Campsites near Kent City, Michigan sit within the western Michigan region, characterized by rolling hills, hardwood forests, and numerous inland waterways. Elevations in this area range from 600 to 900 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for camping experiences. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during daytime, while spring and fall camping seasons see fluctuations between 45-70°F with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Hiking the dunes: Hoffmaster State Park offers over ten miles of trails through 1,200 acres of diverse terrain. "My favorite part of this campground was the trails. In addition to several trails within the campground (the one along the creek was especially loved!), many more can be accessed in the state park... 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," notes one visitor at Hoffmaster State Park Campground.
Disc golf course access: For active campers, several parks offer disc golf opportunities during your stay. "There's good hiking, an awesome disc golf course, and the lake right there with boat launches for fishing. If you're not into fishing or disc golf, you might be happier elsewhere, but I love those two things, so I want to go back and visit again," writes a camper about Newaygo State Park Campground.
Tubing down the Muskegon River: River adventures rank among the top activities for campers in the area. "This is a great campground for tubing down the river. They rent the tubes right at the campground, take you up river, and then you get out of the river back at the campground," explains a visitor at Chinook Camping. Most river tubing trips range from 1-3 hours depending on put-in locations.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained restrooms and grounds. "The grounds and are very maintained. The bathrooms, and pool are all above expectations for clean," writes a visitor about Salmon Run Campground. This attention to cleanliness extends to shower facilities at several parks near Kent City.
Water access options: Whether beachfront or riverfront, water access is a major draw. "Being on the river seems to attract a party crowed. Campground put on a good 4th or July firework show. Restaurant at campground will deliver right to campsite," notes a camper about Chinook Camping. At most riverside campgrounds, direct water access is available within walking distance of sites.
Natural setting: The wooded environments around Kent City provide shade and privacy at many campgrounds. "Sites are fairly wooded (lots of pine trees) and not too crowded. The owners are super friendly - I love how the campground rules are written humorously," comments a visitor about Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA. Most wooded sites feature a mix of hardwood and pine trees, providing partial to full shade.
What you should know
Campground booking windows: Reservations often open 6 months in advance for peak season. "I talked to a ranger about coming back later this year, and he told me it is best to book months ahead for weekends because they fill up at the beginning of summer; however, cancellations are not uncommon, so watch the DNR site for openings," advises a Hoffmaster State Park visitor.
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds near major roads experience traffic noise. "The highways a littler closer then it looks, so you do get a lot of road noise. Especially when trucks hit the chatter bumps on the side. Not the worse thing in the world, but worth noting," explains a camper at Cedar Springs RV Resort.
Limited off-season availability: While some campgrounds operate year-round, many have restricted dates. "This campground is seasonal and is first come, first serve. They close up mid October. During the school season it is relatively easy to get a spot, September then is a great time to go as it tends to still be warm," shares a visitor at Hoffmaster State Park.
Road navigation challenges: Narrow campground roads can present difficulties for larger vehicles. "They have very narrow roads that were very difficult to maneuver a large trailer. Lots were smaller and hard to back into," notes a Chinook Camping visitor discussing the practical limitations they encountered.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Scheduled events keep children engaged throughout stays. "Your kids will LOVE this place-we had a blast! Train rides, Pool, Scavenger hunt, trails, bike rides, there just weren't enough hours in the day! We should have reserved an entire week!" exclaims a visitor to Duke Creek Campground. Most family activities are included with camping fees.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play structures for children. "Great play area for kids," notes a Hoffmaster State Park visitor in their review. These playground areas typically include swings, slides, and climbing equipment suitable for children ages 3-12.
Swimming options: Both lake and pool swimming opportunities exist throughout the area. "Large grassy field for kids," comments another Hoffmaster visitor. Swimming areas typically open from mid-May through early September depending on weather conditions.
Waterfront camping opportunities: For families who want direct water access, specific sites offer premium locations. "We rent the river rustic site. It's right on the shore of the Muskegon river," notes a camper at Salmon Run Campground. Waterfront sites typically cost $5-15 more per night than standard sites.
Tips from RVers
Dump station timing: Peak checkout times can create backups at sanitary stations. "While we don't have a big rig, I did notice the backup of campers at the two campground dump stations Sunday before 1pm checkout," shares a Hoffmaster State Park visitor. Plan to use dump facilities either early morning or late afternoon to avoid waiting.
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. "Some of the sites are a little uneven (the camper needed wood blocks underneath it so that the wheels weren't off the ground after leveling," notes a camper at Wabasis Lake County Park.
Electric service variations: Amperage options differ between parks. While most offer 30-amp service, some provide 50-amp connections for larger RVs. Sites with full hookups (water, electric, and sewer) are less common but available at select campgrounds within 20 miles of Kent City.
