Best Campgrounds near Evart, MI

Camping options around Evart, Michigan range from full-service RV parks to rustic state forest campgrounds, with several facilities offering water activities and forested settings. River Country Campground and Livery in Evart provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations along the riverfront, while Mud Lake State Forest Campground offers a more primitive experience with pit toilets and no electrical connections. The area's campgrounds generally sit within the pine and hardwood forests characteristic of central Michigan, providing access to small lakes, river systems, and extensive trail networks.

Most campgrounds in the Evart region operate seasonally from April through October, with peak visitation occurring during summer months. Water and electric hookups are available at developed sites including River Country Campground, Crittenden Park, and Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground, while state forest campgrounds typically offer only basic amenities like vault toilets and hand pumps for drinking water. Winter camping is limited, with most facilities closing after the fall season due to harsh Michigan winters. Cell service varies across the region but tends to be stronger near town. One camper at Mud Lake State Forest Campground noted, "This is a rustic state forest campground with only 8 non-reservable sites. The sites have decent distance between them and vary from tucked into the trees or more open near the lake."

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for the area's campgrounds, with several sites offering views of or direct access to lakes and rivers. Mud Lake State Forest Campground provides lake views from several sites, and a boat ramp for launching kayaks and canoes. Sites along water features typically fill quickly during summer weekends. Most campgrounds maintain a family-friendly atmosphere with clean facilities. A visitor to Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground highlighted the "clean bathrooms, easy access to lake, nice beach," but recommended bringing "extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites." The region's camping areas balance accessibility with a sense of seclusion, making them popular for weekend getaways from nearby population centers.

Best Camping Sites Near Evart, Michigan (247)

    1. Mud Lake State Forest Campground

    8 Reviews
    Lake, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 775-9727

    $20 / night

    "The sites have decent distance between them and vary from tucked into the trees (away from the lake) or more open (near the lake)."

    "It is located off the beaten path in the middle of nowhere, down a couple of well-marked dirt roads about 20 miles from the highway. There are only 8 sites, but each site is spacious."

    2. River Country Campground and Livery

    5 Reviews
    Evart, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 679-8131

    $30 - $40 / night

    3. Crittenden Park

    2 Reviews
    Evart, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 349-4654

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Oh and Big Lake is great for fishing, boating, and kayaking!"

    4. Merrill-Gorrel Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lake, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 382-7158

    "Clean bathrooms, easy access to lake, nice beach Make sure to bring extra hose and extension cord as the water and electric can be a ways away from some sites."

    "Kids biked around all day and everyone drives slow! 🙌🏽 lots of shade, clean bathrooms, friendly staff! A great little campground"

    5. Old Log Resort and Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lake, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 743-2775

    "Site was tucked away in the back. Canoe/kayak/tubing access. Owners very personable, fantastic, super sweet and accommodating. Highly recommend. Would definitely visit again next time in the area!"

    "I give 5 stars because they cant do anything a bout the location, obviously, so I rated on our experience.  We had an excellent time, and will come back again."

    6. Haymarsh State Game Area

    2 Reviews
    Paris, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 832-3246

    "This is a hidden gem in northern Michigan, our campsite was right on the lake where we were able to pull our boat right up to, plenty of private space, and so fun to fish. I will definitely be back!"

    7. Rambadt City Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Paris, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 832-2245

    "Dump station near the exit. Nice playground area and a nice trail with a bridge and water. There is also a trail to the old rugged cross museum."

    "But close to two-lane highway but not too loud at night. Park is clean. Nice playground and trail system."

    8. Paris Park

    3 Reviews
    Paris, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 796-3420

    "Wish more of the sites were full hookups, but I am guessing it's because of distance to river.

    Also, it has a nice location to walk into the river and fish."

    "This small campground is located in Paris Park in Paris, MI. Paris Park features a mini Eiffel Tower! You can tube or kayak down the Muskegon river that the park backs up to as well."

    9. Rose Lake Park

    3 Reviews
    Cadillac, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 832-6130

    $20 - $30 / night

    10. Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground

    1 Review
    Evart, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (989) 539-3021

    $20 / night

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Recent Reviews near Evart, MI

545 Reviews of 247 Evart Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Doesn't exist and says "no camping"

    We went down the path and it says to make it right when there's no road that goes to the right. We drove three and a half hours to get here and now we've got to figure out where we're going to stay for the night. And the only spot that looked like a campable spot says no camping. There's a stake in the ground that says it.

  • Ken D.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Great Circle Campground

    Best to look at other Higgins Lake camping options

    Not what your camping experience should be…the male owner is rude, disrespectful, and completely unbecoming of a campground host— showers…yep, but the he prefers to lock them, porta pots…yep, but locks them too…camp store…yep, good luck getting service, need ice? Ice machine never has bags of ice,  horrible customer service.   His wife openly condones his rude behavior and they both lack any skills required to serve the camping customers and their needs.  It is crystal clear this is how they choose to run the place.  Ya, look elsewhere.

    When you pull in, it looks like a junkyard…old construction equipment parked for years covered in blue shrink wrap is one of the first things you see upon arrival, overall its a dirty unkept park.  Why? They cant keep help because they are rude to staff as well.

    Your camping experience should be one of relaxation and having a pleasant, welcoming host.  Unfortunately, you will not find that at the great circle campground.

    Stay away and look elsewhere!

  • T
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Nichols Lake South Campground

    Needs to maintain standards of operation

    Facility at Office quite nice. Camp host was running his generator all night long. Women routinely take their dogs with them into the restroom. We’re not talking about outhouses but flush toilet bathroom with shower.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Government Landing Campground

    Nice offseason spot

    You have to reserve in the summer, but during offseason it is free/first come first serve. Scenic spot right on the pond/dam backwaters. Very spacious and spread out sites. Many sites were full when I came on a crappy weather Thursday night in early September. Is a bathroom within walking distance of a few sites. No water fountain/pump that I was able to located but there were easy walkways down to pond. Pond was warm/comfortable swimming temp even on a cold day but was full of seaweed which made swimming difficult/not enjoyable.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Small and quiet

    Not a lot of privacy between sites, but they are very large so you don’t feel on top of another and having the lake right there was nice

  • Ileene R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Peaceful

    There are signs on the sites saying permit required, but no info for that purpose. No one else had them so I stayed. May be ramping up to making it a paid site, toilet is nice. Lake has boat access. There are fire rings and lots of wood to collect. Not tons of trash but I cleaned up some left in fire pit.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Spruce Road Pulloff Dispersed

    Good night’s sleep

    Access to meadow is blocked but enough room to pull safely off the road. No fire ring. Bullet casings present. Road was very quiet midweek.

  • l
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Black Creek State Forest Campground

    Pull up, grab a registration envelope, look for a spot then part. Fill out the registration. Put one portion of it on the clip at the spot number market, keep another portion then return the completed envelope and $20 cash or check per night plus $19 for Michigan recreation passport (if you don’t already have one). They will mail you the passport, keep receipt for proof. Vault toilets available, some river spots, some secluded spots, clean. Saw DNR in the morning checking on everything.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Old US-131 State Forest Campground

    Great spot!

    Nice campground. The NCT and Fife lake loop trailhead is right in the campground. There is also Manistee river access for kayaking and fishing. Good sized campsites but some are directly across from each other. A little bit of noise off in the distance sometimes but not sure where it was coming from other than that it was quiet and peaceful


Guide to Evart

Camping near Evart, 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 choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "The trails were a nice combination of sunny sand dunes and shaded forest" at Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness.
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, you’re in luck! One camper mentioned, "Good pan and bass fishing" at Green Lake Rustic South — Interlochen State Park.
  • Beach Access: While some campgrounds may not have direct beach access, nearby beaches are just a short drive away. A reviewer at Orchard Beach State Park Campground said, "A short drive up the road leads to a wonderful local beach."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One camper at Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park said, "The bathrooms there were still nice!" even during chilly weather.
  • Convenient Locations: Campgrounds like Traverse City State Park Campground are praised for their proximity to town, making it easy to access local attractions. A reviewer noted, "Absolutely loved this campground in terms of location to do things around Traverse City."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the friendly vibe. One family at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort said, "Kids have fun. Large campground. Near so many things to do."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or airports. A camper at Traverse City State Park Campground warned, "There are cars passing by frequently, but less in the evening."
  • Site Size: If you're bringing an RV, be aware that some sites may be small. One reviewer mentioned, "The spots are very small and you have to park sideways" at the same campground.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A camper at Lake Michigan Recreation Area noted, "No showers though," which is something to keep in mind.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for kids. One family at Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park said, "The neighbors are lovely and respectful and the scenery is great."
  • Pack for the Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at Newaygo State Park Campground mentioned, "The noise levels really dropped off in the evening," indicating that evenings can be more peaceful.
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep the kids entertained with outdoor games. A reviewer at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort highlighted, "There was a ton of stuff to do there."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A camper at Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park mentioned, "The sites were a little closer together than I prefer."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on supplies before heading to more remote campgrounds. A reviewer at Lake Michigan Recreation Area advised, "Bring enough supplies for your stay unless you don’t mind a 1/2 hour drive to get resupplied."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Newaygo State Park Campground expressed frustration with noise levels, saying, "Two nights of brain damaging laughter and frivolity ruined the whole experience."

Camping near Evart, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there camping options near Evart, MI for those traveling with RVs?

RV campers near Evart have several accommodating options. Cedar Springs Rv Resort is a family-friendly option with amenities including planned activities for kids, weekend barrel train rides, hayrides, a playground, and a sandy swimming area. The resort maintains immaculate restrooms and is conveniently located, though it is close to the highway. Crittenden Park near Sears is another RV-friendly option with water, toilets, and sites that can accommodate big rigs. For those willing to drive a bit further, Rose Lake Park offers big-rig-friendly sites with water and toilet facilities. Many campgrounds in the region provide electrical hookups, dump stations, and pull-through sites to accommodate various RV sizes.

What amenities are offered at River Country Campground in Evart, MI?

River Country Campground in Evart offers a comprehensive camping experience with amenities designed for comfortable stays. The campground provides potable water, clean restroom facilities, and sites that can accommodate larger RVs. A major highlight is their livery service for river recreation on the Muskegon River, offering equipment rentals for tubing, kayaking, and canoeing adventures. The campground features reservable sites, allowing guests to secure their spot in advance, particularly important during peak summer months. While River Country offers these basics, those seeking more extensive recreational amenities might consider Mitchell State Park Campground which, though further away in Cadillac, provides access to two lakes (Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell) connected by a canal and numerous water sport opportunities.

What campgrounds are available in Evart, Michigan?

Evart, Michigan offers several camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. River Country Campground and Livery is the primary campground in Evart, situated along the Muskegon River and offering both camping and river recreation. For those willing to travel a short distance, Mud Lake State Forest Campground provides a rustic experience with only 8 non-reservable sites, some offering lake views and direct lake access. The area around Evart also provides access to other campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, including Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground and Rambadt City Park Campground in nearby Reed City. These options range from fully-developed facilities to more rustic experiences, catering to different camping preferences.