popular locations like East Lake Camping where waterfront access is limited.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Sandy Pines RV Resort and Campground receives praise for its extensive children's programming, with one reviewer noting, "Pro: kids activities, almost everything you can imagine for kids activities." The resort offers numerous recreational facilities despite some management complaints.
Pool access considerations: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to natural water bodies. At Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, visitors appreciate that the "pool and playground area is nicely laid out" and that it's "not too big, very clean and well taken care of."
Animal encounters: Multiple campgrounds feature animal interactions that appeal to children. Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA maintains a small petting zoo that receives specific mention: "My nephew loves the goats more than anything!" These supervised animal experiences provide entertainment during campground days.
Playground quality: When selecting tent campsites near Delton for family stays, consider playground facilities. East Lake Camping offers a playground described as "lovely for day use," while Allendale KOA features "a large field and play area" providing ample space for children.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV campers near Delton report varying experiences with site spacing. At East Lake Camping, one RVer noted, "The sites are very small, not much privacy, but well kept. There are more spacious sites available on the upper grassy loop." This information helps tent campers understand which areas might offer more seclusion.
Seasonal vs. transient sites: Several campgrounds near Delton allocate prime locations to seasonal campers. An East Lake Camping visitor observed, "Most people here are seasonal, occupying almost all the lakefront sites. We may have seen one lakefront available for renters." Understanding this helps set realistic expectations about waterfront tent camping options.
Firewood availability: Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site, with prices and bundle sizes varying. Allendale KOA offers "massive bundles of wood available for just six bucks," making evening campfires economical. WaterTrail Ventures provides firewood at no additional cost, with one visitor noting they "provided firewood (which happened to be sassafras which smells heavenly when burned)."
