Glamping near Kent City, Michigan offers access to the Muskegon River watershed with its chain of recreational lakes and forested shorelines. The region features moderately humid continental climate with warm summers reaching 80°F and winter temperatures dropping below freezing. Most glamping sites sit within 30 minutes of Kent City in western Michigan's lake country where sandy beaches meet pine and hardwood forests.
What to do
River tubing and kayaking: Chinook Camping provides river trips directly from their campground. "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," notes Clint, who appreciated the convenience factor.
Disc golf courses: Newaygo State Park Campground features an extensive disc golf course popular with glamping visitors. "I stayed here for a couple nights while I was on a business trip up that way, because camping is way cooler than staying at hotels... There's good hiking, an awesome disc golf course, and the lake right there with boat launches for fishing," explains Ryan L T.
Winter sports complex: Winter glamping options provide access to seasonal recreation opportunities. "Across the road is the Winter complex, sledding, skating, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and luge course. Our kids had a blast here, they have tons of bonfire pits as well," writes Melissa M. about winter activities near glamping accommodations.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: The privacy of tree-covered glamping sites rates highly with visitors. "Very wooded and spread out among the campsites! Close to the water, and there's a trail along the perimeter of the campground with amazing views. Great stargazing as well," shares Elise R. about her experience at Newaygo State Park.
Lake chain access: Little Switzerland Resort and Campground offers glamping near interconnected lakes. "Camp store with old school candies and ice cream, beach area, docks available on a series of recreational lakes with decent fishing. Permanent sites available. Golf carts are helpful to go to the beach down the hill and across the street," reports Jen W.
Family-friendly amenities: Modern glamping facilities often include entertainment options. "This place has it all. Camping, river trips, pool, disc golf course, arcade and so much more. The playground area is so nice & everything is very well kept. They have an on-site restaurant that delivers food & wood to your site," notes Melissa F. about Chinook Camping.
What you should know
Limited hot water: Some glamping facilities have infrastructure limitations. "The 3-star rating is for the bathroom and showers. They were clean, let me put that out there, what they lacked was hot water in the showers or sinks. Added to that they have very old school 5-second pop back up knobs to engage the water," warns Doreen B. about Little Switzerland Resort.
Winter facility changes: Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park Campground remains open year-round but with modified amenities. "Campground was nice in the winter our spot was plowed out and had a reserved cone at it, the bathrooms are closed and water is off but the outhouse is open," notes Melissa M. about winter glamping conditions.
Site selection matters: For glamping in cabin accommodations, specific unit differences exist. "Have stayed in these cabins several times over the years. #16 in need of deep cleaning and minor maintenance," advises Kathie M. about cabin glamping options at Muskegon State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly pathways: Ed H. Henning Park offers safe cycling options for children. "We camped for memorial weekend 2019. The staff was great. The showers and bathrooms were clean. They could use a little bit more playground equipment but there where enough trails and the river to keep the kids busy," mentions Korrie H.
Private lake options: Some glamping sites feature no-motor lakes for safer family recreation. "Amazing spot away from the city! The owner of the place is very accommodating and pleasant to be around. Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!" writes Nolyn S. about Scalley Lake Park Campground.
Affordable cabin alternatives: Family glamping in cabins provides budget-friendly accommodations. "The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here," reports Nora M. about her family's experience with glamping cabins.
Tips from RVers
Water access advantages: Sandy Beach County Park offers multiple hookup options with water recreation. "Sites vary with full hookup to rustic. Cabins are available. On the river, beach is clean and picnic area is also clean and well maintained. Bathrooms are kept up well, individual shower rooms are nice," explains Brenton Y.
Site spacing considerations: Woods and Water RV Resort provides more room between glamping sites. "Great staff! Sites are spacious. Easy to back into. Very quite! Wonderful little swim area with water slide. Wonderful trails for hiking. Lots of activities," recommends Amie R., noting the resort's additional amenities.
Electrical needs: Winter glampers should consider power requirements. "We went in March so the weather was cold but doable. 20 degrees at night but with electricity hookups we put a space heater in our tent," advises Les S. about cold-weather glamping at Lake Michigan Campground.
