Tent camping near Hickory Corners, Michigan offers access to outdoor spaces within driving distance of Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Lake Michigan beaches. The region sits in southwest Michigan's glacier-formed landscape with abundant inland lakes and rolling terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during peak camping season, with cooler nights that drop to the 50s even in mid-summer.
What to do
Beach activities: WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite provides access to a private beach area for swimming. A camper noted it was "beautiful with solar lights at night and a private beach. Great swimming, in a very private area."
Fishing opportunities: Shady Point Campground sits on Bair Lake with water access. One camper mentioned the lake "was great for swimming" and many visitors take advantage of the boating opportunities.
Biking excursions: Tent campers can use area campgrounds as a base for regional biking. One visitor at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday mentioned riding "47 miles round trip from Bloomingdale to Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo" on the nearby Kal-Haven bike trail.
Wildlife viewing: Kayaking from Allegan to WaterTrail Ventures provides excellent wildlife spotting. A camper reported they "were treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for" during their paddle trip.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer walking paths. One visitor at WaterTrail Ventures mentioned it "has great trails for walking" while Camp Clear Sky provides a more secluded natural setting.
What campers like
Seasonal fruit picking: Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA offers unique seasonal activities. A camper noted, "The sites are well treed (lots of pine trees) and not too crowded. The owners are super friendly - I love how the campground rules are written humorously."
Local farm setting: Some campgrounds offer rural agricultural settings. At East Lake Camping, the location provides a countryside experience described as "nice and cozy little campground in the middle of beautiful rolling farmlands."
Berry harvesting: Seasonal berry picking is available at some locations. A visitor at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday shared: "This KOA has blueberry fields everywhere on the property. For a period of time in summer and early fall, you can pick your own blueberries in the morning to have in your breakfast pancakes!"
Peaceful river sites: WaterTrail Ventures offers riverside camping that's secluded yet accessible. One camper described it as "definitely off the beaten path" and "the perfect end to a perfect day" after kayaking there from Allegan.
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds feature animal encounters. Allendale KOA provides "a small petting zoo" while Camp Clear Sky has "chickens keeping us company" according to visitors.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most tent campgrounds near Hickory Corners operate from May through October. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday specifically runs "Apr 17 to Oct 18" with East Lake Camping operating "May 1 to Oct 1."
Early arrival fees: Some campgrounds charge for early check-in. One camper at Allendale KOA 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."
Rustic amenities at primitive sites: Camp Clear Sky provides basic but unexpected amenities. A visitor noted the "outdoor kitchen with running water and flush toilet were unexpected amenities" making it comfortable despite the primitive setting.
Firewood availability: Many campgrounds sell firewood onsite. A camper at Allendale KOA mentioned "massive bundles of wood available for just six bucks" while WaterTrail Ventures provides firewood "at no extra cost" according to visitors.
Drive times to attractions: The region offers convenient access to popular destinations. Covert KOA is "only 10-15 minutes from the beach in South Haven" while another campground is "conveniently located within 40 mins of Holland and Saugatuck."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options for children: Allendale KOA offers numerous family-friendly features. A camper shared: "We love this little KOA and camp here often with family who stay in the cabins. The activities are super fun and the pool is a nice size for the kids. My nephew loves the goats more than anything!"
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds provide play areas. One visitor at Shady Point Campground mentioned it "had playgrounds and basketball court and a small 'game' room" making it suitable for families with children of various ages.
Swimming spots: Several locations offer swimming opportunities. A camper at Covert KOA noted they have a "great pool, cafe and store! Lots of sports equipment to loan as well."
Family entertainment schedules: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. At Covert KOA, a visitor mentioned "the barrel train ride is a lot of fun for the whole family" among the "lots of kid activities."
Budget-friendly camping stores: Campground stores often provide reasonably priced supplies. A camper at Shady Point noted the "well stocked store with very reasonable prices" which helps families manage vacation costs.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: East Lake Camping has limited space for larger units. A visitor with a "34' camper inner lakefront" mentioned "the sites are very small, not much privacy, but well kept. There are more spacious sites available on the upper grassy loop."
Bathroom facilities: Clean facilities matter to RVers using campground amenities. An East Lake camper noted "the bathrooms were wonderful with great hot water and water pressure" while another mentioned "bathrooms were clean and functional."
Seasonal vs. visitor sites: Many campgrounds prioritize seasonal campers. At East Lake, a visitor observed "most people here are seasonal, occupying almost all the lakefront sites. We may have seen one lakefront available for renters."
Power and hookup options: Available utilities vary widely. Sandy Pines offers "electric hookups" and "fifty-amp hookups" but doesn't provide water hookups, while East Lake Camping has full service options including "sewer hookups."
