Best Tent Camping near Holton, MI

Tent campsites in the Holton, Michigan region range from established campgrounds to more primitive forest locations. Oak Knoll Family Campground in Holton offers dedicated tent sites alongside basic amenities, while the White River special area of the Manistee National Forest provides more rustic camping options approximately 4 miles north of town. The White River area features numbered tent campsites with minimal development, suitable primarily for tent camping experiences.

Most tent sites in the region are relatively basic, with varying levels of amenities. The White River dispersed camping area lacks facilities but provides a genuine backcountry experience. A recent review noted that "this is more suitable for tents or maybe small campers" with "no facilities or amenities" available. Access roads can be challenging but are generally passable for standard vehicles. Many campgrounds in the broader area offer fire rings and designated tent pads, though water access varies significantly. Campers planning overnight stays should verify seasonal availability as many sites operate from late spring through mid-fall.

The tent camping experience near Holton offers a mix of wooded settings and water proximity. Areas around White River provide a more secluded experience with forest surroundings and potential wildlife viewing opportunities. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "there are dispersed options as well as docked sites" in the White River area, allowing campers to choose their preferred setup. Walk-in tent sites at nearby state parks provide additional options for those seeking a balance between accessibility and natural immersion. The forest environment around many of these tent campgrounds creates natural shade and wind protection, making them suitable for comfortable overnight stays even during warmer summer months. Proximity to lakes and rivers enhances the primitive camping experience while providing recreational opportunities.

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Best Tent Sites Near Holton, Michigan (31)

    1. South Channel Campground

    14 Reviews
    North Muskegon, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 744-3480

    $10 - $60 / night

    "Has a path to the channel with a short walk to Lake Michigan beach. Electric hook up, no water hook up. Site 89 was large and wooded."

    "The park/location is a 5. The beaches, the dunes the wildlife, the ice cream shop… but this is a campground review and I’d give that a 3. We had a blast tons of kids everywhere."

    2. White River Campsite #1

    2 Reviews
    Holton, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 745-4631

    "We explored the area while camping at nearby Pines Point campground."

    3. Oak Knoll Family Campground

    1 Review
    Twin Lake, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 894-6063

    "The campground is clean, but very small spaces for each site. Water and electric are available. The grounds are very peaceful."

    4. Woods and Water RV Resort

    1 Review
    Newaygo, MI
    17 miles
    +1 (231) 689-6685

    "Wonderful trails for hiking. Lots of activities. We will definitely come back. A little pricey."

    5. Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA

    13 Reviews
    Allendale, MI
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 895-6601

    "The Allendale KOA is a perfect spot for GR residents looking to have a nice camping getaway without having to drive out too far."

    "The clean restrooms and full-service showers were a highlight, offering a comfortable and convenient experience after a long day of outdoor activities."

    8. Condon Lake

    1 Review
    Bitely, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 745-4631

    9. Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground

    7 Reviews
    Baldwin, MI
    37 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "We chose a site on the Big Lake. There are also a few sites on the Litte Lake.

    The sites include a picnic table and fire ring. We had plenty of room between sites."

    "the big lake unit has large sites with lake views and 2 vault toilets. the little lake unit has small sites, 1 vault toilet, some lake views, some views of nearby houses (more mosquitos at the time too"

    10. Gleasons Landing

    3 Reviews
    Baldwin, MI
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 745-8760

    $30 - $90 / night

    "Tent camping only.  Four family sites and two group sites.  Hard to get a reservation on the weekends.  Campground is at the end of a canoe/kayak company's trip. "

    "All sites are "walk to" from the parking lot. Overlooks the Pere Marquette river and has a small sandy shore where you can get into the water to cool off or do some fishing."

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Showing results 1-10 of 31 campgrounds

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Tent Camping Reviews near Holton, MI

782 Reviews of 31 Holton Campgrounds


  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Brower Park Campground

    Large Family Fun Campground

    There is something for everyone here. Tent, camper, or RV and fun for all ages with everything from 3 playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and tennis courts, to a boat launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. There is also a fairly large swimming area. The showers are actually nice and clean! The restrooms were surprisingly clean and modern as well. Firewood is available in bundles or loose and you stack it yourself. There are numerous picnic areas throughout the campground. There are picnic tables and fire rings at every site and hook up such as electric and water vary. Kids are riding their bikes all over, fishing, playing at playgrounds, the beach, everywhere. Everyone was very friendly. You probably don’t necessarily need a sleeping pad or air mat if you’re in a tent, but they’re always nice. The mosquitos weren’t bad at all! We stayed at site #226. You do need a county park pass, $6/day until 10pm or $25/year.

  • Emily M.
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Mears State Park Campground

    Not worth it

    Go to the beach for the day, but don't camp here. The sites were on top of each other and there was no privacy. There was only one bathroom for the entire campground meaning that only 3 stalls were offered for all of the women. Because there is only one bathroom and it isn't in the middle of the campground, it is a long walk for most of the campers. The showers were nice, but the bathroom could use an upgrade.

    All of the sites were sandy with no shade. Traveling on bike meant having few comfort items. We really could have used a tree or some other shade after a long day of touring, but there was no shade at the site or anywhere nearby. Most folks had awnings on their campers. I could see how having a camper or RV (or even a car) would make the experience more enjoyable, but still I would not choose to return here.

    It is not a tent friendly site because the tent gets blown off the sand. Sandy sites make it difficult to stake down a tent. We went on a particularly windy day and the gear we had was not enough to hold down the tent. I ended up going to bed at 7:30pm just to keep the tent from blowing away. 

    There was wifi, but it hardly worked at the site. The beach was decent, but nothing any more impressive than anywhere else on the lake. If you have the opportunity to stay somewhere other than here, go there instead. I was shocked that so many people would pay so much for such a pathetic campground. If you are paying to stay at a Michigan State Park, find yourself a better one!

    I intended on taking pictures, but was so unimpressed I completely forgot.

  • Cody M.
    May. 13, 2022

    Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park

    Quality Primitive Camping

    An easy walk from the designated parking spots by the maintenance area, but I chose to bike. The road was sandy in spots but manageable. Sites contain a fire ring and picnic table. Two clean vault toilets. Signs said the well was closed; not sure if that was seasonal or permanent. Site F was good for hammocking. Walked to the lighthouse for sunset and was not disappointed. There’s a trail from the campground up over a dune to Lake Michigan.

  • N
    Jul. 19, 2016

    South Channel Campground

    Close to the beach, but very very cramped

    There are two campgrounds in the park - The Channel Campground & the Lake Michigan campground. We stayed at the Channel Campground two years ago. It's right on the channel from Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan, so you have walking access to both lakes. The campsites were VERY close together. It was actually the first thing we noticed as soon as we pulled through the gate. Campsites have a paved parking pad, fire ring, electrical hookup, and picnic table. Restroom & shower facilities were relatively clean & well maintained. You'll probably have to wait for the showers, but that's pretty typical.

    Overall, the campground was just average. If you don't like being close to your neighbors, I'd recommend staying at the Lake Michigan campground in the same park. Larger sites & tons of shade.

  • Jeff B.
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Jackpine Hike-In Campground — Ludington State Park

    Jack Pine Had Everything

    Ludington State Park - Jack Pine camp had everything. A very pleasant drive into the state park - with many places to access the beach.

    Check-in and parking for camping was easy and the price was reasonable. Easy hike to Jack Pine and it was easy to find my campsite.

    Campsite has well designated corner marker boundaries with plenty of room to pitch a tent and several hammock options. Each site has a solid fire pit and picnic table. Plenty of tree cover for shade. Toilets are close and clean.

    The hike to the lighthouse was easy and the lighthouse was picturesque. Great access to the beach and again toilets were close and clean.

  • Napunani
    Dec. 1, 2023

    Beach Campground — Holland State Park

    Beach Campground = Parking Lot

    If you like to camp in a parking lot, like Walmart or Cracker Barrel, you will love this lake side campground- it's a parking lot! 

    PROS 

    Toilet/shower facilities very clean 

    2 bars TMOBILE 

    Walking distance to Lake Michigan 

    Rangers strictly enforced beach closure each evening- lots of sirens. 

    CONS 

    Pricy state park camping at $53/night for full hook up

    $8 Fee to make on-line reservations 

    Since out of state, we had to purchase a $39 Michigan State Park Permit in addition to paying for campsite 

    No senior or veteran discount 

    Campground is one big asphalt parking lot with painted lines to delineate each site. Absolutely no privacy from any other campsite. 

    Camping is slammed together as tow vehicles have to be parked next to camper/RV insufficient space to park in front of camper/RV 

    Must check-in before going to campground even with on-line reservation and payment in full 

    3pm check-in was strictly enforced--there was quite a line of RVs backed up at 230pm. Once registration opened it took us 20 minutes to register. 

    Needed plumbers tape to connect hose to site water faucet 

    Waist high weeds behind campsites 

    No shade and most of time too windy to deploy awning 

    No security gate closure overnight. 

    Anyone can drive through or walk in from the beach. 

    Lots of drive thrus by non campers 

    No campfire rings or lantern poles at campsites 

    Lots of campfire debris dumped behind campsites from those who bring their own fire pit and charcoal grills 

    Site 396 not level 

    No park WIFI

  • s
    Jul. 4, 2020

    Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park Campground

    Campground steps away from Lake Michigan

    Clean, shady campground with easy access to Lake Michigan beach. We stayed at site 50A right across from the steps down to the beach. There was no privacy, but it was a large corner lot with both water and trash steps away. Bath house had nice, clean individual showers and seperate multi stall restrooms. We have t mobile and had cell service at our site, but there is no wifi.

  • R. B.
    Jun. 25, 2018

    Newaygo State Park Campground

    Nice views, somewhat rustic sites

    We live in Kalamazoo and wanted a quick trip out in the tent for a long weekend. We chose the park for it's proximity to home and because of nearby kayak/canoe launches. We enjoy rustic camping and were a little let down with the lack of seclusion on each site (that's to be expected when car camping but the photos and website left us hopeful for more space than was offered). The sites are deep but many are close together. Ours had a little extra room but was next to the vault toilet. There are a few trails in the park that are pleasant and the views of the lake are nice. The staff at the time wasn't very helpful when we asked for nearby hikes. They only knew of a paved trail but on our way out of town we met a couple who told us of many river trails and other hikes nearby. Overall it's a decent place to stay. Personally, I don't find it worth it to have vault toilets and no shower if I'm still going to be in a fairly cramped campground. I'd prefer that they have hike-in sites or offer the amenities of car camping.

  • Renae J.
    Oct. 27, 2021

    Timber Creek Campground

    Oh My Stars!

    Timber Creek is a lovely campground within Manistee National Forest. The campsites are a perfect size, there is an easy-hike walking trail, and the view of the stars at night is truly out of this world (pun kind of intended). It’s also spacious enough for your doggos to run around to their hearts content!

    Pricing is $10/night and $5/day pass, with a 14(?) day limit on your campsite stay.

    Vault toilets are available but HOO boy do they smell, so if you have a Luggable Loo or equivalent portable toilet I definitely recommend it (along with hand sanitizer!).

    Water pump is available, though I can’t speak to the quality as we didn’t end up having to use it.

    Honestly, my only real gripe is the fire pits. I fully assume the design is meant to prevent forest fires so it’s for the best, but the fire pits have a higher wall around them with a grill on top you cannot remove. Great for cooking food, but if you’re looking to sit by the fire to warm up, you’d probably be better off with a portable heater. It’s also worth noting that I’ve noticed this type of fire pit at every campsite in Manistee so far, so don’t put too much effort into venturing out to find a better one.

    All in all we really loved our stay here and we can’t wait to stay here again!


Guide to Holton

Tent camping near Holton, Michigan offers a variety of experiences, from serene natural settings to family-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out South Channel Campground

  • Located in Muskegon, South Channel Campground features a beautiful beach accessible via a dirt trail, perfect for a day of sun and sand.
  • This campground allows campfires, creating a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings under the stars.
  • With electric hookups available, campers can enjoy modern conveniences while still being immersed in nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • The scenic trails around White River Campsite #1 offer excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the Huron-Manistee National Forests.
  • Families can enjoy a short bike ride to the stunning Lake Michigan beach from South Channel Campground, making it a great spot for swimming and picnicking.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby access to lakes and rivers, particularly around Condon Lake, known for its rustic charm and scenic views.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Oak Knoll Family Campground offers clean facilities, including showers and toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay for families.
  • Campers at Woods and Water RV Resort can enjoy spacious sites with electric hookups, making it easy to set up camp.
  • The well-stocked market at Oak Knoll Family Campground provides all the essentials, so you can focus on enjoying your camping experience without worrying about supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Holton, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Holton, MI is South Channel Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Holton, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Holton, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.