Best Campgrounds near Dowling, MI

Dowling is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Dowling is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Dowling, MI. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Dowling, Michigan (124)

    1. Fort Custer Recreation Area

    41 Reviews
    Augusta, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 731-4200

    "Fort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!"

    "Another great camping experience, site 210 has an amazing trail that leads directly to the showers at one end and at the other path went directly to running water, plus only a couple of yards from a great"

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

    25 Reviews
    Cloverdale, MI
    12 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)."

    3. Michawana Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cloverdale, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 623-3035

    $32 - $80 / night

    "We put our tent up on the hill tucked back up in the woods. Shade from the start!"

    "The lake nearby is clean and they have a swimming spot for kids and adults. Boats and kayaks are free to use if the lifeguard is on duty. There is also fishing rods to use for free."

    4. Sharp Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Middleville, MI
    13 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"

    5. Gun Lake Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Middleville, MI
    15 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."

    6. Barry's Resort & Mobile Home Park

    7 Reviews
    Hastings, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 945-4762

    $1600 / night

    7. 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."

    8. Camp Thornapple

    3 Reviews
    Hastings, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (517) 852-9645

    "It has mostly seasonal campers and is right on the lake with boat docks."

    9. Rivergate Family Campground

    2 Reviews
    Hastings, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 945-0908

    $30 - $40 / night

    10. Jones Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Delton, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 348-7068

    $20 / night

    "Nice big lake with access to multiple docks. They hosted a bbq and fireworks while we were there."

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Showing results 1-10 of 124 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dowling, MI

386 Reviews of 124 Dowling Campgrounds



Guide to Dowling

Camping near Dowling, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like Fort Custer Recreation Area, have trails that are perfect for hiking and biking. One visitor mentioned, "We took full advantage of the mountain bike trails which are very easily accessed from the campground."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, check out Ionia State Recreation Area. A reviewer noted, "A lot of fishing spots, even if you are bank fishing."
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have swimming areas. For instance, Sharp Park Campground offers a sandy beach area, and one camper said, "The campground is right on the lake with a sandy beach area for swimming."

What campers like

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the scenic views and wooded areas. A visitor at Deep Lake Rustic Campground remarked, "This site was lovely, had a trail up to deep lake."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A camper at Sharp Park Campground said, "Bathrooms and shower was spotless."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Hidden Ridge RV Resort shared, "Great place to stay. Nice folks, wide spaces."

What you should know

  • Bug Spray is Essential: Some campgrounds can be buggy, especially in wooded areas. A visitor at Fort Custer Recreation Area warned, "It was EXTREMELY buggy. If you weren't covered in Deep Woods bug spray the whole time, you were getting bit."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Gun Lake Campground noted, "Weekends are always busy. Kids have plenty of room on the beach."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the modern conveniences. A reviewer at Yankee Springs Recreation Area mentioned, "No showers and no sewer hookups."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. One camper at TriPonds Family Camp Resort said, "Lots of activities for kids and adults."
  • Space to Play: Choose campgrounds with open areas for kids to run around. A visitor at Woodchip Campground mentioned, "Great trees surrounding the property. Tons of kids - great activities for them!"
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to have some downtime. A camper at Hungry Horse Campground noted, "Even when it rains, we have never had a bad time here!"

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A reviewer at Yankee Springs Gun Lake Trail said, "Spaces were too tight, even with a small camper."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need more amenities, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Hidden Ridge RV Resort appreciated the "electric and water hookups."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have nearby stores. A visitor at Tyler Creek mentioned, "Not much close to the campground at all."

Camping near Dowling, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dowling, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dowling, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 124 campgrounds and RV parks near Dowling, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Dowling, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dowling, MI is Fort Custer Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 41 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dowling, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Dowling, MI.

What parks are near Dowling, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 parks near Dowling, MI that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.