Lake Michigan's western shore near Marne, Michigan offers multiple luxury camping options at elevations between 580-650 feet. The region's sandy soil and pine forests create natural buffers between campsites at several parks. Glamping options near Marne span from lakeside yurts to fully-equipped cabins, with peak season typically running May through October when average temperatures range 65-85°F.
What to do
Hiking trails at multiple difficulty levels: Newaygo State Park Campground features walking paths for all skill levels along the perimeter with lake views. "There's good hiking, an awesome disc golf course, and the lake right there with boat launches for fishing," notes Ryan L T., who managed to "get an enjoyable little hike the morning I packed to leave."
Winter recreation options: Winter visitors can enjoy cold-weather activities at some parks that remain open year-round. "Across the road is the Winter complex, sledding, skating, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and luge course. Our kids had a blast here, they have tons of bonfire pits as well," shares Melissa M. about her winter camping experience.
Fishing access: Multiple waterfront camping locations provide fishing opportunities from shore or boat. At Muskegon KOA, campers enjoy "a 3/4 mile hiking trail around the lake... which was gorgeous. Although, we personally don't fish, we enjoyed watching other guests fishing from the shore and various docks regularly," according to a recent reviewer.
What campers like
Spacious sites in wooded areas: Some campgrounds feature larger, more secluded sites. At Newaygo State Park Campground, "sites are bigger than the other side and more private with more trees," according to Michelle P. Another camper notes, "Very wooded and spread out among the campsites! Close to the water, and there's a trail along the perimeter of the campground with amazing views."
Family-friendly environments: Hungry Horse Campground receives praise for its kid-friendly atmosphere. Robin D. shares, "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!" Another visitor mentions the "jump pillow and pool" as highlights of their stay.
Water access and views: Many campers value proximity to water. At Grand Haven State Park Campground, "Lakefront access makes this a super cool camping spot for your rig," notes Kelsey G., while Ryan B. describes it as "Beach camping in a wonderful town. Known for its beautiful beaches, great restaurant's, and small town shops."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some locations feature tightly packed sites while others offer more privacy. One visitor to South Channel Campground reports that "The campsites were VERY close together. It was actually the first thing we noticed as soon as we pulled through the gate," while others mention "relatively clean & well maintained" facilities despite the proximity.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping experiences dramatically. According to Les S., who camped at Lake Michigan Campground in March, "the weather was cold but doable. 20 degrees at night but with electricity hookups we put a space heater in our tent." Winter visitors should note that many parks have "no running water at that time of year & only primitive outhouses."
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer. "This campground is EXTREMELY hard to get into on the weekends. If you are planning a trip to Grand Haven State Park, be sure to log onto the State Reservation site six months to the date that you want to camp," advises one experienced camper.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds feature equipment specifically for children. At Hungry Horse Campground, campers enjoy "lots of activities, swimming, wagon rides, jump pad, and more." One reviewer notes, "My 6 children had a great time here" at a nearby glamping facility, highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere.
Consider noise levels: Campgrounds near roads or popular recreation areas can be noisy. One camper notes that their site "is near the road but it's not too noticeable except when the same loud obnoxious vehicle goes by every early evening." Others mention that at some sites, "the beach is right there at the campground, which is absolutely great" but can mean more foot traffic.
Plan for weather variability: Michigan weather can change quickly. "We went in March so the weather was cold but doable. 20 degrees at night but with electricity hookups we put a space heater in our tent," shares one winter camper. Having proper gear for unexpected weather will make luxury camping more comfortable in all seasons.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Lake Macatawa Campground — Holland State Park, RV sites vary considerably in size and layout. One camper reports, "Bigish shaded sites around site 98. Near relatively new bathhouse," while another notes, "Not my favorite sites (where are stayed) on the west end are small. Looks like the sites on the east end are larger and more comfortable."
Limited hookup availability: Many glamping locations near Marne offer electric but not full hookups. A camper notes, "It has electricity only - no water or sewer in campsites," which is important for planning longer stays. Other RVers should note that while some parks advertise hookups, not all sites have them.
Navigational challenges: Some parks have limited maneuverability for larger rigs. One reviewer mentions, "They have very narrow roads that were very difficult to maneuver a large trailer. Lots were smaller and hard to back into," which is important information for those with larger RVs considering glamping options in the area.
