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Best Tent Camping near Dowling, MI

359 Reviews

Tent campsites near Dowling, Michigan offer a mix of established grounds and primitive experiences across the region. East Lake Camping provides tent sites with amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings, while Camp Clear Sky offers more secluded walk-in tent sites for those seeking a quieter experience. The Allegan County area, approximately 20 miles southwest of Dowling, features additional tent camping options with varying levels of development and accessibility.

Most tent campgrounds in the area feature well-maintained grounds with basic amenities. East Lake Camping provides flush toilets and showers, making it suitable for families or those who prefer some conveniences while tent camping. Camp Clear Sky offers an outdoor kitchen with running water and flush toilets, though the sites themselves maintain a more rustic feel. According to one visitor, "Outdoor kitchen with running water and flush toilet were unexpected amenities." Sites typically have fire rings with firewood available for purchase, and most permit alcohol, though restrictions vary by location. Campers should note that most tent sites in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October.

Areas farther from main roads provide a more authentic outdoor experience for tent campers. WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite offers tent-specific sites with unique access options, including boat-in camping along the river. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, the area provides "a private beach, great swimming, in a very private area" with "great trails for walking." Most tent campgrounds in the region maintain a family-friendly atmosphere with relatively quiet environments after dark. Tent campers frequently mention the hospitality at smaller campgrounds as a highlight, with friendly staff and clean facilities being common positives. The Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, though farther north, offers spacious tent sites in wooded areas that provide a good balance of privacy and amenities for those willing to travel a bit farther from Dowling.

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Best Tent Sites Near Dowling, Michigan (17)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Dowling, MI

7 Photos of 17 Dowling Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Dowling, MI

359 Reviews of 17 Dowling Campgrounds

  • T
    Apr. 15, 2021

    Ely Lake Campground

    Keyword: RUSTIC

    This is our "home base" campground. It's familiar. We've been coming here for decades. Comfortable, and quiet(for the most part).

    Caveat: no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Can run your generator(inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover.

    Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water. There is a dumpster available in the busier parts of the season but this campground is open year round.

    No playground. Just the beach and the trails.

    Sites range from small tent sites to fairly large, but the "roads" inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels.

    In short, if you want a quiet getaway from your usual then this is a great place to go. If you're expecting a pool, arcade, and dining hall... Look elsewhere.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Brookside City Park

    Beautiful super small camping in town

    The campsites are located past the playground and shelter. Just keep driving down the road that looks like an alley. There is a wonderful place set up for just a few campers. 

    A couple sites are for tents only and the others are standard sites. There are a few trees by the sites but it’s mostly open area. Portable toilets are at the end of the camping area and in the playground area. The playground is a day use area for town so expect to meet some locals. 

    Driving just down the street takes you to the police station. This is where you register for the site. Town is around you and ready to explore. There are a few train tracks and industrial businesses which provide a bit of noise along with traffic. For us, the noise just slid right into the background. 

    This is a great place for a low price.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort-South Haven, MI

    This is my top pick for South Haven

    Although this campground has great amenities, a pool, clean showers, and good sites/cabins, it is hard to book. If you know you are going to come to this area and camp, you need to book it a while in advance. I have used a pop-up and there was good space between campers. When I tent camped, we had a great spot near the cafe, the showers are amazing over there, they are more secluded. Our tent spot had electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. We camped on the grass and there is gravel to park your car. This campground is a perfect place to stay when visiting surrounding towns and going to the beach.

    Don’t forget to go to Sherman’s!!

    There was a forecast or rain, don’t mind the tarp

  • beth S.
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Lansing Cottonwood Campground

    Primitive Sites!

    We came to the Lansing area for a family function and stayed at one of the Primitive Sites at Cottonwood Campground. The front of the grounds did seem a bit congested and not many trees, but we had a primitive site and it was everything we wanted. We camped in hammocks and had a pretty large site with great trees that could accommodate at least three to four hammocks (siteP5). Our site had a picnic table which was very helpful to have. There are a lot of wildlife noises, owls, frogs, crickets, etc. and you can hear some of the highway traffic but the nature sounds kind of drown it out.

    Overall was a good experience and staff were friendly and the primitive sites were over half empty. We will definitely come again.

    Second night, it had rained pretty much all day. Spiders came out at alarming numbers, mostly daddy long legs and the night before, raccoons had gotten into our food storage bins by undoing the side latches on them. The next night we made sure to house trash and food items in our truck.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 25, 2021

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

    Nice rustic site

    Nice rustic campground with a beautiful lake view. Nice big fire rings. Vault toilet and water pump nearby. Some what level site but in the small side. Perfect for tent camping or a teardrop. Definitely nothing over 15'. Was able to park across from my site to maximize space.

    Gorgeous little lake town just 8 miles away has a full grocery store and restaurants.

    Campsites border the Deep Lake trail.

  • J
    Aug. 10, 2023

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Nice place to camp

    Nice sites, very well organized for privacy. Trees and shrubs dividing sites. The lake is a couple miles away from campground, only 20 miles per hour if I recall. No alcohol permitted

  • Kim D.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Markin Glen County Park

    Modern Campground Close to Downtown

    This is a modern campground with full hook-ups and cement parking areas. It is a newer campground, so there is not an old-growth canopy shading the sites. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. Some sites are pull-throughs. Tent camping is allowed, but most campers have RVs.

    There is a bath house with good showers.

    The park also has a lake with a beach, although I have never been in it.

    This campground has a great location for people who want to visit Kalamazoo. One downside is that there are train tracks that run near the campground and sometimes the engines idle for extended periods at night.

  • B
    Jul. 22, 2020

    Kal-Haven Outpost

    Clean and easily accessible

    This campground is like a small wide open field. The staff was super friendly, and the grounds and bathhouse were very well kept and clean. There wasn’t much too it, the site included a picnic table and fire ring (like most do). We were in the tent sites.

Guide to Dowling

Tent camping near Dowling, Michigan offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakeside spots to family-friendly environments. Whether you're looking for a rustic getaway or a place with amenities, there's something for everyone.

Some prices for tent camping range from $30 to $50

  • At East Lake Camping, you can enjoy a well-kept campground with small sites and a beautiful swimming beach, typically priced around $30 per night.
  • Sandy Pines RV Resort and Campground offers a range of amenities, including kids' activities, with tent camping rates generally around $50.
  • For a charming experience, Camp Clear Sky provides a cozy atmosphere with unique features like an outdoor kitchen, with prices starting at about $40.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy swimming and relaxing at the beach when you stay at East Lake Camping, which features a lovely lakefront area perfect for families.
  • Sandy Pines RV Resort and Campground is known for its extensive kids' activities, making it a great choice for families looking for fun and engagement.
  • Explore the equestrian trails at Silver Creek County Park, which is perfect for those who enjoy horseback riding alongside their camping experience.

Tips for tent camping near Dowling

  • Be prepared for a variety of site sizes at East Lake Camping, as some sites are quite small and may offer limited privacy.
  • If you’re considering Sandy Pines RV Resort and Campground, familiarize yourself with the campground rules, as they can be strict and inconsistently enforced.
  • For a unique camping experience, Camp Clear Sky offers amenities like an outdoor kitchen and friendly chickens, making it a memorable spot for your tent camping adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dowling, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dowling, MI is East Lake Camping with a 3.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Dowling, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Dowling, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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