Silver Lake and Hart, Michigan provide camping options within easy access to Lake Michigan and inland lakes. The area features both sandy shorelines and wooded areas with sites approximately 850 feet above sea level. Seasonal conditions vary widely, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and spring/fall requiring additional layers for comfort.
What to Do
Sand dune exploration: Less than 10 minutes from most area campgrounds, the Silver Lake sand dunes offer unique recreation opportunities. One visitor to Dune Town Camp Resort noted, "The campground is next to an activity center with go karts, a zip line, a small coaster, bumper boats and mini golf."
Lighthouse hiking: The hike to Big Sable Lighthouse provides scenic views through wooded areas and dunes. A camper at Cedar Campground shared, "The hike to Big Sable Lighthouse was beautiful as it wound through the woods and out over the dunes."
Fishing access: Many campgrounds offer fishing options on smaller inland lakes. At Whispering Surf Campground, campers enjoy "a nice sandy beach and good fishing" on Bass Lake, with easy access to Lake Michigan beaches just a 10-minute walk away.
Yurt camping near Hart, Michigan: Several campgrounds near Hart offer alternative accommodations including yurts, providing a middle ground between tent camping and cabin rentals. These circular tent structures typically include raised floors, wooden frames, and canvas walls with basic amenities.
What Campers Like
Dual lake access: Campgrounds situated between inland lakes and Lake Michigan receive high marks. According to one camper at Whispering Surf, it offers "great, old fashioned camping in a clean modernized facility" with the benefit of being "located on Bass Lake, with a nice sandy beach and good fishing, and only a 10 minute walk to Lake Michigan's sandy beaches."
Water amenities: Pools and water features rank high with families. A visitor to Hill & Hollow Campground commented, "The bathrooms are the cleanest bathrooms I've seen at a campground. Everything at the campground was very clean and well maintained. They have a pool."
Evening quiet hours: Despite daytime activities, campgrounds maintain peaceful evenings. A camper at Dune Town Camp Resort appreciated that "you have to be in the campground by 11pm and in your camper by 1am so there aren't idiots driving in and out and making noise all night."
Alternative accommodations: Beyond traditional camping, visitors seeking yurt camping options near Hart, Michigan appreciate structures that provide more protection from elements while maintaining a camping experience.
What You Should Know
Campsite proximity varies: Site spacing differs significantly between campgrounds. At Mears State Park, one camper noted, "Sites are very tight! In the summer months it's hard to even drive down the street. The fall is a little calmer, campsites are a little more spread out but the cement pads are very small."
Reservation timing matters: Peak season requires advance planning. Kibby Creek Campground receives consistent positive reviews, with one camper mentioning "they are currently expanding the campground to add on another 100 sites or so," which may help with availability.
Beach conditions: Lake Michigan beaches vary by location. A visitor to Mears State Park Campground shared, "The campground is located next the beach near the town of Pentwater. The location is beautiful and sandy with easy access from the paved road."
Alcohol policies differ: Some campgrounds prohibit alcohol while others allow it. Stony Haven Campground notes "no drinking of alcohol is allowed," which one visitor called "perfect for my family, but just FYI."
Tips for Camping with Families
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment. At Hill & Hollow, there are "two pools, a restaurant, mini golf, ice cream, etc. There are rustic tent sites, tent sites with water/electric, water/electric for campers/RVs, and even a few cabins."
Safety considerations: Family-friendly environments prioritize security. One group camping at Stony Haven appreciated that "the owners were so sweet and easy going. We called several times to adjust our reservation right up to the day before and they gracefully tolerated our shuffling and were able to accommodate us."
Beach alternatives: Inland lake beaches often provide calmer waters for young children. A camper at Stony Haven mentioned, "There was an awesome county beach 5 min down the road on Lake Michigan. It was right where the big lake meets the outlet for Stony Lake. When they weren't at the pond my kids were playing in the sand and swimming at the beach."
Plan around crowds: Weekdays typically offer more space than weekends. At Kibby Creek, campers note the campground is "covered in pear and apple trees" providing natural shade, but sites can feel close together during peak periods.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on shade and access needs. At Dunes Harbor Family Camp, one RVer identified the best sites: "Best RV sites: 50, 39, 76, 32" and noted others had compiled similar lists to help with requests.
Utility access: Water and electric hookups are standard, but full-hookup availability varies. Hideaway Campground offers "both tent and RV sites ranging from rustic to full hookup" but spaces can be tight with "your neighbor's fire ring literally 5' from your slideout."
Gate restrictions: Be aware of evening access limitations. One RVer at Dune Town Camp Resort appreciated the security of restricted hours but noted planning is required since "you have to be in the campground by 11pm."
