S
Sherri B.
Traveler
TravelerMarkin Glen County Park
Nice Park
Nice county park with paved roads, campsites, and walking paths. Very dog friendly. Plenty of trees for natural setting and sound buffering. Quiet and peaceful overnight stay.
Camping near Hastings, MI
116 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Campgrounds near Hastings, Michigan feature a mix of developed facilities and rustic experiences within the region's recreational areas. Popular options include Yankee Springs Recreation Area with multiple campgrounds like Deep Lake Rustic Campground and Gun Lake Campground, along with the nearby Fort Custer Recreation Area which offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. Welcome Woods Family Campground in Hastings provides tent and RV camping with electrical hookups, while Whispering Waters Campground offers boat-in access and waterfront sites. Camp Michawana and Camp Thornapple provide additional options with varying amenities and access to local lakes.
Camping in the Hastings area is primarily seasonal, with most campgrounds operating from April or May through October. Full hookup sites require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends. A camper noted, "Deep Lake Rustic Campground has a great location and lots of mountain bike and hiking trails. Firewood is not available on site but is at a local convenience store." Water access is a significant feature at many campgrounds, with boat launches available at several locations including Deep Lake. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling, making most campgrounds accessible for standard vehicles without high-clearance requirements. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may vary at more remote sites.
Waterfront camping represents a major draw for visitors to the Hastings area. Gun Lake Campground in Yankee Springs Recreation Area provides direct lake access, while several other campgrounds are situated on smaller lakes and ponds. One visitor mentioned that "boat launch is available at Deep Lake just down the path in the campground." Family-friendly amenities are common, with many campgrounds offering playgrounds, swimming areas, and organized activities. Shower facilities vary widely between campgrounds, with some like Sharp Park offering modern facilities while others maintain more rustic accommodations. The proximity to hiking and biking trails, particularly at Yankee Springs, enhances the outdoor experience, allowing campers to explore the natural features of Barry County beyond their campsites. Hastings campgrounds provide excellent access to outdoor recreation with several campsites located near fishing spots and water activities on local lakes.
Best Campgrounds near Hastings (116)
1. Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area
"First time in central Michigan and it was absolutely beautiful. The campground has a great location and lots of mountain bike and hiking trails."
"This is a campground in Yankee Spring Recreational Area in Mid-Michigan. This is a nice rustic campground near the NCT(North Country Trail)."
2. Sharp Park Campground
"Stayed at 113 on the small lake. Narrow spot but behind is a fire pit and small dock to drop in a canoe/kayak. Bathrooms and shower was spotless."
"property, recently renovated. ( one still finishing renovations as of 4/16/22) Beach area for swimming
Two playgrounds
Field for play, basketball net, volleyball court, and state park trailers near by"
from $34 - $115 / night
Check Availability3. Fort Custer Recreation Area
"Fort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!"
"Another great camping experience, site 210 has an amazing trail that leads directly to the showers at one end and at the other path went directly to running water, plus only a couple of yards from a great"
4. Gun Lake Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area
"This is also a short drive away from tons of beautiful walking paths."
"You can walk the trail to the state park beach and store. Bathrooms are clean."
5. Welcome Woods Family Campground
"Close to home but feels “up north”. They offer both rustic and water and electric sites. This is a family campground and my kids loved the playground!"
"Campsites are right next to each other."
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability6. Michawana Campground
"We put our tent up on the hill tucked back up in the woods. Shade from the start!"
"The lake nearby is clean and they have a swimming spot for kids and adults. Boats and kayaks are free to use if the lifeguard is on duty. There is also fishing rods to use for free."
from $32 - $80 / night
Check Availability7. Tyler Creek
"Recently, I inherited a pop up camper and chose this place to be my first location to try it out. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Our site was nice with electric and water hookups."
from $28 - $50 / night
Check Availability8. Barry's Resort & Mobile Home Park
from $1600 / night
Check Availability9. Whispering Waters Campground
10. Camp Thornapple
"It has mostly seasonal campers and is right on the lake with boat docks."
Drive Time
- 30 min from Battle Creek, MI
- 38 min from Grand Rapids, MI
- 47 min from Kalamazoo, MI
- 48 min from Lansing, MI
Recent Camping Photos near Hastings, MI
96 Photos of 116 Hastings Campgrounds
Joie V.
Welcome Woods Family Campground
Tammy H.
Barry's Resort & Mobile Home Park
Ryan F.
Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area
Korrie H.
Gun Lake Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area
Melissa B.
Crooked Lake Campground and RV Park
Zach J.
Hidden Ridge RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort
Jenna M.
Ionia State Recreation Area
Christina F.
Fort Custer Recreation Area
Coral C.
Bertha Brock County Park
Andrea B.
Woodchip Campground
Eric C.
Camp Turkeyville RV Resort
Recent Reviews near Hastings, MI
486 Reviews of 116 Hastings Campgrounds
Gary G.
GuideOutdoor Adventures Kalamazoo Resort
Membership? No thanks
Roads are seem to be dirt/gravel here (but most is really just crumbling asphalt), so even though most vehicles respect the 5mph speed limit (which is nice), you can still expect some dust everywhere. Oh, and some golf carts often seem to think 5mph doesn't apply to them.
Kalamazoo Speedway is only 2.5 miles away, so if there's racing at night, you're going to hear it. It's not terrible, but...
Many golf carts here, some with thumping music or ooh-gah horns going by in the evening. While before official "quiet time", it's still really annoying at 9 or 10pm. Be nice if they adopted a "your noise/music should stay on your site" idea like other places. ESPECIALLY the loud, music-blasting golf carts.
Calling this a "resort" is kind of a stretch. The "lakes" (more like ponds) are in need of weed control. Sites along the main lake are often muddy, sinking campers into it. There's one playground there. A small beach, pool (was freezing on the Mem Day weekend), a mini-golf that needs some TLC and a somewhat pricey camp store. Not much different than your average, most basic KOA, except KOA doesn't require a $17K lifetime membership.
They say there's trails you can walk, but I didn't see a single sign or map indicating where these were. Pointless without that.
Stayed Memorial Day weekend. Roads could really, really use a grading or repaving. Lots of bumps, holes and dips. Makes it somewhat dangerous for evening bike rides. The idiots staying in site 158 with their kids singing (bad) karaoke was super annoying. Staffsecurity should have told them to turn it down no matter the time. (two nights, from about 8:30pm until 10:45pm.). I thought they had a rule about this? Their security car went by at least twice during this unwanted show, so why didn't they say something? I tried to call about it, but got no answer.
The mini golf is a nice touch... it'd just be nice to see it maintained a lot better. It's pretty rough.
This is a membership-only place. We had a promotional stay, but I have to say, I really didn't see enough value to want to buy in. Even if it was just a regular campground, we weren't all that impressed enough that we'd make a special trip just to stay here. I'd rate it as "ok", but there was no real "wow factor" here for us.
I have to say the woman they assigned to us for the tour and sales meeting was very nice, pleasant, and no annoying hard sell. But then they send in the closer, and there's where the flurries of offers and discounts start, but once you get the discounts, you lose other options that you'd probably want. Is Outdoor Adventures worth it? Not to us, sorry to say. We like to camp all over, not just at a handful of specific campgrounds under the Outdoor Adventures umbrella.
To Outdoor Adventures... you should really arrange it so campers can try out two or three of your campgrounds FIRST before trying to sell them. No way we'd join after only seeing/staying in one. Especially just Kalamazoo.
BTW, their rental cabins (especially the largest ones) were really nice. I'll give them that.
That's my honest review of the place as we found it.
Mike J.TravelerSteamboat Park Campground
Great spot!
A hidden gem with a lot of history. A paddle wheel boat on the Grand river?! Nice and secluded yet close to town and easy access to the highway
- vvalerieTraveler
Lake Macatawa Campground — Holland State Park
Nice park. Lots are fairly spacious
Lots of great biking in the area. Beach is nearby. Hiking trails as well.
Derek J.TravelerBeach Campground — Holland State Park
Good clean and accessible
Campground is good clean and accessible. The sites are like diagonal parking spots. So we suggest you jump out real quick and oriente yourself with your spot before pulling in. There are spots with sewer and water for $60 and spots with just electric for $45 as of May 2026. Bathhouse and restrooms were clean and accessible with baby changing stations in both men's and women's bathrooms. You do have to check in at the first campground. So make sure to listen and follow directions to that campground first. The sign isn't huge, so keep your eyes peeled.
Gerard E.
RangerLake Macatawa Campground — Holland State Park
Summer of 24
8-24 thru 8-27-24
Check in, seamless, no line at 3:15pm on a Saturday. Water fill stations at the double dump station. Water is city water and not well water.
Site 46, just large enough for 21’ Apex Nano and truck. 30a and 20a electric. Protection read open circuit but no problem w power. Mostly dirt, flat except for the pine roots T-Mobile 5Gvc 3 bars Lots of pine trees and a fair amount of sun.
Restrooms and showers are new, individual shower rooms separate from the shitters.
A very small and tight campground. More of an urban setting. Close to the beach and town. Good trails for walking.
- DDaniel D.
ScoutDouble RR Ranch RV Resort
Plenty to do here
Kayak/canoe, tubing, horseback riding, golf. They have plenty do do here but they just seem to float along. This is not a camp ground that uplifts there game to make it better and be a rising star. No full hook up site other than seasonal. Campstore is very limited, but good for the kids. Alway enjoy staying here but just think they could be more. They do put on a good fireworks on July 4th
Adam and Suzanne B.GuideSteamboat Park Campground
Great in-town
Nice concrete pads and patios— FHU. Right on the Grand River. Close to Millennium Park and easy to get downtown. Best bathrooms—- clean, individual, large. Bathrooms cleaned 2x daily.
- MMichael B.Traveler
Markin Glen County Park
Quiet hiden find
We stumbled across this park and it’s now one of our favorites. It’s a county park. Very small, only about 50 sites. All have full hookups and concrete pads. There’s a fire ring and picnic table. This park is all transient travelers, no seasonal dwellers. So not a lot of golf carts everywhere. There are paved trails and a beach in the park. The Kalamazoo Nature Center is only a couple miles away for many more miles of beautiful trails. Downtown Kalamazoo is about 10 minutes if you need an urban fix. It is a bit off the main roads but still not hard to get to, even with a larger rig. No road noise. Bathrooms were dated but clean. No issues for us with cell service or Starlink. Sites are reasonably spaced. There are a few pull through but most are angled back in. Tree coverage varies by site. Pet friendly but have to be leashed of course. Overall quiet vibe. Granted we were there toward end of season so it will be busier in summer but we would recommend this gem to anyone
Guide to Hastings
Camping sites near Hastings, Michigan offer a mix of natural lake settings and wooded environments across Barry County. The area features relatively flat terrain with sandy soil and elevations ranging from 750-900 feet above sea level. Seasonal camping typically runs April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping months and frequent afternoon thunderstorms possible in July and August.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Deep Lake Rustic Campground provides excellent access to mountain biking opportunities. "Lots of sites available! Disappointed that it was not open year round but the trails are still open. There's a beautiful lake to fish and kayak. Tons of hiking trails!!" notes Jessica R. The nearby trail system connects to multiple recreation areas.
Swimming beaches: Sharp Park Campground offers a designated swimming area with sandy shoreline. "The campground is right on the lake with a sandy beach area for swimming and also has canoe/kayaks/paddleboat to rent," reports Jessica. Water activities remain the primary draw during summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Thornapple Lake provides productive fishing for panfish. According to Trevor C. at Camp Thornapple, "We were there for 3 days total and did a lot of boating, swimming and fishing. Good lake for panfish. We caught about 50 total in 2 days." Most lakes in the area require Michigan fishing licenses.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural surroundings at certain campgrounds. Mary Z. notes about Deep Lake Rustic Campground, "If you want seclusion away from the parking lot atmosphere down the road at Yankee Springs this is your place. There is much more space at each campsite and lots of old growth trees."
Clean facilities: Renovated bathhouses receive positive reviews. At Sharp Park Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Clean, updated bathrooms with hot showers. The camp store has everything you may have forgotten to bring and they even delivered firewood to our campsite!"
Lake activities: Fort Custer Recreation Area contains multiple non-wake lakes. According to Janet N., the park has "Several no wake lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. One lake with swimming beach. Lots of trails for hiking, horses and mountain bikes."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Sites vary significantly in size, privacy and shade. At Gun Lake Campground, Mike P. advises, "sites were fairly large and level. The beach area is large and sandy but where you access the lake is kind of small."
Weather considerations: Summer heat can impact comfort at exposed sites. Jacob K. warns, "Be careful what campsite you get though because flooding was a problem last time I was there. We got 2-4" of rain overnight."
Reservation timing: The most popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. One camper at Welcome Woods Family Campground suggests, "Make sure you get information from the same person before making decisions and book both the week and weekdays as they fill up fast on weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer designated play areas. At Welcome Woods Family Campground, Joie V. notes, "This is a family campground and my kids loved the playground! They also have a dock you can rent space and keep your boat in the lake."
Organized activities: Some locations provide structured recreation. At Michawana Campground, Bailey C. explains, "They have a lake/beach for swimming, kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes to use at the lake. They also have a massive slip 'n slide, zip lining, and a rock climbing wall."
Safety considerations: Waterfront camping requires vigilance. A visitor to Gun Lake Campground mentions, "Wear aqua shoes lake is rocky" - important for protecting children's feet while swimming.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites with full connections require advance planning. At Fort Custer Recreation Area, VB S. points out, "Sites have electrical service only. Must use the dump station."
Dump station timing: Allow extra time during peak checkout periods. Mike P. shares his experience at Gun Lake Campground: "We were in line for about an hour before we dumped and we pulled off our site at 1. The two annoyances however aren't deal breakers and we will be back again to this campground."
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow interior roads. At Camp Thornapple, Trevor C. advises, "Roads on property are very narrow and was hard to maneuvered the camper on the turns to get to our spot we had reserved. Sites them selves were great has it had a cement patio, sewer and water hook up."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does camping near Hastings, Michigan cost?
How much does camping near Hastings, Michigan cost?
Camping costs near Hastings vary based on the type of campground and amenities. At Whispering Waters Campground, you can expect to pay around $30-45 per night for standard sites with water and electric hookups, while full hookup sites typically range from $40-55. State parks like Sleepy Hollow State Park charge approximately $20-33 per night plus a Recreation Passport ($13 annually for Michigan residents or $9 daily for non-residents). Private campgrounds generally range from $25-60 depending on hookups and amenities. Some campgrounds offer weekly or monthly rates at a discount, and many have additional fees for premium waterfront sites, extra vehicles, or guests.
What activities can you do while camping in Hastings, MI?
What activities can you do while camping in Hastings, MI?
The Hastings area offers abundant outdoor activities for campers. Ionia State Recreation Area provides excellent fishing, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Camp Thornapple offers boat-in access, making it perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on the Thornapple River. Mountain biking enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive trail networks throughout the region. Swimming is available at several locations with designated beach areas. Birdwatching is rewarding with diverse habitats supporting various species. Nearby towns offer shopping, dining, and cultural attractions when you want a break from nature. Seasonal activities include spring wildflower hikes, summer water sports, fall color tours, and winter activities at some year-round facilities.
What are the best campgrounds in Hastings, Michigan?
What are the best campgrounds in Hastings, Michigan?
The Hastings area offers several excellent camping options. Yankee Springs Recreation Area is a standout choice with beautiful natural surroundings, mountain biking trails, and water access at Deep Lake. For families, Welcome Woods Family Campground provides a welcoming atmosphere with various site options. Both offer easy access to Hastings while providing natural settings. Other notable options include Whispering Waters Campground with full hookups and water activities, and Sharp Park Campground near Middleville which features reservable sites and basic amenities. The Hastings region balances accessibility to town conveniences while still providing the natural Michigan camping experience many seek.
What amenities are available at Hastings, MI camping grounds?
What amenities are available at Hastings, MI camping grounds?
Camping grounds around Hastings offer various amenities to enhance your stay. Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation features full hookups, a swimming pool, fishing opportunities, a gagaball pit, and clean bathhouses. Both rustic and modern camping options are available. Michawana Campground provides water access, toilets, and is big-rig friendly with boat-in and drive-in access. Most campgrounds in the area offer fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water. Some locations have shower facilities, electrical hookups, and dump stations. The amenities vary by campground, with some offering more rustic experiences while others provide resort-style facilities with recreational activities for the whole family.
Keep Exploring