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Best Tent Camping near Kalamazoo, MI

615 Reviews

Tent campers visiting Kalamazoo, Michigan can select from several established campgrounds that accommodate tent setups within a 30-mile radius. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday provides dedicated tent sites with both drive-in and walk-in options, while Lakeside Campground and East Lake Camping offer more traditional tent experiences. Allegan County Pine Point Campground, though primarily noted for day-use equestrian activities, has toilet facilities that support backcountry tent camping in the surrounding public lands.

Sites for tent camping in this region typically feature dirt or sandy surfaces, reflecting the local Michigan terrain. Most tent campgrounds near Kalamazoo provide fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. East Lake Camping offers drinking water, showers, and toilets specifically for tent campers, while more primitive options exist with minimal facilities. A visitor commented, "The bathrooms were clean and functional. Sites were clean, kids loved the beach and play area." Seasonal access should be considered, as many campgrounds operate only from May through October, with East Lake Camping specifically open May 1 to October 1.

Walk-in tent locations throughout the Kalamazoo area provide unique camping experiences compared to drive-up sites. The Covert/South Haven KOA features designated walk-in tent areas that offer more seclusion than their RV sections. One camper noted that "sites weren't too tight" at this location, which is uncommon for commercial campgrounds. For those seeking more natural settings, the tent sites at East Lake Camping are situated amid rolling farmlands, providing a quieter experience than lakefront locations which are primarily occupied by seasonal campers. Most tent campgrounds near Kalamazoo benefit from proximity to water features, with swimming beaches and fishing opportunities enhancing the primitive camping experience. Tent campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, particularly in spring and fall when nighttime temperatures can drop significantly.

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Best Tent Sites Near Kalamazoo, Michigan (22)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Kalamazoo, MI

14 Photos of 22 Kalamazoo Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Kalamazoo, MI

615 Reviews of 22 Kalamazoo Campgrounds

  • R. B.
    Jun. 25, 2018

    Kal-Haven Outpost

    Great place to bike to, spacious cabins, amazing staff

    A group of us bike from Kalamazoo to South Haven every year using the Kal-Haven trail. We usually tent camp but tried a cabin here this year. It was the perfect option as the campground is right off the trail. They provide linens and have basic supplies (including firewood that they will deliver to your cabin) right at the general store. We also met a group that had hiked in to the primative sites and were using the trail to train for the Appalachian Trail. Everything is well-made and maintained, and the staff is friendly and helpful (they even let us check-in early when we biked in ahead of schedule). Highly recommend for those looking for a place close to the trail and to South Haven. The cabins have three queen beds and a sofa sleeper so they can comfortably hold up to eight people (we had five in our group and I never felt crowded). There's a large table inside and two chairs on the porch. There's also a large picnic table outside, a fire pit, and a grill. They are hoping to expand and add cabins sized for couples in the near future.

  • T
    Apr. 15, 2021

    Ely Lake Campground

    Keyword: RUSTIC

    This is our "home base" campground. It's familiar. We've been coming here for decades. Comfortable, and quiet(for the most part).

    Caveat: no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Can run your generator(inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover.

    Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water. There is a dumpster available in the busier parts of the season but this campground is open year round.

    No playground. Just the beach and the trails.

    Sites range from small tent sites to fairly large, but the "roads" inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels.

    In short, if you want a quiet getaway from your usual then this is a great place to go. If you're expecting a pool, arcade, and dining hall... Look elsewhere.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort-South Haven, MI

    This is my top pick for South Haven

    Although this campground has great amenities, a pool, clean showers, and good sites/cabins, it is hard to book. If you know you are going to come to this area and camp, you need to book it a while in advance. I have used a pop-up and there was good space between campers. When I tent camped, we had a great spot near the cafe, the showers are amazing over there, they are more secluded. Our tent spot had electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. We camped on the grass and there is gravel to park your car. This campground is a perfect place to stay when visiting surrounding towns and going to the beach.

    Don’t forget to go to Sherman’s!!

    There was a forecast or rain, don’t mind the tarp

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Brookside City Park

    Beautiful super small camping in town

    The campsites are located past the playground and shelter. Just keep driving down the road that looks like an alley. There is a wonderful place set up for just a few campers. 

    A couple sites are for tents only and the others are standard sites. There are a few trees by the sites but it’s mostly open area. Portable toilets are at the end of the camping area and in the playground area. The playground is a day use area for town so expect to meet some locals. 

    Driving just down the street takes you to the police station. This is where you register for the site. Town is around you and ready to explore. There are a few train tracks and industrial businesses which provide a bit of noise along with traffic. For us, the noise just slid right into the background. 

    This is a great place for a low price.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    Nice rustic site

    Nice rustic campground with a beautiful lake view. Nice big fire rings. Vault toilet and water pump nearby. Some what level site but in the small side. Perfect for tent camping or a teardrop. Definitely nothing over 15'. Was able to park across from my site to maximize space.

    Gorgeous little lake town just 8 miles away has a full grocery store and restaurants.

    Campsites border the Deep Lake trail.

  • B
    Jun. 11, 2023

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Great Lakeside Camp

    Great campground. Better cared for than a State Park and better accommodations, too. Newish shower house with 6 uni-sex showers (all with their own locking doors). Water mechanisms on several made hot water a little tricky… test before you undress haha. If 5+ showers are in use, don't count on much hot water.

    Very friendly operators and employees. Genuinely interested in how you're doing. Above average camp store and they even deliver your firewood order to your site for you ($7 for a 15"x15"ish bundle).

    Beach access is easy and the beach is nice. On the cooler week we were there, would only see one or two other people out if any, but when school gets out mid-June, sounds like it gets busier. Our Monday-Friday stay saw us as the only tent campers which was great. Our kids enjoyed the playground and we made use of the grills by the picnic shelter a few times.

    All tent sites (except for T12) are walk in (but most are only 100-300 feet).

    Tent Sites 1, 2, 3, 11 and 12 as well as the group site are on their own away from the main loops. They are served by a flush toilet with running (cold) water. Or you can make the slightly longer walk to the shower house.

    Tent 1 is 100 foot walk, small site, easily visible from T-2 and 3 as well as the group site.

    Tent 2 is medium sized, across from T-3 and visible from T-1 and T-3. 

    Tent 3 is large. Slightly overlooks the group site and can see T-1 and T-2.

    Tent 4 is large, but almost totally isolated. It's surrounded by hills (although T-5 is on one of those hills so could overlook it. Long walk to bathroom.

    Tent 5 overlooks 4 a little and is a medium sized site. Also long walk to bathroom.

    Tent 6 is elevated above everything so overlooks T-5, T-7 and the RV loop. It's a huge site with nothing but nature around and above you. Long walk to bathroom.

    Tent 7 shortest walk to car parking, but surrounded by other sites. Access to other sites runs through site as well.

    Tent 8 and 9 are basically one large site with two tables and fire rings. Requires a walk up several flights of stairs, but puts you on top of a bluff that, without trees, would give you a view of the lake. They charge a premium for these sites.

    Tent 11 is probably the longest walk… you walk past T-1,2,3, then up 70 steps to the top of a ridge. You cannot see or be seen and the picnic table is covered with a shelter. Not a ton of space, but a great site for a lite packer.

    Tent 12 is a drive in site right next to the bathroom and the main drive into the campground.

    We were pleasantly surprised and, outside of a cold shower or two, never disappointed in our stay.

  • 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

  • Gay G.
    Aug. 19, 2021

    Thousand Trails Bear Cave

    Great Campground

    This is a nice, family friendly campground. Lots of very friendly other campers, a heated pool, playground for the kids, nice size lots with fire pits, picnic tables, electric& water (including at tent sites). Pool has an ADA lift chair. 2 shower/bath houses, camp store, a real bear cave you can tour in (free), a creek that meanders through it. The resort sits on the St. Joseph river & this park has a boat ramp & dock for fishing. There is a gate that campers need a code to get into so it keeps out unwanted’s. Nice staff. Yolanda is a great manager. Security, a ‘honey wagon’. Laundry center. Quiet hours are 10p-8a. It’s near Buchanan Michigan and the RED BUD Motor Cross track. Very friendly people, always stopping and talking.

Guide to Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo, Michigan, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a memorable experience in nature.

Tips for tent camping near Kalamazoo

  • Goff Lake Campground provides essential amenities like drinking water and sanitary dump stations, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.
  • East Lake Camping features well-kept grounds and a beautiful swimming beach, perfect for families looking to enjoy a day by the water.
  • Sandy Pines RV Resort and Campground offers a range of activities for kids, ensuring that younger campers have plenty to keep them entertained.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Shady Point Campground, visitors can enjoy swimming in Bair Lake, which is great for a refreshing dip after a day of hiking.
  • Barry's Resort & Mobile Home Park is located near local attractions, making it easy to explore the surrounding area while enjoying your camping experience.
  • Leidy Lake Campground is a scenic spot for fishing, providing a peaceful environment for anglers looking to catch some local fish.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Spring Lake Resort - American Campgrounds is big rig friendly and offers electric hookups, making it a comfortable choice for those who want to camp with a bit more convenience.
  • Lakeside Campground features picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings and enjoying meals outdoors.
  • Pine Point Campground allows campfires, providing a cozy atmosphere for storytelling and roasting marshmallows under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find tent camping sites near Kalamazoo, MI?

Several excellent tent camping options exist within an hour of Kalamazoo. Sweet Cherry Resort offers dedicated tent sites in a cleared area separate from RV spots, with clean facilities and just minutes from public beaches. For a unique experience, WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite near Allegan provides secluded tent camping accessible by kayak, offering exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Other options include East Lake Camping (about 40 minutes from Kalamazoo) and Goff Lake Campground near Marcellus. Many of these campgrounds require reservations during peak summer months, so booking in advance is recommended.

What amenities can I expect at tent campgrounds in the Kalamazoo area?

Tent campgrounds around Kalamazoo offer varying amenities depending on the type of camping experience you seek. Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday provides extensive facilities including clean showers, heated pool, hot tub, mini-golf, bike rentals, a well-stocked store, and family activities like movie nights and crafts. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday features a splash pad, jump park, swimming pool, and convenient services like food and firewood delivery, WiFi, and trash pickup. Most campgrounds in the area offer at minimum basic restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables. Some locations have more primitive offerings while others provide electrical hookups, water access, and camp stores.

Are there any year-round campgrounds available near Kalamazoo for tent campers?

Year-round tent camping options near Kalamazoo are limited due to Michigan's harsh winters. East Lake Camping operates seasonally, typically closing during winter months. Allegan County Pine Point Campground may offer extended season camping but generally doesn't maintain full winter operations for tent campers. Most private campgrounds in the area, including KOAs, close for winter or drastically reduce services. For winter camping, your best options are state parks with designated winter camping areas, though these may require traveling a bit farther from Kalamazoo. Always call ahead to confirm winter availability, as services like running water are typically winterized.

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