Tent camping opportunities near Holland, Michigan extend beyond the immediate shoreline with options ranging from riverside camping to lakefront access. The region experiences average summer temperatures around 80°F with cooler nights in the 60s, making it ideal for tent camping from late spring through early fall. Winter camping is limited to select locations that remain open year-round.
What to do
Beach activities: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday provides access to Lake Michigan beaches within a 15-minute drive. "This campground is clean, the wi-fi is great. The pool and playground area is nicely laid out. The beaches of Lake Michigan are within 15 minutes or so," notes one camper.
Boat watching: At South Channel Campground, visitors can observe maritime traffic. "Can watch boats go through channel from campsite, loved watching the lake express," mentions a camper. The campground sits along the channel connecting Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan.
Blueberry picking: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday features on-site blueberry fields. "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!" according to one visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The bathroom facilities at East Lake Camping receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms were wonderful with great hot water and water pressure," notes a recent camper. Most tent campgrounds in the area maintain modern bathroom facilities.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. "This is a wonderful park for families! We have stayed several times and it gets better each visit!" shares one camper about South Channel Campground.
Hiking opportunities: The best tent camping near Holland, Michigan often includes access to nature trails. "Miles of trails through the dunes and woods. A few lookout points scattered throughout," mentions a camper about South Channel Campground.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. At Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, "Sites are well treed and flat! Lots of the activities within the park, they have a small petting zoo, sky pad, playground."
Seasonal considerations: The prime tent camping season runs May through September. "East Lake Camping in Hopkins features a "Nice and cozy little campground in the middle of beautiful rolling farmlands," according to one visitor, with peak season running May through October.
Reservation requirements: Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday fills quickly during summer weekends. "Very clean and well-kept park. Lots of fun activities on the weekends for the kids and FREE!" notes a camper, suggesting early reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. "The kids loved the jumping pillow, pool, and nightly tractor-pull train. Bathrooms were clean and conveniently located," notes a visitor to Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday.
Animal encounters: Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA features a small petting zoo. "They even have doggy play pens for the pups where you can let them roam off-leash. The bathrooms and showers were super clean and someone was always in there keeping them that way," shares one camper.
Water activities: For families with water-loving children, "The pool was clean and we had a lot on the pond. All of those sites were good size for small trailer," according to a visitor at Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA.
Tips from RVers
Check-in timing: Plan arrival times carefully. At Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, "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."
Site selection for tent campers: WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite offers a unique experience. "This little campground is definitely off the beaten path. We kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for," according to one tent camper.
Utility considerations: Even at tent-focused campgrounds, amenities vary. "It had air mattresses made up with sheets and blankets, all the firewood provided, a grill full of charcoal. A great way to enjoy the outdoors!!!" notes a camper at WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite.
