Camping options near Evart, Michigan range from rustic forest sites to waterfront campgrounds with convenient amenities. The region sits amid Michigan's Huron-Manistee National Forests, where the Muskegon River flows through pine and hardwood forests. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping season, with humidity levels making water activities particularly refreshing.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Newaygo State Park Campground features an impressive disc golf course that draws enthusiasts. "There's good hiking, an awesome disc golf course, and the lake right there with boat launches for fishing," reports Ryan L., who appreciates these recreational combinations.
Horseback riding options: While CranHill offers pony and trail rides, other campgrounds provide different equestrian experiences. At Hungerford Lake Campground, "There are horse staging areas and hiking trails. The lake is nice, small enough for a kayak/no motor boat," notes Arron P., highlighting the peaceful setting.
Water recreation access: Hardy Pond at Brower Park Campground offers extensive boating opportunities. "If you own a boat this campground is for you. It is very busy but if you decide to being kids, there are playgrounds and a craft barn. Alot of seasonal campers but alot of slips for visitor boats," explains Jami M.
Mountain biking trails: The Dragon Trail accessible from Brower Park provides excellent biking terrain. "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 amazing views," shares Joshua E.
What campers like
Clean facilities: School Section Lake Veteran's Park maintains well-kept amenities despite its rustic setting. "Small lake with clean shallow beach, wooded sites, clean (but slightly dated) facilities led to fun times with grandkids," says Russell S., who appreciated the family-friendly environment.
Spacious campsites: Newaygo State Park Campground offers generous site dimensions compared to many area campgrounds. "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," explains Sarah K., a longtime visitor.
Quiet atmosphere: At Camp Cadillac, visitors find tranquility despite being near town. "Quiet little campground. Not fancy, but clean and well kept. Pool and petting zoo for the kids. Small store with ice, few necessities and ice cream. Pond in the back on the small river for fishing," describes Stacey R.
Reasonable rates: Veterans Memorial Park in Marion offers affordable glamping near Evart with basic amenities. "I tent camped there July 2023 and the site was $20. The campground host was a very nice and helpful lady. There are electric at the sites and there were water supply spigets throughout the park," reports David M.
What you should know
Site sizes vary significantly: Many campgrounds have limitations on RV length or maneuverability. At Shelley Lake Campground, "The lack of signs and less well kept nature left us feeling a little less than comfortable here," notes Art S., adding, "It would probably be difficult to park a large camper in any of these spots."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise that can affect the experience. Wilson State Park Campground sits "in the middle of the town on a main highway the noise was horrible," warns Tracy A., though others find the location convenient.
Weather preparedness: The region can experience sudden weather changes, particularly affecting lower-lying campsites. "One spot in the corner, the very Northeast corner camp spot, is low, and flood prone during rain," warns Dj W. about Wilson State Park Campground.
Reservation recommendations: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "Rez was easy online. Not many campers this weekend," mentions Michelle P. about Newaygo State Park's Poplar campground, highlighting the benefit of early booking.
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: School Section Lake Veteran's Park offers family-friendly swimming. "Very nice camp with an awesome lake and great swimming area! Kids love this park! Sometimes it gets busy. The shop has snacks and ice cream," shares Arron P.
Organized activities: Several campgrounds provide structured entertainment for children. "Kids are riding their bikes all over, fishing, playing at playgrounds, the beach, everywhere. Everyone was very friendly," Amanda L. says about Brower Park Campground.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children of various ages. "This campground is on the beautiful muskegon river, it has a large swimming area, nice sandy beach along the swimming area, play grounds, everything is clean and well kept," reports Bethany S. about Brower Park.
Educational opportunities: Some locations offer learning activities for children. "There is a trail head with a gorgeous trail along a smaller stream and an art barn with activities for kids to create each day," notes Bethany S., highlighting Brower Park's creative options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Cadillac Woods Campground requires careful planning for larger RVs. "While you can book online, I would call the office and talk to the owners because not all sites are easy to maneuver a camper into and may not be a good choice for your size camper," advises Erika W.
Hookup availability: Most glamping options near Evart offer various levels of hookups. At Camp Cadillac, guests find "Anywhere from rustic to full hook up. Pet friendly. All gravel/dirt/grass sites. Most have trees. Fire pits quite small. Bathrooms very nice and updated," according to Stacey R.
Site leveling challenges: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "Yes, some spots are smaller than others, so be honest about your rig length when booking. Many sites are rather large, like 97, but severely sloped, also like 97," warns Dj W. about Wilson State Park Campground.
Site surface considerations: Different campgrounds offer varied parking surfaces. "My site was a back in with not a lot of maneuvering room but even though some may feel these sites are small, we had plenty of space, very good water, and full hook up. I wish we had gravel verses dirt though, during the rain it gets a bit muddy," shares Russell S. about School Section Lake.
