Best Campgrounds near Kentwood, MI

Campgrounds surrounding Kentwood, Michigan provide a mix of developed facilities and waterfront recreation within easy reach of Grand Rapids metro area. Woodchip Campground in Byron Center and Steamboat Park Campground in Jenison serve as popular bases for exploring the region, with most offering full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and in some cases, cabin rentals. Several campgrounds like Hungry Horse Campground feature family-oriented amenities including swimming pools, playgrounds, and seasonal activities, while maintaining proximity to urban conveniences.

Camping options remain most plentiful from May through October when seasonal campgrounds operate at full capacity. Most developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods. The majority of campgrounds near Kentwood provide electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, though specific amenities vary by location. Campers choosing sites near the Thornapple River can expect varying water levels depending on season. While the region has numerous private campgrounds, options for primitive or dispersed camping on public lands are limited. A recent visitor noted, "While it is near a regional airport, there is close to no air traffic and no commercial traffic I noticed. Overall, probably one of the top 5 campgrounds I have encountered."

Family-friendly experiences dominate the camping scene around Kentwood, with several campgrounds specifically designed for children's activities. Woodchip Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its playground facilities, bounce pillow, and organized activities. One camper shared, "We love this as an easy getaway close to home. There are campsites in a circle around the playground, so you can sit at your site and watch the kids play." Steamboat Park Campground offers river views and boat cruises directly from the property, making it popular for fishing and water activities. Sites along waterways tend to fill quickest, particularly those with full hookups for RVs. Most mixed-use campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities with modern amenities like showers, flush toilets, and in some cases, laundry services, though site sizes and privacy levels vary considerably between properties.

Best Camping Sites Near Kentwood, Michigan (149)

    1. Woodchip Campground

    9 Reviews
    Byron Center, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 878-9050

    "We love this as an easy getaway close to home. I wouldn’t call it a beautiful campground... but it is clean, and has a ton to do for kids!"

    "Great trees surrounding the property. Tons of kids - great activities for them! Campground is clean, and staff friendly."

    2. Steamboat Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Jenison, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 457-4837

    $45 - $85 / night

    "Year round parks are so hard to find in Michigan. This one is awesome. Great spots in the trees and also back in spots right on the river."

    "This is a quirky little campground tucked away along a large river. It's not large, but half of the sites are directly on a wide fast moving river.  Occasionally a paddleboat goes buy with tourists. "

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

    25 Reviews
    Cloverdale, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 795-9081

    "First time in central Michigan and it was absolutely beautiful. The campground has a great location and lots of mountain bike and hiking trails."

    "This is a campground in Yankee Spring Recreational Area in Mid-Michigan. This is a nice rustic campground near the NCT(North Country Trail)."

    4. Hungry Horse Campground

    7 Reviews
    Wayland, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 681-9836

    "Cute little campground in a small town in Dorr, Michigan. Lots of activities, swimming, wagon rides, jump pad, and more. Facilities were fairly clean and easily accessible."

    "Multiple playgrounds, toddler pool and regular pool, jump pad, and lots of room to run around."

    5. Tyler Creek

    8 Reviews
    Freeport, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 868-6751

    $28 - $50 / night

    "Recently, I inherited a pop up camper and chose this place to be my first location to try it out. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Our site was nice with electric and water hookups."

    6. Indian Valley Campground & Canoe Livery

    4 Reviews
    Caledonia, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 891-8579

    "A small onsite store, but not to far of a drive if you need a grocery store or other amenities. They are also very affordable for canoe and kayak rental. Great place to go!"

    7. Gun Lake Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Middleville, MI
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 795-9081

    "This is also a short drive away from tons of beautiful walking paths."

    "You can walk the trail to the state park beach and store. Bathrooms are clean."

    8. Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA

    13 Reviews
    Allendale, MI
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 895-6601

    "We did venture out to a brewery 5-10 mins away in Allendale and Grand Haven is about 20-25 minutes away if you want to cruise out to Lake Michigan. The pool was clean and we had a lot on the pond."

    "Very easy drive to the lighthouse, too!"

    9. Crooked Lake Campground and RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Caledonia, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 270-7739

    "I had a great spot overlooking the lake and next to the boat launch. Campsites are spacious, there are two vault toilets and a water pump."

    10. Wabasis Lake County Park

    10 Reviews
    Cannonsburg, MI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 691-8056

    "There are a few downsides:

    1. Because it's so close to Grand Rapids and some other cities, it typically is full on the weekends. Booking a site can be troublesome."

    "However, we were able to get a hold of the staff the next day, we were refunded for our first night, and had a great second night at Wabasis Lake staying in the camper cabins."

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Recent Reviews near Kentwood, MI

749 Reviews of 149 Kentwood Campgrounds


  • Super S.
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Crockery Creek RV Park

    RUDE AND INCONSIDERATE AND GREEDY

    Terrible place to camp, dirty pool, apple avenue with loud semis , 100s of golf carts, so many that they should have stop lights , NO FISH IN THE POND, greedy owners, boom boom music played all hours by kids on golf carts......if you want to waste your money then this is the place for you.......they will respond saying it isn't true and that I'm a liar.....all of this is the truth

  • J
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Kal-Haven Outpost

    Great tent camping destination

    We really enjoyed our two nights tent camping at Kal Haven Outpost! The management is great, and the restrooms are very clean and the sites were really well designed. We love the wooded camping sites that we used in the four of us. Had a great time. We brought our bikes and use the trail for several miles. It was so peaceful and relaxing, and a great way to get away.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Woodchip Campground

    Great location in Grand Rapids Area

    Great place to stay for the weekend. Lots of activities for kids. Heats pool till end of October . Does trick or treating. Sites are small.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Drews Country Camping

    Rustic Backyard Camping Charm

    This is a sweet little family-owned park just outside Holland with about 30 grassy sites that feel more like someone’s big backyard than an actual campground. The place has been around since 1981, and while you’ll notice some older RVs parked around the edges and a slightly dumpy vibe overall, it’s still cared for with pride with fairly clean restrooms (in a building that looks like it was built in the 1930s), a small playground where the boys burned off energy, and a pool that (full disclosure) sits right up front near the highway so it feels a bit awkward, but still fun on a hot day. Our boys made fast friends, turning a simple game of tag into a neighborhood adventure before we strolled into town for cones at the Polka Dot Ice Cream Parlor and a sunset walk along 8th Street. I’d recommend Drew’s to families for its homey feel, fairly well-maintained facilities despite the vintage look, and the friendly mix of full-timers and travel-campers that keeps things relaxed and welcoming.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Fisherman's Landing & Campground

    Classic Michigan Sunsets with Lakefront Views

    Nestled along the shores of Muskegon Lake, Fisherman’s Landing Launch & Campground hums with the easy rhythm of boats, endless laughter and evening campfires over s’mores. It’s a city-run spot with around a hundred sites, a marina close at hand and the kind of well-worn facilities that feel lived-in but cared for with clean restrooms, warm showers and a big playground that kept the boys busy while my husband wrestled with the fishing rods. We spent sunset on the dock, toes trailing in the water as the boys skipped stones and tried to out-cheer one another. I’d recommend Fisherman’s Landing to families who appreciate a laid-back lakeside stay, friendly folks and those golden Michigan summer evenings that end with the smell of water and woodsmoke.

  • J
    Oct. 14, 2025

    PJ Hoffmaster State Park

    Beautiful Park

    Campground is nice, quiet, and there’s a trail that leads directly to the beach!

  • K
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park Campground

    Lakeshore Campground at Muskegon State Park

    Staying in the north loop of the Lakeshore campground. Sites were level and shaded by mature trees. Road is a bit narrow which made backing out travel trailer in a bit tricky, not impossible. Family friendly campground that is a couple hundred feet away from Lake Michigan. Will definitely come back.

  • G
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Beach Campground — Holland State Park

    Entry policy needs revising

    Got to campground at 13:00, checked to see if my reserved site was vacant (it was vacant) then went to check in. Attendant told couldn’t check in until 15:00. Had to park in marina parking lot.  Went back to check in and there was a line out to the street (safety issue).  It then took us 1/2 hr to check in then had to wait another 1/2hr in line for water. Got to site at 16:15.  Something has to change. Was told this was a Holland State Park decision because other state parks don’t do this.  Horrible, horrible policy


Guide to Kentwood

Camping near Kentwood, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful beaches to wooded trails, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Fort Custer Recreation Area. One visitor mentioned, “We took full advantage of the mountain bike trails which are very easily accessed from the campground.”
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park. A camper shared, “Beautiful campground right on Lake Michigan. Clean facilities. Beach access.”
  • Fishing and Swimming: Spend a day at Van Buren State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, “The beach is very nice with nearby flush toilets.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Hoffmaster State Park Campground said, “It’s a gem that has something for everyone. Miles of trails if you are into hiking.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Grand Haven State Park Campground stated, “Bathrooms were very clean, staff were very friendly.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground are noted for being great for families. One camper remarked, “Great spot. Friend rented out two plots in the rustic campsites.”

What you should know:

  • Tight Campsites: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Lake Michigan Campground mentioned, “If you like to camp in a parking lot, you will love this lakeside campground.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Yankee Springs Recreation Area, have fewer amenities. A visitor noted, “This campground offered the worst of both worlds. No creature comforts and absolutely no privacy.”
  • Noise Levels: Expect some noise, especially during busy weekends. A reviewer at Newaygo State Park Campground said, “Two nights of brain damaging laughter and frivolity by campsite 21 ruined the whole experience.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Van Buren State Park Campground, which has playgrounds. One camper mentioned, “Family oriented campground with 2 playgrounds—thus very noisy during the day with kids.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Hoffmaster State Park Campground shared, “Excellent playground if you have little ones.”
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. A camper at Covert Park Beach & Campground noted, “The camp store is well stocked, and has firewood at a good price.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Fort Custer Recreation Area mentioned, “Some of the campsites are very close together and it's hard to determine that from the map.”
  • Bring Your Own Fire Pit: Some campgrounds don’t provide fire rings. A camper at Lake Michigan Campground said, “No fire rings at the beach sites. Bring a portable if you want a fire.”
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: In wooded areas, bugs can be a nuisance. A visitor at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground noted, “The bugs were pretty intense, but bug spray helped.”

Camping near Kentwood, Michigan, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time exploring the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kentwood, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kentwood, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Kentwood, MI and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Kentwood, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kentwood, MI is Woodchip Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kentwood, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Kentwood, MI.