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Best Tent Camping near Grand Rapids, MI

717 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tent campers visiting Grand Rapids, Michigan have access to several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive of the city. The Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA offers spacious, wooded tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, while Camp Clear Sky provides a more secluded tent camping experience with basic amenities. White River Campsite #1, located in the Manistee National Forest, offers primitive, free tent camping for those seeking a more natural experience away from developed facilities.

Most tent sites near Grand Rapids feature flat, partially shaded terrain suitable for standard tent setups. Drive-in access is common at established campgrounds like the KOA, while some locations like WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite also offer boat-in access for paddlers. As one visitor noted, "This little campground is definitely off the beaten path. We kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for." Drinking water availability varies significantly between locations, with developed campgrounds providing potable water while primitive sites require campers to bring their own supplies. Most established tent campgrounds enforce quiet hours and provide basic fire rings, though campers should verify current fire restrictions before arrival.

Tent camping near Grand Rapids offers varying levels of privacy and amenities. The KOA campground provides family-friendly facilities including clean restrooms, showers, and recreational areas, making it suitable for those new to tent camping or families. A camper commented that "the sites are well treed and flat," offering good separation between campsites. For more experienced tent campers seeking solitude, the White River special area provides numbered tent sites without facilities or amenities, accessible via 160th Avenue south of Arthur Road. Most tent campgrounds in the region become busier during summer weekends and holidays, with better availability midweek. Fall camping offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds at most locations, particularly at walk-in tent sites that see less RV traffic.

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Best Tent Sites Near Grand Rapids, Michigan (19)

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Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Grand Rapids, MI

8 Photos of 19 Grand Rapids Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Grand Rapids, MI

717 Reviews of 19 Grand Rapids Campgrounds

  • C
    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.

  • Joanie C.
    Mar. 18, 2023

    Double RR Ranch RV Resort

    Lots to do

    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. We enjoyed a reasonable trailride on horses thru a shallow part of the river. Very easy for inexperienced riders and kids. It is close to a town to get take out food if it rains. There are some larger vacation lodges to rent that ars nestled away in the woods, and a bunkhouse with rentals. My husband liked the golf course that came with renting spot. Seen lots of wildlife. Very relaxing time in our pop up not too far from Grand Rapids.

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Brower Park Campground

    Large Family Fun Campground

    There is something for everyone here. Tent, camper, or RV and fun for all ages with everything from 3 playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and tennis courts, to a boat launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. There is also a fairly large swimming area. The showers are actually nice and clean! The restrooms were surprisingly clean and modern as well. Firewood is available in bundles or loose and you stack it yourself. There are numerous picnic areas throughout the campground. There are picnic tables and fire rings at every site and hook up such as electric and water vary. Kids are riding their bikes all over, fishing, playing at playgrounds, the beach, everywhere. Everyone was very friendly. You probably don’t necessarily need a sleeping pad or air mat if you’re in a tent, but they’re always nice. The mosquitos weren’t bad at all! We stayed at site #226. You do need a county park pass, $6/day until 10pm or $25/year.

  • T
    Apr. 15, 2021

    Ely Lake Campground

    Keyword: RUSTIC

    This is our "home base" campground. It's familiar. We've been coming here for decades. Comfortable, and quiet(for the most part).

    Caveat: no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Can run your generator(inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover.

    Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water. There is a dumpster available in the busier parts of the season but this campground is open year round.

    No playground. Just the beach and the trails.

    Sites range from small tent sites to fairly large, but the "roads" inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels.

    In short, if you want a quiet getaway from your usual then this is a great place to go. If you're expecting a pool, arcade, and dining hall... Look elsewhere.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort-South Haven, MI

    This is my top pick for South Haven

    Although this campground has great amenities, a pool, clean showers, and good sites/cabins, it is hard to book. If you know you are going to come to this area and camp, you need to book it a while in advance. I have used a pop-up and there was good space between campers. When I tent camped, we had a great spot near the cafe, the showers are amazing over there, they are more secluded. Our tent spot had electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. We camped on the grass and there is gravel to park your car. This campground is a perfect place to stay when visiting surrounding towns and going to the beach.

    Don’t forget to go to Sherman’s!!

    There was a forecast or rain, don’t mind the tarp

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Brookside City Park

    Beautiful super small camping in town

    The campsites are located past the playground and shelter. Just keep driving down the road that looks like an alley. There is a wonderful place set up for just a few campers. 

    A couple sites are for tents only and the others are standard sites. There are a few trees by the sites but it’s mostly open area. Portable toilets are at the end of the camping area and in the playground area. The playground is a day use area for town so expect to meet some locals. 

    Driving just down the street takes you to the police station. This is where you register for the site. Town is around you and ready to explore. There are a few train tracks and industrial businesses which provide a bit of noise along with traffic. For us, the noise just slid right into the background. 

    This is a great place for a low price.

  • K
    Jun. 15, 2018

    Hidden Ridge RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    Modern RV resort

    Hidden Ridge is a modern RV resort within 8 minutes of Gun Lake and sandwiched between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. There is no tent camping available at this location.

    All sites include a concrete pad, fire ring and full hook-up. 120/150 amp

    Lots of activities for the whole family. There is a pool, hot tub, bounce pillow, splash pad. Children’s activities are planned throughout the week and adult activities, as well.

    Gun Lake is crystal clear meaning you can see the sand/pebble bottom. There is fun to be had on this nice-sized Lake.

    Not far from Hidden Ridge is a race track that is busy each weekend with all manner of race cars.

  • N
    Jul. 19, 2016

    South Channel Campground

    Close to the beach, but very very cramped

    There are two campgrounds in the park - The Channel Campground & the Lake Michigan campground. We stayed at the Channel Campground two years ago. It's right on the channel from Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan, so you have walking access to both lakes. The campsites were VERY close together. It was actually the first thing we noticed as soon as we pulled through the gate. Campsites have a paved parking pad, fire ring, electrical hookup, and picnic table. Restroom & shower facilities were relatively clean & well maintained. You'll probably have to wait for the showers, but that's pretty typical.

    Overall, the campground was just average. If you don't like being close to your neighbors, I'd recommend staying at the Lake Michigan campground in the same park. Larger sites & tons of shade.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    Nice rustic site

    Nice rustic campground with a beautiful lake view. Nice big fire rings. Vault toilet and water pump nearby. Some what level site but in the small side. Perfect for tent camping or a teardrop. Definitely nothing over 15'. Was able to park across from my site to maximize space.

    Gorgeous little lake town just 8 miles away has a full grocery store and restaurants.

    Campsites border the Deep Lake trail.

Guide to Grand Rapids

Tent camping around Grand Rapids, Michigan offers access to multiple campgrounds within a 40-minute drive of the city center. The region features a mix of lakeside, wooded, and river access sites across both privately owned and public land. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.

What to do

Paddling adventures: WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite provides boat-in camping access along the river near Allegan. A camper noted, "We kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for." The site offers firewood at no extra cost and maintains solar lights around the grounds.

Fishing opportunities: Idema Explorers Camp offers unique camping options including tent sites, yurts, and treehouses with high-speed WiFi. One camper shared their experience: "Our favorite part was the amazing numbers of birds and boats we saw while camping. My 2 year old loves animals, boats and fishing so he had a blast."

Beach swimming: East Lake Camping features a swimming beach and playground for day use. While reviewing their stay, a camper mentioned: "Kids loved the beach and play area. They took away some of the water toys they used to have like water slide and float which was disappointing for the older kids who look forward to it."

What campers like

Clean facilities: At Camp Clear Sky near Grand Rapids, an unexpected amenity received positive feedback: "Outdoor kitchen with running water and flush toilet were unexpected amenities. Not to mention the chickens keeping us company!" This smaller campground provides a closer-to-home option for tent campers.

Wooded privacy: Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA offers wooded sites and family activities. A reviewer described it as: "Sites are fairly wooded (lots of pine trees) and not too crowded. The owners are super friendly - I love how the campground rules are written humorously."

Wildlife viewing: The small, private sites at WaterTrail Ventures allow for quiet nature immersion. A camper described it as "Private, clean, and relaxing... beautiful with solar lights at night and a private beach. Great swimming, in a very private area. It also has great trails for walking."

What you should know

Reservation timing: South Channel Campground at Muskegon State Park requires advance planning during peak season. A visitor advised: "Reserve early." The campground features brand-new bath houses but offers no shade coverage at sites.

Quiet hours enforcement: Most campgrounds in the Grand Rapids area enforce strict quiet hours, typically beginning at 10 PM. Alcohol policies vary significantly between campgrounds—South Channel Campground posts that "Alcohol is NOT allowed" while most private campgrounds permit responsible consumption.

Early arrival fees: Some campgrounds charge for early check-in. At Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, one camper warned: "Make sure you do not arrive before 2:00PM, as they require a $10 early registration fee. if you decide not to pay, you'll be directed to overflow parking where you can loiter until 2:00."

Tips for camping with families

Pet-friendly options: Many campgrounds welcome pets, but with specific rules. Idema Explorers Camp is an exception that doesn't allow pets. For pet owners, Allendale KOA offers specialized facilities: "They even have doggy play pens for the pups where you can let them roam off-leash."

Activity planning: The Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA provides numerous child-friendly amenities. A family camper shared: "We have two girls of the age of five so the pool, the hayride, the night hayride, two parks, jump pad, and feeding the goats kept them busy."

Restroom access: Consider proximity to facilities when tent camping with children. A camper at Allendale KOA noted potential wait times: "There were two buildings with showers and two showers each. A lot of the people that stay have RVs so the showers may not always be needed but I did notice there were lines for showers the day we left."

Tips from RVers

Site spacing: Drew's Country Camping offers a more relaxed environment for RVers seeking a homey feel. A visitor described it as "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."

Early/late season options: Several campgrounds around Grand Rapids extend their seasons beyond summer. Drew's Country Camping remains open from April 1 to October 31, providing tent campers with shoulder season opportunities when temperatures range from 40-70°F.

Water access considerations: For RVers interested in waterfront activities, Sandy Pines RV Resort has limited public waterfront sites. A visitor noted: "Most people here are seasonal, occupying almost all the lakefront sites. We may have seen one lakefront available for renters."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best tent camping sites near Grand Rapids, MI?

For exceptional tent camping near Grand Rapids, consider South Channel Campground, located about an hour west of the city. This popular destination offers easy access to both Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan with miles of trails through scenic dunes and woods. Many sites provide good shade, and the campground is just a short walk from the beach. Another excellent option is WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite, which provides a more secluded experience with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Though slightly off the beaten path, it's perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful getaway from Grand Rapids.

What are the cheapest tent camping options around Grand Rapids?

Budget-conscious campers near Grand Rapids should consider East Lake Camping, a cozy and affordable campground situated in beautiful rolling farmlands about 40 minutes from the city. This economical option provides convenient access to popular destinations like Holland and Saugatuck without highway driving. Another cost-effective choice is Drews Country Camping near Holland, which offers reasonable rates for tent campers. For the best value, consider camping during weekdays or shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) when rates are typically lower and minimum stay requirements are more flexible across all area campgrounds.

Can I find tent camping with electrical hookups near Grand Rapids?

Yes, several campgrounds near Grand Rapids offer tent sites with electrical hookups. Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA is conveniently located for Grand Rapids residents seeking a quick getaway with electrical amenities. This family-owned campground provides powered tent sites and various activities, making it ideal for campers who need electricity. Additionally, Sandy Pines RV Resort and Campground offers tent camping with electrical hookups among its numerous amenities. When booking, specify that you need an electric site for your tent, as availability may be limited during peak season. Most campgrounds charge an additional fee for electrical hookups, typically $5-10 more than standard tent sites.

Are there any tent-only campgrounds near Grand Rapids?

While fully tent-only campgrounds are limited near Grand Rapids, several area campgrounds offer designated tent camping sections or rustic camping experiences that cater specifically to tent campers. Oak Knoll Family Campground provides dedicated tent camping areas separate from RV sections. For a more authentic tent camping experience, Allegan County Pine Point Campground & Equestrian Park offers more primitive camping settings ideal for tent campers seeking a traditional outdoor experience. When making reservations, specifically request tent sites to ensure you're placed in the most suitable areas away from larger RVs and with better access to tent-friendly amenities.

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