Camping near Grand Rapids offers year-round options for outdoor enthusiasts, with select campgrounds remaining open through winter. The region sees seasonal temperature swings from below-freezing winters to humid summers in the mid-80s. Most campgrounds sit within 30 miles of downtown, providing convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a natural camping experience.
What to do
Swim at inland lakes: Wabasis Lake County Park provides a beach area with playground equipment near the water. "The beach was clean and even had a snack shop where you could get a realest and rent a canoe or kayak," notes a visitor who appreciated the swimming opportunities at this campground located about 25 miles northeast of Grand Rapids.
Fish in local waters: Steamboat Park Campground offers riverfront fishing from sites directly on the Grand River. "This is a quirky little campground tucked away along a large river. It's not large, but half of the sites are directly on a wide fast moving river... You can fish there, but it's mostly catfish," shares one camper who enjoyed the river access.
Explore hiking trails: At Deep Lake Rustic Campground in Yankee Springs Recreation Area, visitors can access extensive trail networks. "There is much more space at each campsite and lots of old growth trees. The sites over looking Deep Lake are wonderful if you can snag one... you are basically right on the NCT and have access to miles of hiking and biking trails," notes a reviewer who enjoyed the natural setting.
What campers like
Year-round options: Unlike most Michigan campgrounds, Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA stays open throughout winter. "We love this little KOA and camp here often with family who stay in the cabins. It is woody but doesn't feel too buggy...the activities are super fun and the pool is a nice size for the kids," remarks a visitor who appreciated the family-friendly amenities.
Clean facilities: Hoffmaster State Park maintains well-kept restrooms and showers that campers consistently praise. "Bathrooms & showers are always very clean. They have a campground host that offers free coffee in the mornings & tools you can barrow for your campsite," shares a camper who enjoyed the cleanliness and extra amenities offered at the park.
Privacy options: Woodchip Campground in Byron Center offers sites with good spacing despite being a family-oriented facility. "The Woodchip is a great campground! It is a small campground but they have been making improvements to the sites. Sites are small and it's tight maneuvering around but that's standard," notes a visitor who appreciated the ongoing site improvements.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. Most sites become available 6 months in advance, with midweek dates easier to secure. "This is a tough park to get into in the warm months. The back up to get in is crazy," reports a visitor about Holland State Park's Beach Campground.
Alcohol restrictions: Several state parks, including Hoffmaster State Park Campground, prohibit alcohol consumption. "Big thing to remember for Michigan state parks is no alcohol even in the campground," reminds one camper who stayed at Hoffmaster State Park.
Winter preparation: For cold-weather camping, expect overnight temperatures below freezing from November through March. "We visited beginning aug and it was mid 70s and nights get super cold," notes a camper at Holland State Park's Beach Campground who was surprised by Michigan's temperature fluctuations even in summer.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Hungry Horse Campground in Dorr provides numerous organized events for children. "We have been camping here for 13 years. We love how kid and adult friendly it is and it's super clean! The lots are well spaced and we have never had a bad time here! Even when it rains," shares a longtime visitor.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer sites with direct playground views for easier child supervision. "There is a playground in the center which was very handy for our little ones. They could play and we could watch from our site," notes a family who appreciated the layout at Wabasis Lake County Park.
Special needs considerations: Accessibility varies significantly between campgrounds. "It isn't my favorite for campgrounds we've been to because it isn't the most toddler/young child friendly as we are used to. We have a child with a prosthetic leg, so our situation is unique... Only a portion of the roads were paved as well and the rest was gravel, so my little ones were disappointed that they couldn't ride their scooters and balance bikes right by our campsite," explains a parent about accessibility challenges at Steamboat Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Scalley Lake Park, RVers recommend reserving sites away from main roads for quieter stays. "Amazing spot away from the city! The owner of the place is very accommodating and pleasant to be around. Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful," notes a camper who appreciated the tranquil setting.
Utility locations: At many campgrounds, hookups are positioned at the rear of sites, potentially requiring extension hoses. "Utilities are at the very back of the site so you may need an extension for your sewer hose," advises an RVer about Holland State Park's Beach Campground.
Early arrival fees: Some campgrounds charge for early check-in. "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," warns a camper about the Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA.
