RV camping near Gowen, Michigan spans a 30-mile radius with options ranging from large resorts to smaller family-owned parks. The region sits in the western Michigan watershed area with elevation between 800-900 feet above sea level, creating mild summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October due to Michigan's winter conditions.
What to do
Horseback riding adventures: Double RR Ranch RV Resort offers trail rides through wooded areas and shallow river crossings. "We enjoyed a reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids," notes a visitor at Double RR Ranch RV Resort.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Several campgrounds provide direct water access for fishing and paddling. At Crooked Lake, "You can start at Crooked Lake and follow a little water trail to Pickerel to swim at a small beach. There are lots of great hiking/biking trails and Silver Lake is nearby with swimming, volleyball, concessions, bathrooms and an outdoor shower."
Mini-golf and arcade games: Three Seasons Campground maintains a mini-golf course and arcade room alongside traditional camping activities. According to one camper, the park has a "small store, a basic mini-golf course, horseshoe pits, docks, kayak rental, a pavilion, and a small arcade room," making it ideal for families seeking entertainment options.
What campers like
Themed weekend activities: Hidden Ridge RV Resort hosts special events throughout the camping season. "They have themed weekends filled with activities for both adults and children and have a pool, pizza and ice cream, jumping pillow, clubhouse, fishing, playground, dog park, and so much more!" A visitor noted the "Christmas in July decorations have been a lot of fun."
Spacious sites with concrete pads: Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained sites at Hidden Ridge. "All sites are good size sites with a cement pad and very green grass. It is also very well run and maintained," mentions one reviewer, while another notes "cement pads, no trees, neighbors are closer but not bad."
Clean bathroom facilities: Woodchip Campground receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "Campground is clean, and staff friendly," reports one camper, while another states, "bathrooms and pool were taken care off." At Crooked Lake, "The vault toilets were as clean as one could be."
What you should know
Distance to conveniences varies: Some resorts are remote with limited nearby services. At Hidden Ridge RV Resort, "There isn't much close the the campground at all. Like the closest gas station is 15 miles. Not really any fast food restaurants either."
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds in the area operate within specific date ranges. Woodchip Campground runs from May 1 to October 1, while Cedar Springs RV Resort operates from May 1 to October 1, and Three Seasons Campground from April 20 to September 30.
Trash disposal procedures: Policies vary between parks. "I found it odd the there isn't trash pickup at the site. And the only trash bin we could find was at the entrance of the grounds (which was quite a distance from 241 our site)," noted one Hidden Ridge visitor, while at Eastpointe RV Resort, "They pick up your trash right from the front of your sight and deliver fire wood right to the fire pit."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites near playgrounds: Woodchip Campground offers strategic site placement. "There are campsites in a circle around the playground, so you can sit at your site and watch the kids play," notes a visitor who adds, "We enjoyed being right on playground."
Look for seasonal kid activities: Three Seasons Campground offers "weekend activities for the kids, pool, rent kayaks and paddle boats, new beach, game room with new games, karaoke, hayrides, theme parties or weekends," making it ideal for family visits.
Consider water recreation options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming pools and water features. "There is a pool, bounce pillow and basketball court," reports a Woodchip visitor, while another mentions, "Loved the activities, staff was super friendly, bathrooms and pool were taken care off."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Eastpointe RV Resort receives praise for quality despite proximity issues. "Definitely glamping. Brand new facilities. Close to downtown. Sites available right on the river. Only downside is the sites are close together," explains one RVer, reflecting a common trade-off at developed resorts.
Big rig accessibility: Many parks accommodate large motorhomes but with varying site layouts. At Hidden Ridge, one visitor with a large RV noted, "All locations are further back- this is a very large RV park and spread out in different areas."
Golf cart rentals: Several campgrounds offer alternative transportation within the property. "Because of the size of this campground most people get around by golf cart. We rented a golf cart from them, which our kids had a blast just going for rides around the campground," reports a Hidden Ridge visitor.
