Do you enjoy camping but don't want to rough it? Glamping is a great option. Find all the best glamping sites for your Gowen, Michigan camping adventure with The Dyrt. The Dyrt makes it easy to find glamping for your Gowen adventure.
Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into state parks and recreation areas, state boat launches, state forest campgrounds and state trail parking lots. The Michigan Recreation Passport does not cover local, county, municipal, or metropolitan parks or recreation areas. Learn more: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79134_79210---,00.html
Rolling hills, babbling brooks, open meadows, forested ridges, a lake nestled in the hills and a river winding its way through woods and fields -- that's Ionia Recreation Area. The 4,500 acres of flat to rolling terrain is a mixture of open field, mature hardwood forest and pine plantations. Four miles of Grand River floodplain follow the river course on the north border of the park. Dammed waterfowl floodings and other wetlands dot the park. Birding is excellent, with more than 199 species identified by the Audubon Society, and wildflowers abound.
$24 / night
$30 - $90 / night
Nestled on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven State Park showcases scenic views of Grand Haven Pier and lighthouse in front of vibrant sunsets that paint the open sky beyond. It’s not just the slow tide of Lake Michigan that draws people over, nor the perfectly groomed sand beaches. Aside from scenic beauty, Grand Haven State park also offers a host of amenities for campers, and then some. Moreover, the Grand Haven area is home to a number of offbeat attractions nearby which provide entertainment and laughs for the entire family.
One of these notable attractions was built over 60 years ago, known as the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. At one point its claim to fame was its feat as the largest fountain in the world. However, in 1998 Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas stole that record after unveiling The Fountains of Bellagio. All things considered, those who don’t want to make a trip to Vegas will find Grand Haven’s fountain the superior (and less crowded) option. Besides that, the Musical Fountain is still the largest of its kind. Many here would argue that authenticity is more important than size.
Aside from a charming fountain, the area also offers a local boardwalk with live music. It doesn’t stop there though. Outdoor enthusiast will enjoy the many hiking trails that span the park’s 48 acres. Fisherman will love the world-class fishing Lake Michigan is known for. And everyone can enjoy the local shops, eats, and oddities found throughout the city. It goes without saying, finding something to do here is never a problem.
Camping in the Grand Haven State Park is readily accessible, with online reservations available year round. The parks’ acreage rest’s along the western shores of Lake Michigan, and offers a host of lodging options as well. Aside from full service campsites, there are also cabins available for rental throughout. Moreover, there’s also beach sites open for reservation if you’d prefer your own beach getaway during the day. Campsites range from $21-$37/night, while cabins start at $126/night. Be sure to reserve cabins well in advance, as they are an extremely popular amenity for the campground.
If you’re looking for an idealistic vacation getaway, Grand Haven State Park should be a unique spot you consider. Honeymooners, couples, families, and travelers alike will enjoy everything the region offers. All in all, this park is an unexpected delight sure to keep you wanting more over and over again.
Scout
We stayed there 3 years ago and I wish I had seen this site sooner. The morning of July 4th we were woke up by people yelling at 7:15 am. Them at 8:15 someone in a riding lawn mower came within 2 ft of out pop up and woke us up again. Then a sprinkler was started and it was getting our canvas wet, so I turned it down a little. The guy on the mower yelled at me to keep my hands off of the sprinkler! My family were staying one more night so I left them our easy up. Later that evening we came back to watch the fireworks. Afterwards my husband, who is a disabled vet, could not out to our car due to neuropathy in both legs. I decided to go in to pick him up. I waited until v the gate opened and drove in. The speed limit is 10 miles per hour, which I did follow. Then a man come flying up the road and started yelling at my family! I tried to explain that my husband was having a hard time walking out to the parking lot. He cursed at us and then said we would not be allowed back to this campground. This had been the 4 th year we had stayed there over the July 4th holiday. Sad that he treated not only a disabled vet but also a 90 year old woman. Would recommend.
Traveler
Stayed here to get off the road on the cheap after a long drive. It was Friday but it was quiet nothing out of the ordinary. The girls at the registration helped me find a quiet spot.
TravelerI’ve read lots of reviews that were lukewarm about Newaygo, but we enjoyed our 3 day getaway. Ample activities in the area (hiking, disc golf, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, tubing and stargazing). And shopping and nice brewery in Newaygo. Most sites are large and separated from the next. The noise levels really dropped off in the evening. Will be back!!
Scout
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ScoutCrazy fun Sex Naked
Guide
First let me say the rustic area is walk-in only. I was unaware of this until we arrived. Luckily our site was in the front and not a terrible walk. 3 sites in the middle, grouped together, would be nice for a group to book together. Rustic side is right next to the boat ramp. Inside of the state park is a nice beach for swimming, with concessions. A lot of fishing spots, even if you are bank fishing. Check in window is in the back of the park. Wood and ice available.
TravelerWe just got back from Ionia State Campground, and we had the most lovely time! First of all, I did some research ahead of time to find a more private camping spot, and ours did not disappoint. After looking around the campground, there were numerous spots that were very secluded and private. There were beautiful walking trails all around, and the lake was very pretty.
I had read other reviews saying that the bathrooms were terrible. I did not find them to be all that bad. They were certainly dated, but I found the bathrooms and showers to be kept as clean as they could be. I have also read that the bathrooms will be completely replaced at the end of this year.
The one downside I did find was the beach. I thought that the infrastructure at the beach needed work, particularly the rinse off station and the benches. We only went over to the beach for ice cream, so this didn't bother me personally.
We loved it and plan to come back!
Legend
We were camping at Holland State Park, which isn't that far away & decided to take a morning to see the pier & lighthouses at Grand Haven. Unfortunately, we picked the Saturday they were having the Kite Fest on the beach so the parking was CRAZY!
I asked the guy at the gate how to get to the pier & he said "cut through the campground". I'm pretty sure there's a city park outside the state park, but like I said- crazy weekend parking.
My thoughts on Grand Haven State Park is the sites are VERY tight. I thought Holland was bad, but Grand Haven is much worse.
The pro- You can get a site right on the beach. Imagine sitting & watching the sunset every night from the comfort of your site! You get a nice view of the lighthouses.
The cons- Very Tight Sites! This is also a very small state park, so it's parking lot/beach/campground & that's about it. There's only 1 bathhouse. You have to bring your own portable fire pit. No hiking trail, unless you count the walk to the pier.
Scout
Campground and pool is nice. Owners are unapologetically rude to guests when there is any issues. Had a minor parking issue with a neighbor when I moved my vehicle onto their parking spot on sunday for 20 minutes because they weren't there all wkend and I was spraying weed killer. The neighbor showed up and complained at the club house. The owner came to my lot and started yelling at me about how i have no right to do that. I apologized while he was yelling at me and he slammed his buggie door and drove off. As soon as I moved my vehicles I went to that neighbor.to apologized and she said no big deal. I gave the owners a bad review on line and now I am being kicked out. How is that right?! I follow the rules and keep my lot clean. I don't deserve to be yelled at and treated in such a rude manner. IF you decide to camp there don't speak to the owners unless you have to... this has happened to other guests too. Many have moved to other places because of the way they talk to people.
ScoutOwner is rude and unapologetic for being so.
Poisonous plants and creatures are usually pretty to look at. So is tyler creek until you speak to the owners for any reason and then they are rude and venomous. If I were you I would spend my hard earned money somewhere else.
TravelerPretty sweet spot, quiet and clean
Scout
This campground is a home away from home. It’s beautifully situated in the middle of the state. Ample boating, fishing swimming. The facilities are great and they have a good truck on site. We camp here at least twice a year.
Guide
Beautiful
LegendNot our usual type of camping. But, with that said we really enjoyed our 4 night stay. Lake Michigan is a short stroll and downtown Grand Haven is a short walk. Enjoyed the Spring Lake bike trail loop that gave us a 19 mile ride from the campground. Verizon signal okay to stream. Lucked out and only had one off and on neighbor. Otherwise sites are very close and on a parking lot covered with sand here and there.
GuideAbsolutely perfect weekend to stay at the park. As always, everyone was very pleasant. Very quiet and beautiful night!
TravelerSmall lake with clean shallow beach, wooded sites, clean (but slightly dated) facilities led to fun times with grandkids. 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 . Would still visit here again if in the area. Very friendly staff and they had some weekend activities for the kids. Make sure you bring insect repellent!
ScoutNicely designed campground w privacy between sites. To bad staffing cuts didn’t allow there to be any DNR employees to enforce the 10pm noise curfew. Two nights of brain damaging laughter and frivolity by campsite 21 ruined the whole experience. The cigar boats running full throttle all day was annoying. To bad the new Dragon trail will get less attention because of the negatives that go w this over crowded destination. I will not be back. Going to buy my own campground. Done w State Park System.
Traveler
We only saw camp host once the restrooms were not in the best shape and when we booked it said there was only one site available but our whole stay there was only 4 campers in the entire park and two of them were empty one was a relative of mine
ScoutVery affordable but once arriving and setting up we noticed why. The park is only 4 swings and a single sand pit. The water is very HARD (straight rust and well water) very old water pipes. I brought my parts per million meter and tested the water and it tested at well over 1120 ppm. Quick stop cheap and decent but the water needs a fix.
Guide
We were on site 6, and there was plenty of space! We were able to park the camper with the door facing the river. It was great for fishing, and our dogs had a great time too. There isn’t a pool or designated swimming area, but having a spot on the river is great. You do have to pay $5 for shower use and $5 to use the dump station. They do have ice and firewood for sale there, but there isn’t a little store so you have to leave the campground and drive a few miles for that (so just do your best to remember everything!) If you’re looking for a quieter campground on a river, this is the place to be!
TravelerStaff is rude!!! Omg. Talk to your customer not scream from a golf cart. Grow up!!
Lots are tiny! Your on top of each other.
Warning. No tents or clams! Can be set up. This place is horrible
ScoutRun down campground with rude disrespectful owner. We were attacked over something that was so trivial...a few hoof prints by our trailer where we we told to park. Horses did not dig or paw. She drove up to us and complained that they tore up her grass, which wasn't true. There was no grass to begin with, it was moss. Our ponied stood quietly tied to trailer as we saddled up and then when we came back from our rife and unsaddled. We were with them the entire time....it was a short day ride with a friend who was camping there. Woman never asked or told us to picket. Normal function for horseman is to ride from trailer. I Just couldn't believe it. Told woman we understood and would be leaving and wouldn't be back. She kept running her mouth. I told her to drop it and that again, we would leave and would not be back. Kept running her mouth, and Id had enough and told her to shut up.
ScoutNice quiet small camp ground. Has lots for kids and families to do.
RangerThis is a parking lot on the beach - sites are extremely tight and small
This is not a normal michigan style camping experience but it’s about the location of where you are.
This is a great location for being right on the beach and being able to walk downtown
This campground is not for everyone
We love sitting on the beach having a fire and waking downtown
Bathrooms were very clean, staff were very friendly
GuideWe got site 36. We put our tent up on the hill tucked back up in the woods. Shade from the start!
LegendOur reason for choosing this park was that we had rented a Pop-up trailer to see how we'd like it, and this was the nearest campground. That said we found the pop-up to our liking, though it felt huge to us!
Campground was primitive, but that's what we go for anyway. Very little in the way of trails, thought the main one had Frisbee golf along the way, which was unexpected.
Hardy Dam Pond is actually a good-sized man-made lake, and as such, has no beaches to speak of. There's a small swimming area near the boat launch.
We were there in July of 2020 and the "Trump navy" was out in force. Lots of motorboats overloaded with flags, some inconsiderate boaters almost swamped our little canoe. (This was shortly after a nationwide news story in which Trump boaters swamped and sank *each other* on a lake in Texas).
Some of the campers partied late, and some boaters got an early start, so noise levels were unpredictable.
Nearby, a great place to stock up on meats and Jerky in the area is Galesburg Meats in Kalamazoo. Also a must see is the Gilmore Auto Museum in Hickory Corners
GuideI'd like to begin by stating that we have stayed here in a tent and in a camper. Both times we enjoyed it very much.
We had a great time fishing, walking the trails, playing at the playground, and playing the disc golf course.
This is a great campground. The only criticism I have is not that it is a primitive camp ground, I can handle that no problem, but when visiting a primitive campground I've come to expect quiet and some degree of tranquility. The lake is a great part of the area but it is quite loud early morning and sometimes late into the night.
All that being said. I'll be going back again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Gowen, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Gowen, MI is Newaygo State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.
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