Best Campgrounds near Sparta, MI

Campgrounds near Sparta, Michigan encompass a variety of developed sites suitable for different camping styles, particularly for families seeking amenities. Cedar Springs RV Resort and Duke Creek Campground, both within 15 miles of Sparta, provide full-service options with water and electric hookups. The area features several mixed-use campgrounds accommodating tents, RVs, and cabins, with some properties offering glamping options. Most established campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations, typically opening from May through October.

Camping availability peaks during summer months when water recreation becomes a central attraction. Most developed campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays during peak season. As one camper noted, "It was nice at night very quiet, during the day it was very busy, the site was very big. The lake access was extremely busy." Wabasis Lake County Park and other waterfront campgrounds experience particularly high demand on summer weekends. Winter camping options are limited, with only select facilities like Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA operating year-round. Most campgrounds in the region offer modern amenities including showers, toilets, and electric hookups, though site sizes and privacy levels vary considerably.

Lakefront camping represents a significant draw in the Sparta region, with several campgrounds providing direct water access. The geography features relatively flat terrain and shallow lakes ideal for family swimming and beginner boating activities. Campers frequently mention clean facilities as a highlight, with particular praise for bathrooms and shower buildings. A visitor to Steamboat Park Campground reported it has "rigorously cleaned restrooms and showers - the best I've seen." Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly Cedar Springs RV Resort where proximity to roadways can impact the camping experience. Most developed campgrounds in the area offer planned activities for children, including playground facilities, swimming areas, and seasonal recreation programs, making them suitable for family camping trips rather than wilderness experiences.

Best Camping Sites Near Sparta, Michigan (176)

    1. Duke Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cedar Springs, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 696-2115

    "Right across the road from Michigan's Adventure amusement park"

    "Train rides, Pool, Scavenger hunt, trails, bike rides, there just weren't enough hours in the day! We should have reserved an entire week!"

    2. Hoffmaster State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Norton Shores, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 798-3711

    $38 - $42 / night

    "Site 31 and any along that path back up to a little creek and trail which was just perfect for the kids to play in."

    "Great hiking trails, close to Lake Michigan"

    3. Wabasis Lake County Park

    10 Reviews
    Cannonsburg, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 691-8056

    "There are a few downsides:

    1. Because it's so close to Grand Rapids and some other cities, it typically is full on the weekends. Booking a site can be troublesome."

    "However, we were able to get a hold of the staff the next day, we were refunded for our first night, and had a great second night at Wabasis Lake staying in the camper cabins."

    4. Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA

    13 Reviews
    Allendale, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 895-6601

    "We did venture out to a brewery 5-10 mins away in Allendale and Grand Haven is about 20-25 minutes away if you want to cruise out to Lake Michigan. The pool was clean and we had a lot on the pond."

    "Very easy drive to the lighthouse, too!"

    5. Cedar Springs Rv Resort

    3 Reviews
    Cedar Springs, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 696-1735

    "Only downfall is the proximity to the highway and lack of woodsy camping feeling. Restrooms are always immaculately clean. Close to Cedar Springs downtown."

    "Nice fishing pond, the cleanest bathrooms I’ve ever seen at a campground and nice walking path."

    6. Steamboat Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Jenison, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 457-4837

    $45 - $85 / night

    "Year round parks are so hard to find in Michigan. This one is awesome. Great spots in the trees and also back in spots right on the river."

    "This is a quirky little campground tucked away along a large river. It's not large, but half of the sites are directly on a wide fast moving river.  Occasionally a paddleboat goes buy with tourists. "

    7. Newaygo State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Morley, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 856-4452

    "This was such a beautiful location!! And definitely a nice find!"

    "I love the campsites at this state park, they're decently big and each site is surrounded by trees. The sites are a little close together but all in all we really enjoyed our stay."

    8. Grand Haven State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Grand Haven, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 847-1309

    "We were right on the canal side and only 300ft away from Lake Michigan. Grand Haven State Parks has upgraded facilities so bathrooms and showering is actually pleasant."

    "We are here for Lake Michigan. The sunrises and sunsets, the water, the beach and the waves.  Nothing like waking up and walking to the beach, easy back and forth for lunch/dinner and snacks."

    9. Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins

    6 Reviews
    Cannonsburg, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 691-8534

    "Amazing spot away from the city! The owner of the place is very accommodating and pleasant to be around. Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!"

    "The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here"

    10. Salmon Run Campground & Vic's Canoes

    5 Reviews
    Newaygo, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 834-5494

    "If booked in advance there are some great walk-in sites where you can cast a line right from your picnic table. Clean, quiet campground."

    "Went with three families, had secluded site near back. It was perfect. Towed tubes to a few places on to river and enjoyed a long 3 hour float and a shorter hour float."

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Recent Reviews near Sparta, MI

771 Reviews of 176 Sparta Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Woodchip Campground

    Great location in Grand Rapids Area

    Great place to stay for the weekend. Lots of activities for kids. Heats pool till end of October . Does trick or treating. Sites are small.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Drews Country Camping

    Rustic Backyard Camping Charm

    This is a sweet little family-owned park just outside Holland with about 30 grassy sites that feel more like someone’s big backyard than an actual campground. The place has been around since 1981, and while you’ll notice some older RVs parked around the edges and a slightly dumpy vibe overall, it’s still cared for with pride with fairly clean restrooms (in a building that looks like it was built in the 1930s), a small playground where the boys burned off energy, and a pool that (full disclosure) sits right up front near the highway so it feels a bit awkward, but still fun on a hot day. Our boys made fast friends, turning a simple game of tag into a neighborhood adventure before we strolled into town for cones at the Polka Dot Ice Cream Parlor and a sunset walk along 8th Street. I’d recommend Drew’s to families for its homey feel, fairly well-maintained facilities despite the vintage look, and the friendly mix of full-timers and travel-campers that keeps things relaxed and welcoming.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Fisherman's Landing & Campground

    Classic Michigan Sunsets with Lakefront Views

    Nestled along the shores of Muskegon Lake, Fisherman’s Landing Launch & Campground hums with the easy rhythm of boats, endless laughter and evening campfires over s’mores. It’s a city-run spot with around a hundred sites, a marina close at hand and the kind of well-worn facilities that feel lived-in but cared for with clean restrooms, warm showers and a big playground that kept the boys busy while my husband wrestled with the fishing rods. We spent sunset on the dock, toes trailing in the water as the boys skipped stones and tried to out-cheer one another. I’d recommend Fisherman’s Landing to families who appreciate a laid-back lakeside stay, friendly folks and those golden Michigan summer evenings that end with the smell of water and woodsmoke.

  • J
    Oct. 14, 2025

    PJ Hoffmaster State Park

    Beautiful Park

    Campground is nice, quiet, and there’s a trail that leads directly to the beach!

  • K
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park Campground

    Lakeshore Campground at Muskegon State Park

    Staying in the north loop of the Lakeshore campground. Sites were level and shaded by mature trees. Road is a bit narrow which made backing out travel trailer in a bit tricky, not impossible. Family friendly campground that is a couple hundred feet away from Lake Michigan. Will definitely come back.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • G
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Beach Campground — Holland State Park

    Entry policy needs revising

    Got to campground at 13:00, checked to see if my reserved site was vacant (it was vacant) then went to check in. Attendant told couldn’t check in until 15:00. Had to park in marina parking lot.  Went back to check in and there was a line out to the street (safety issue).  It then took us 1/2 hr to check in then had to wait another 1/2hr in line for water. Got to site at 16:15.  Something has to change. Was told this was a Holland State Park decision because other state parks don’t do this.  Horrible, horrible policy


Guide to Sparta

Camping near Sparta, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the miles of trails available at Hoffmaster State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Miles of trails if you are into hiking," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the stunning Lake Michigan beach at Hoffmaster State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Family campground with beautiful Lake MI beach," perfect for a day of sun and sand.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park, you can fish and enjoy water activities. One camper shared, "Great dunes covered in dune grass, beautiful water next to the pier where we can go fishing."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A review for Fort Custer Recreation Area stated, "The showers and bathrooms are fine," indicating a well-maintained environment.
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered at campgrounds like Fort Custer Recreation Area. One visitor mentioned, "Huge beautiful campground. Lots of privacy."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Hoffmaster State Park Campground are noted for being family-friendly. A reviewer said, "Very family friendly not for people that stay up past 10pm."

What you should know

  • Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds, like Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park, have close sites. A camper remarked, "Sites are very close and is a typical campground outside of the beautiful trails and beach access."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Beach Campground — Holland State Park lack certain amenities. One visitor noted, "No showers, no firewood," which could be a dealbreaker for some.
  • Noise Levels: Expect some noise, especially during busy weekends. A review for Newaygo State Park Campground mentioned, "The noise levels really dropped off in the evening," indicating that daytime can be lively.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Hoffmaster State Park Campground, which has a great playground. A reviewer said, "Excellent playground if you have little ones."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor activities. One camper at Fort Custer Recreation Area enjoyed the mountain bike trails, saying, "We took full advantage of the mountain bike trails."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A visitor at Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park mentioned, "Walking distance to an excellent ice cream stand."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your RV against the campground's site dimensions. A review for Silver Lake State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you check your rig size against the site you are planning on reserving."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Many campgrounds have close quarters. A camper at Grand Haven State Park Campground noted, "The sites are VERY tight."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have everything you need. A visitor at Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park mentioned needing "plumbers tape to connect hose to site water faucet."

Camping near Sparta, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to plan ahead and know what to expect!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Sparta?

The Sparta area offers several excellent camping options. Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation is a well-loved family-run campground with fishing, swimming pool, and a gagaball pit for kids. It's conveniently located close to town with a relatively short drive to Lake Michigan. For those seeking a more nature-immersive experience, Wabasis Lake County Park near Greenville provides drive-in access with reservable sites, water amenities, and toilets. This park is also big-rig friendly, making it suitable for RV campers exploring the Sparta region.

What amenities do Sparta campgrounds offer for tent camping?

Hoffmaster State Park Campground offers tent campers family-friendly sites with access to trails and a creek perfect for kids to play in. The park features clean facilities and is within walking distance to the beach. Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park provides tent campers with shaded sites among trees, clean bathhouses with hot showers, and the major highlight of being just steps away from Lake Michigan beach. Both campgrounds offer fire rings, nearby hiking trails, and access to natural water features that tent campers particularly appreciate.

How much does it cost to camp at Sparta campgrounds?

Camping costs in the Sparta area vary by campground type and amenities. Pioneer Park Campground offers well-maintained sites with Lake Michigan beach access at typical public campground rates. For more budget-conscious options, Duke Creek Campground near Cedar Springs provides reservable sites with basic amenities like water and toilets. Generally, public campgrounds in the area range from $20-35 per night for basic sites, while private campgrounds and those with full hookups typically charge $30-50 per night. Many campgrounds offer weekly rates at a discount and may have different pricing tiers based on location, hookups, and seasonal demand.