Tent camping options around Kent City, Michigan range from state forest campgrounds to family-owned RV parks that accommodate tent campers. Located in Michigan's western lower peninsula approximately 20 miles north of Grand Rapids, this area features rolling terrain with mixed hardwood and pine forests surrounding numerous lakes and rivers. Temperature variations can be significant with summer highs typically reaching 75-85°F and evening temperatures dropping 15-20 degrees.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground offers two connected lakes with multiple fishing spots and docks. According to a camper, "Big Leverentz is large enough for small motor boats, and makes a nice peaceful area to kayak around looking for wildlife including fish, turtles, muskrats, etc. It has a boat ramp and a fishing pier."
Trail exploration: Several campgrounds near Kent City maintain hiking paths through forested areas. At Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground, visitors note "good hikes from the campground" and one reviewer mentioned "nearby trails to walk and access to drinking water."
Water activities: The Muskegon State Park Channel Campground provides access to both Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. A visitor reports, "We stayed on the channel side, and was right next to the pathway to walk to the channel. It's very well maintained... It was close to the beach to Lake Michigan and the beautiful sand dunes right on the beach."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the room between sites at certain campgrounds. At Leverentz Lake, one camper noted, "The sites are large enough and spaced far enough apart that even if it were full you would not feel crowded in at this campground. Many of the sites are on a hill looking over the lake."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower areas. At Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, visitors often mention the cleanliness: "The bathrooms and showers were super clean and someone was always in there keeping them that way."
Family activities: For those camping with children, many sites offer dedicated recreation areas. A reviewer of Woods and Water RV Resort described "wonderful little swim area with water slide. Wonderful trails for hiking. Lots of activities."
What you should know
Arrival timing matters: Some campgrounds have strict check-in policies. At Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, a camper warned, "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."
Varied amenity levels: Facilities range widely from primitive to full-service. The White River Campsite #1 offers true dispersed camping with minimal infrastructure: "While there are numbered campsites, there are no facilities or amenities. This is more suitable for tents or maybe small campers."
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall camping presents different experiences than summer. A visitor to Leverentz Lake noted, "First come first serve in the fall- we were basically the only ones there. Big spacious sites, lake access and good hikes from the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds feature small farm animals that children enjoy. One visitor to Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA mentioned, "We love this little KOA and camp here often with family who stay in the cabins... the activities are super fun and the pool is a nice size for the kids. My nephew loves the goats more than anything!"
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events for children. A visitor noted, "We have two girls of the age of five so the pool, the hayride, the night hayride, two parks, jump pad, and feeding the goats kept them busy."
Entertainment options: For families wanting off-site activities, many campgrounds are located near attractions. A review of Camp Clear Sky mentioned it's "near Grand Rapids" while another KOA visitor noted, "Grand Haven is about 20-25 minutes away if you want to cruise out to Lake Michigan."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers recommend considering specific site locations when booking. At Drew's Country Camping, the approximately 30 grassy sites "feel more like someone's big backyard than an actual campground" with "fairly well-maintained facilities despite the vintage look."
Spacing considerations: Several reviewers commented on site dimensions. Oak Knoll Family Campground was described as "clean, but very small spaces for each site. Water and electric are available."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. Drew's Country Camping is open "Apr 1 to Oct 31" while Leverentz Lake is typically available from "April to October," important for RVers planning longer trips to the best tent camping near Kent City, Michigan.
