Best Tent Camping near Jenison, MI
Tent campers near Jenison, Michigan can access several campgrounds within a reasonable driving distance, ranging from established sites with amenities to more primitive options. Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA and East Lake Camping both offer dedicated tent sites, while WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite provides a more secluded tent camping experience approximately 30 miles southwest of Jenison along the Kalamazoo River.
Most tent camping areas feature basic amenities with varying levels of service. The Allendale KOA provides drinking water, showers, and toilets for tent campers, with sites set among wooded areas. Fire rings are common at most locations, though some sites have specific fire regulations. Several campgrounds offer walk-in tent sites that provide more privacy than standard drive-up spots. A camper noted that at the Allendale KOA, "the tent sites are perfectly spacious and it's a nice wooded area to just sit and look at the stars at night."
Tent campers generally find good shade coverage at established campgrounds in the region. Areas with walk-in access typically offer more seclusion and natural settings than RV-focused sites. Camp Clear Sky, located east of Jenison, provides a tent-only experience with picnic tables and vault toilets. According to one visitor at WaterTrail Ventures, "This little campground is definitely off the beaten path. We kayaked there from Allegan and were treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for." Most tent-focused sites remain open from spring through fall, with many closing for winter from late October through early April. South Channel Campground in Muskegon State Park, though farther from Jenison, offers tent campers access to hiking trails, beaches, and dunes within walking distance of campsites.
