Hudsonville's camping areas sit within Michigan's western lowlands, just 20 minutes from Lake Michigan's shoreline. The region's flat terrain features sandy soil and scattered woodlands, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Most Hudsonville-area campgrounds close seasonally between October and April due to Michigan's cold winters, though a few offer year-round operations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Chapel in the Pines Campground offers a clean swimming area with good fishing in their private pond. A camper noted, "Nice and quiet campground. It is not luxurious but nice. Very nice pond/lake to swim and fish in!" The pond provides a convenient fishing option right at your campsite.
River cruises: Steamboat Park Campground offers unique riverboat cruises that depart directly from the campground office. According to a camper, "They have river cruises that leave directly from the office. These two hours cruises offer drinks and feature live music from local bands for only $16 per person."
Hiking trails: Hoffmaster State Park Campground provides extensive trail networks with varied terrain. A visitor explained, "Many more can be accessed in the state park, which contains over ten miles of trails in its 1,200 acres. Trails to dunes, beach, and other parks as well as dune preserve: all well-marked and vary in difficulty, weaving through pine and hardwood forests nestled among dunes."
Beach activities: Grand Haven State Park Campground offers direct beach access with various recreational options. One camper mentioned, "The whole area is well kept and there's tons to do on the beach (grills, volleyball, game) etc."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA maintains high standards for its bathrooms and showers. A recent visitor commented, "The showers are clean and spacious. They have campsites to meet everyone's desires. Pets are welcome here with two fenced dog runs and trails to keep the owners exercised."
Family-oriented amenities: Woodchip Campground emphasizes activities for children. A reviewer stated, "We love this as an easy getaway close to home. I wouldn't call it a beautiful campground... but it is clean, and has a ton to do for kids! There are campsites in a circle around the playground, so you can sit at your site and watch the kids play."
Waterfront sites: Steamboat Park Campground offers premium riverside camping spots. A camper observed, "Sites right on the river. Riverboat cruises available docking at campground office. We loved it! Will definitely take the 6 hour trip back to stay again!"
Beach proximity: Beach Campground — Holland State Park provides convenient beach access. A visitor explained, "The best thing about the beach campground is it's closer to Lake Michigan & the campground has beach access. No dogs or bikes on the beach."
What you should know
Winter camping limitations: Most campgrounds close seasonally, but Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA remains open year-round. A winter camper noted, "Love this winter spot. Will definitely be returning in the future. Very friendly staff."
Site restrictions: Beach Campground has unique restrictions. A visitor explained, "Unfortunately, tents have to be on pavement and weighted down because stakes can't be put in. Sites don't have fire pits either. There is not really a view of the lake at all, but it is a minute walk to the big beach which is nice."
Variable weather: Even summer months can bring cool temperatures. One camper at Beach Campground advised, "Just remember if you're visiting MI it's freaking cold! Even in the summer. We visited beginning aug and it was mid 70s and nights get super cold."
Alcohol policies: Grand Haven State Park Campground has different rules than some other parks. A visitor clarified, "Quite time is 11 pm so great for couples to make a late night romantic stroll down the pier or beach."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Hungry Horse Campground offers multiple water features for different age groups. A family camper mentioned, "Multiple playgrounds, toddler pool and regular pool, jump pad, and lots of room to run around. They also typically offer planned activities throughout the week such as wagon rides, meet and greets, and ice cream socials."
Playground accessibility: Consider site location relative to play areas. One parent at Woodchip Campground appreciated that "There are campsites in a circle around the playground, so you can sit at your site and watch the kids play."
Special needs considerations: Check playground construction for accessibility. A parent visiting Steamboat Park Campground shared, "The playground structure is not very friendly for kids with special needs or very young children. It's wooden with a ladder to access the upper levels, it was hard for our 2 and 4 year old to use it easily."
Scheduled activities: Many campgrounds organize family events. A visitor to Hungry Horse Campground noted, "Lots of activities, swimming, wagon rides, jump pad, and more. Facilities were fairly clean and easily accessible. My favorite was that they offered social activities on the weekends for people to meet one another."
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation provides full-service sites. A reviewer mentioned, "Sites are level with full hookups 50 amp. Owners are very accommodating to your needs."
Late arrival planning: Check specific arrival policies. One RVer cautioned about 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."
Big rig considerations: Hoffmaster State Park has good accessibility for larger RVs. A visitor explained, "The sites are plenty wide to fit your RV with slide outs and car next to it without feeling cramped. Utilities are at the very back of the site so you may need an extension for your sewer hose."
Tight maneuvering: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. A camper at Chapel in the Pines Campground shared, "We camped with a 25ft pull behind camper on lot 71. Beautiful spot, lots of privacy. However, it was a bear to back the camper into. Between the beautiful pines and the corner it was on it made the cut a tricky one."
