Camping cabins near Gowen, Michigan provide access to Michigan's second-growth forest region at elevations between 800-1000 feet above sea level. The area features gently rolling terrain with mixed hardwood forests and small lakes, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Most cabin facilities in this region operate from April through October, with peak season running from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Wabasis Lake County Park, campers can access a shoreline that offers fishing, though one visitor noted it's "shallow and weedy." For younger anglers, Wabasis provides a family-friendly environment as "the beach was clean and even had a snack shop where you could get a realest and rent a canoe or kayak."
Disc golf courses: Bertha Brock County Park offers "one of the best courses I have played," according to one reviewer. The park combines disc golf with hiking trails that feature "beautiful stone bridges" and scenic views, making it a versatile recreation destination for cabin campers.
Horseback riding excursions: Double RR Ranch RV Resort provides "reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids." These guided rides offer a different perspective of the landscape and are suitable for all experience levels.
River activities: Many campgrounds in the area feature river access. At Mecosta Pines Campground, visitors appreciate "the river running through that has a nice Sandy and shallow bottom to set a chair in and relax!" The gentle current makes it suitable for wading and casual float trips.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cabin visitors consistently mention cleanliness as a priority. At Cedar Springs RV Resort, guests appreciate "the cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen at a campground," which makes the cabin experience more comfortable for those sharing communal facilities.
Outdoor spaces: Fire pits and picnic areas complement the cabin experience. One camper at Double RR Ranch noted "There is a river to explore and we always get a riverfront site. Rivers are just fun for fishing, throwing stones, canoeing. There is a campstore, Firepits, large trees, they do hayrides for kids, too."
Swimming options: Pools and beach areas provide relief during summer months. Mecosta Pines Campground receives praise because "The pool is a wonderful perk, and so is the river running through that has a nice Sandy and shallow bottom to set a chair in and relax!"
Quiet environments: Many cabins offer a peaceful retreat, especially midweek. As one Mecosta Pines visitor observed, "The campground is overall really quiet during the week. Quite busy on the weekends but they are good about keeping quiet times."
What you should know
Booking timing: Reserve cabins well in advance for summer weekends. One Wabasis Lake visitor warned, "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."
Size considerations: Cabin dimensions vary significantly across properties. At Bertha Brock County Park, "They say the can only fit 30 foot rvs but I was able to get my 33 foot in 2 sites. about 5 sites I seen can accommodate larger rvs."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local wildlife interactions. At Wabasis Lake, one camper reported, "Lots and lots of raccoons, that aren't shy at all!" while others mentioned experiencing swimmers itch in the lake during summer months.
Weekend vs. weekday experience: Crowd levels fluctuate significantly. A Mecosta Pines visitor observed, "The campground is overall really quiet during the week. Quite busy on the weekends but they are good about keeping quiet times."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Choose campgrounds with structured programming. At Duke Creek Campground, "Train rides, Pool, Scavenger hunt, trails, bike rides, there just weren't enough hours in the day! We should have reserved an entire week!"
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas for convenience. One family at Mecosta Pines shared, "We initially booked a site by the river, but once we saw the sites next to the playground, we knew we had to switch for our sanity and so our toddler could play."
Bug preparation: Insect activity can be significant in wooded areas. A Bertha Brock visitor advised, "Bugs (mosquitoes) can get pretty bad, bring lots of bug spray!" This is especially important for evening activities around cabin areas.
Cabin capacity planning: Verify sleeping arrangements before booking. At Wabasis Lake, cabins have "a living room, two bedrooms, kitchen work counter, dining table, microwave, and a small fridge. One of the rooms contains a queen size bed, and the other bedroom contains two sets of bunk beds."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Consider privacy when selecting cabin locations. At Cedar Springs RV Resort, a visitor noted the campground feels like "camping with friends or making new ones" due to proximity, explaining it's "a little off putting that they had golf cart patrols so often, but I appreciated the quiet."
Seasonal considerations: Many cabin properties have distinct operational seasons. At Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins, the operating season runs "May 1 to October 1," requiring advance planning for spring and fall trips.
Road noise awareness: Some properties experience highway sounds. Cedar Springs RV Resort has "nice walking path" but "the highways a littler closer then it looks, so you do get a lot of road noise. Especially when trucks hit the chatter bumps on the side."
Bring cooking supplies: Kitchen amenities vary widely between cabin options. While some provide refrigeration and microwave access, additional cooking equipment like propane stoves or charcoal grills improve meal options beyond fireside cooking.
