Top Tent Camping near Gowen, MI

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Gowen? We've got you covered. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Gowen, MI (26)

Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Gowen

534 Reviews of 26 Gowen Campgrounds


  • Tom W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Condon Lakes West
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Condon Lakes West

    Isolated and attractive to certain people

    Access road is an unmarked two track that is not suitable for all vehicles. Campground is free and only six sites. Free and no registration attracts lowlifes who appear to have been there a significant amount of time or the whole season. If you have a leaky trailer that needs a tarp over the top, love having your pitbulls run wild, and firing up your generator, this may be the perfect spot for you. Not sure how the folks dragged the trailers into camp. Turned around and went elsewhere. Could have been a nice spot but...

  • Tom W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Walkup Lake Campground
    Oct. 20, 2024

    Walkup Lake Campground

    Quaint and convenient

    Conveniently located but proximity to the road makes it noisy. Locals drag racing on the nearby road subsided around midnight. Campsites were clean and spacious. I stayed at one of the two sites down the road by the boat launch. I stopped here after my first campground stop was full. This site will definitely get the job done but don't make this a featured stop.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Deep Lake Campground
    Oct. 6, 2024

    Deep Lake Campground

    Just wonderful

    I lay here, in my hammock listening to the sounds of the evening putting me to sleep as I write this. What a wonderful little campground. Beautiful lake to fish, kayak or canoe. Spacious and shaded site to return to. What more could a dad ask for out of a weekend with their boy.

  • Wailym C.
    Camper-submitted photo from East Lake Camping
    Sep. 9, 2024

    East Lake Camping

    Great Hospitality

    Nice and cozy little campground in the middle of beautiful rolling farmlands. First time passing through and found it conveniently located within 40 mins of Holland and Saugatuck without needing to get on the highway. The woman at check in was extremely courteous and helpful. We stayed 2 nights over the weekend. Most people here are seasonal, occupying almost all the lakefront sites. We may have seen one lakefront available for renters. Everyone was polite, friendly and quiet after quiet hours. The sites are very small, not much privacy, but well kept. There are more spacious sites available on the upper grassy loop. Well kept grounds throughout with beautiful flowers. The bathrooms were wonderful with great hot water and water pressure. Pretty lake with swimming beach and playground lovely for day use. We would stay again. We stayed with 34’ camper inner lakefront.  I did share a picture of waterfront sites, the one vacant spot is the only site available to rent right now.  The rest are seasonal.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newaygo State Park
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Newaygo State Park

    It was ok.

    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.

  • Jennifer S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Highway to Haven Family Campground
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Highway to Haven Family Campground

    Interesting experience

    The staff checking us in was amazing, but that’s where it stops. Lots of highway noise. Tiny spots. And worst of all the owner is terrible, argumentative, rude and disrespectful. We were traveling with a group, my husband was moving grills and wood from our site to theirs(we were not as close to our group as we thought) and was parked literally for less than 10 mins to the side of the road…the owners site was right across- he came out without a hello or welcome but right away jumped in“You can’t park there” as we were very clearly unloading… from that point it went downhill- never told us who he was; asked if we wanted to be kicked out and quite frankly was a straight up jerk. It wasn’t until later that night that other campers told us who he was and that’s normal behavior. If that is how the owner treats his customers you can rest assured we will never be back.

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Muskegon River Campground
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Muskegon River Campground

    Quiet and Personable

    Very small campground with a quiet time at 10:00 am. The host and staff were beyond helpful and friendly. Only complaint - bathrooms were a good hike away from the tent/RV spots

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Clear Sky
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Camp Clear Sky

    Charming campsite near Grand Rapids.

    Enjoyed our stay!

    Outdoor kitchen with running water and flush toilet were unexpected amenities. 

    Not to mention the chickens keeping us company!

    Will definitely stay there again when we’re in the area!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newaygo State Park
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Newaygo State Park

    Nice rustic getaway

    I’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!!

  • Kathie M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoffmaster State Park
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Hoffmaster State Park

    Family campground on Lake Mi

    Family campground with beautiful Lake MI beach. Sites very close together with no privacy. Bathhouse clean;showers hot. Site 80 is listed as full shade but does get morning sun.

  • galina M.
    Camper-submitted photo from School Section Lake Veteran's Park Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    School Section Lake Veteran's Park Campground

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  • Kendra H.
    Camper-submitted photo from White River Campsite #1
    Jul. 15, 2024

    White River Campsite #1

    Dispersed camping area

    This is the White River special area of the Manistee National Forest. While there are numbered campsites, there are no facilities or amenities. This is more suitable for tents or maybe small campers. Best access seems to be along 160th avenue south of Arthur road. The road seems a bit sketchy but should be okay for most vehicles. We explored the area while camping at nearby Pines Point campground.

  • Kendra H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pines Point Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Pines Point Campground

    Great rustic+ spot, a family favorite

    Pines Point is a rustic Manistee National Forest campground with some unique features. There are a small number of reservable sites in something of a group camping area but most sites are not reservable. The area is managed by concessionaire American Land and Leisure with an on-site resident manager. Current fee for camping is $24 per night. The campground is very beautiful in an out of the way wooded area along the White River. Some sites are located along the river on a low bluff, with a Riverside path and several stairways to access the river. Most sites are large and well separated from other sites by trees and underbrush. This is a rustic campground with no electric or other hookups. There are conveniently located water spigots with good volume and pressure located throughout the campground. One of the unique features however, is that there is a restroom building with flush toilets! There is a day use/picnic area adjacent to the campground that includes a canoe / kayak launch. This area also has a fee if you are not a registered camper. This leads us to the other unique feature of the campground, which is a "tuber's loop" on the river which leads from the canoe launch around a large peninsula containing the picnic area to a wellmarked takeout point where one can walk less than 50 yards back to the canoe launch to do it again! The float takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes through very scenic and wild section of river, the river is mostly rocky and shallow with a good current. The river is also popular for other kayak / canoe trips with multiple launch and take out points. There is no longer a kayak/canoe/tube rental service in the area, so bring your own! There is basically no cell service in the area of the campground. The nearby small town of Hesperia has a full service grocery, gas stations etc. in our experience the campground is raPines Point is a rustic Manistee National Forest campground with some unique features. There are a small number of reservable sites in something of a group camping area but most sites are not reservable. The area is managed by concessionaire American Land and Leisure with an on-site resident manager. Current fee for camping is $24 per night. The campground is very beautiful in an out of the way wooded area along the White River. Some sites are located along the river on a low bluff, with a Riverside path and several stairways to access the river. Most sites are large and well separated from other sites by trees and underbrush. This is a rustic campground with no electric or other hookups. There are conveniently located water spigots with good volume and pressure located throughout the campground. One of the unique features however, is that there is a restroom building with flush toilets! There is a day use/picnic area adjacent to the campground that includes a canoe / kayak launch. This area also has a fee if you are not a registered camper. This leads us to the other unique feature of the campground, which is a "tuber's loop" on the river which leads from the canoe launch around a large peninsula containing the picnic area to a wellmarked takeout point where one can walk less than 50 yards back to the canoe launch to do it again! The float takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes through very scenic and wild section of river, the river is mostly rocky and shallow with a good current. The river is also popular for other kayak / canoe trips with multiple launch and take out points. There is no longer a kayak/canoe/tube rental service in the area, so bring your own! There is basically no cell service in the area of the campground. The nearby small town of Hesperia has a full service grocery, gas stations etc. In our experience the campground is rarely full, except possibly for some holiday weekends. A side note, there is a free, dispersed camping area suitable for tents and maybe small campers along 160th Ave South of Arthur Rd. There are no services or amenities and the road is a bit sketchy, but it might be an option if Pines Point is full or you prefer more seclusion and no fees!

  • Kasey J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mecosta Pines Campground
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Mecosta Pines Campground

    Super Kid Friendly

    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. They were very accommodating with us and so friendly. There was so much for our 2 year old and 10 year old to do. We will definitely be back!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA

    Loved it

    Certainly! Here’s an enhanced review for the Allendale KOA:


    I recently stayed at the Allendale KOA and had an exceptional experience. The campground is spacious, with large sites that provided plenty of room for our setup. The clean restrooms and full-service showers were a highlight, offering a comfortable and convenient experience after a long day of outdoor activities.

    The staff at Allendale KOA were incredibly friendly and welcoming, ensuring that we felt right at home from the moment we arrived. The well-stocked camp store was a great convenience, providing everything we needed without having to leave the campground. We were particularly impressed by the massive bundles of wood available for just six bucks, making our evening campfires both affordable and enjoyable.

    Families will especially appreciate the large field and play area, which offered ample space for our kids to run around and enjoy themselves. It was wonderful to have such a safe and enjoyable environment for them to play in.

    Overall, our stay at the Allendale KOA was fantastic. The combination of excellent facilities, friendly staff, and family-friendly amenities made it a perfect choice for our trip. We will definitely be returning and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great camping experience!


  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Ionia State Recreation Area
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Ionia State Recreation Area

    Walk In

    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.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Bertha Brock County Park
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Bertha Brock County Park

    A favorite spot

    Bertha Brock is a great place for families. Brining our kids here from Grand Rapids is quick and easy. It is generally quiet, especially on non holiday weekends. Occasionally there is chopped firewood up front, you get a goof amount for your money. Relatively close to town if you need to purchase food or other gear. Bugs (mosquitoes) can get pretty bad, bring lots of bug spray! Near ionia state park with a nice beach for swimming or boating (no wake). Campground manager is very nice and helpful if needed.

  • Gary G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoffmaster State Park
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Hoffmaster State Park

    Nice campground

    Not a bad place. Pretty quiet, other than the usual occasional idiot. Decent sites. ADA sites concrete, regular sites grass, sandy, or a combo of both. Pretty average spacing for a state park, except when a doofus parks sideways in a back-in site. (Wish the MI DNR would put a stop to that ). Typical MI state park sites, electric, fire ring and a picnic table. Most sites shaded, completely to some. Will return.

    Any grocery shopping you'd want is within 2 to 5 miles. (Aldi, Meijer, Kroger) Fast food too, if you need it.

    Verizon and T-Mobile service sucks here. No park wifi.

  • Cassandra J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Croton Township Campground
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Croton Township Campground

    Loved it

    I really enjoyed my stay at croton campground. A friend and I stayed from Friday to Sunday. It was my first time camping in over 10 years and it did rain pretty much the entire time Saturday but I plan on going again soon.

  • Rachel P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ionia State Recreation Area
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Ionia State Recreation Area

    All Around Great!

    We 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!

  • Maureen A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sherman City Acres
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Sherman City Acres

    Great location and host!

    If you enjoy camping without the crowd, this is an ideal location. There are mature trees all around and all the amenities, including water, sewer and electric hookup. There is a river on the property where you can fish. My husband caught several during our stay. The host, Megan, is very gracious and accommodating. Highly recommended!

  • Z
    Camper-submitted photo from Mud Lake State Forest Campground
    May. 29, 2024

    Mud Lake State Forest Campground

    It was nice but lots of ticks

    The place was beautiful for Memorial Day weekend. The neighbors in the campers were loud they were playing loud. I did notice lots of ticks. Our dogs all had at least one on them and all of us campers had a few. It’s expected being in the backs wood like that I just didn’t realize how bad. We did some hiking while there and the trails were nice for the most part all the storms definitely did a number on the trees back there lots down in the trails. Overall it was a great weekend

  • Morgan C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Salmon Run Campground & Vic's Canoes
    May. 27, 2024

    Salmon Run Campground & Vic's Canoes

    Beautiful campground!

    The owners are super nice and very attentive. The grounds and are very maintained. The showers, bathrooms, and pool are all above expectations for clean. This is an amazing and very kid friendly campground. We will for sure be back! Thank you!

  • Tammy S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tyler Creek
    May. 13, 2024

    Tyler Creek

    Campground

    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.

  • Tammy S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tyler Creek
    May. 13, 2024

    Tyler Creek

    Tyler creek campground

    Owner 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.



Guide to Gowen

Camping near Gowen, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to enjoy outdoor adventures, there are several campgrounds to check out.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around Newaygo State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Ample activities in the area (hiking, disc golf, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, tubing and stargazing)."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Sherman City Acres, have rivers where you can fish. A visitor shared, "My husband caught several during our stay."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim at Wabasis Lake County Park. One camper noted, "The beach area with park at the beach is great."

What campers like

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment at places like Brower Park Campground. A reviewer said, "This campground is a home away from home."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, such as Ionia State Recreation Area, offer large, separated sites. One camper remarked, "Most sites are large and separated from the next."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff at places like Sherman City Acres. A visitor stated, "The host, Megan, is very gracious and accommodating."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Newaygo State Park Campground noted, "Two nights of brain damaging laughter and frivolity by campsite 21 ruined the whole experience."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Ionia State Recreation Area may have dated facilities. One camper mentioned, "I found the bathrooms and showers to be kept as clean as they could be."
  • Bug Spray is Essential: Many campers warn about mosquitoes, especially at places like Bertha Brock County Park. A visitor advised, "Bugs (mosquitoes) can get pretty bad, bring lots of bug spray!"

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. Duke Creek Campground has a pool and a playground. A camper shared, "The pool is big, has a playground, a nice store on site with food, games, and camping equipment."
  • Secluded Spots: Choose campgrounds with private sites for a more family-friendly experience. A visitor at Sherman City Acres said, "It’s quiet and feels secluded."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared with bug spray and nets, especially if camping at places like Bertha Brock County Park. One camper noted, "Very beautiful but buggy."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Tyler Creek mentioned, "The sites were very small at this campground."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Steamboat Park Campground offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A visitor said, "Full hook up sites that are quite spacious and level."
  • Be Ready for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Duke Creek Campground noted, "We stayed here for only 1 night on a weekend and the place was packed."

Camping near Gowen, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking comfort. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gowen, MI?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gowen, MI is Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA with a 4-star rating from 13 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Gowen, MI?

    TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Gowen, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.