Best Campgrounds near Lowell, MI

Campgrounds near Lowell, Michigan provide a range of accommodations with several developed facilities offering tent, RV, and cabin options. Ionia State Recreation Area, located approximately 15 miles east of Lowell, features paved campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, along with access to Sessions Lake for swimming and fishing. Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins in Belding offers full-service sites with water and electric hookups, as well as cabin rentals for visitors seeking more comfort. Tyler Creek Campground in Alto combines camping with an on-site golf course, while Camp Clear Sky provides a more rustic tent camping experience with basic amenities.

The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with most developed campgrounds closing for winter. Bertha Brock County Park operates from spring until the first snowfall, while Wabasis Lake County Park welcomes visitors from late April to early November. "This is great campground for family's it's peaceful and for the most part a quiet campground," noted one visitor about Ionia Recreation Area. Road access to campgrounds is generally good with paved or well-maintained gravel roads suitable for passenger vehicles. Many sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Visitors should be aware that some rustic areas, like those in Ionia Recreation Area, require a walk-in approach that isn't clearly indicated on reservation websites.

Water access represents a common attraction among the area's campgrounds, with several facilities situated on or near lakes. Campers at Ionia State Recreation Area appreciate the proximity to Sessions Lake, which offers fishing from docks and swimming at a designated beach area. Families particularly enjoy the combination of outdoor recreation and relatively private campsites. A review pointed out that "Our site was nice with electric and water hookups. My personal wifi off of my phone connected well. Very quiet." Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews across several campgrounds, with some visitors noting aging infrastructure at certain locations. The diversity of options means visitors can choose between more rustic experiences at places like Camp Clear Sky or full-service accommodations at Scalley Lake Park Campground, where cabins provide an alternative to traditional tent and RV sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Lowell, Michigan (135)

    1. Ionia State Recreation Area — Ionia Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Ionia, MI
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 527-3750

    $24 / night

    "There is a disc golf course, mountain bike trail, equestrian trails, hiking trails, a beautiful no wake lake perfect for swimming, kayaking, or fishing.   "

    "First let me say the rustic area is walk-in only. I was unaware of this until we arrived."

    2. Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins

    6 Reviews
    Cannonsburg, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 691-8534

    "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!!!"

    "The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here"

    3. Tyler Creek

    8 Reviews
    Freeport, MI
    9 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."

    4. Wabasis Lake County Park

    10 Reviews
    Cannonsburg, MI
    14 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."

    5. Bertha Brock County Park

    6 Reviews
    Ionia, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 522-7275

    $15 / night

    "3rd night here in mid September and it's very peaceful, there is a nearby gun range but you can barley hear."

    "Relatively close to town if you need to purchase food or other gear. Bugs (mosquitoes) can get pretty bad, bring lots of bug spray!"

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

    25 Reviews
    Cloverdale, MI
    23 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)."

    7. Camp Clear Sky

    1 Review
    Lowell, MI
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (616) 745-1587

    $10 - $179 / night

    8. Double RR Ranch RV Resort

    1 Review
    Belding, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 794-0520

    "It is close to a town to get take out food if it rains. There are some larger vacation lodges to rent that ars nestled away in the woods, and a bunkhouse with rentals."

    9. Indian Valley Campground & Canoe Livery

    4 Reviews
    Caledonia, MI
    13 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!"

    10. Welcome Woods Family Campground

    6 Reviews
    Hastings, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 945-2803

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Close to home but feels “up north”. They offer both rustic and water and electric sites. This is a family campground and my kids loved the playground!"

    "Campsites are right next to each other."

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Recent Reviews near Lowell, MI

653 Reviews of 135 Lowell Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • 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

  • v
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Markin Glen County Park

    Clean and near bike trails

    Great park. Well maintained. Very clean. Lots of bike trails, a beach area. Helpful staff!

  • Joel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    MTB camp and bike (again)

    We camped and rode (again) at Fort Custer.  We've been here 2x before (once in a cabin and once in tents) and this has now officially become a favorite. 

    We loved our site (so don't book this one) as it's close to the trails for riding.  The campground was almost to capacity, but still some open sites.

    All in all this was a great trip, and we even visited Belle's brewery on our way home.

  • W
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Hoffmaster State Park Campground

    We will keep coming back

    We stayed Sunday, and Monday night of Labor Day weekend for the second time this year. This place is clean! The only negative of this place is that the water is not as clear compared to a little north & south. I think it has something to do with the grand river being so close. The walk down & back to the beach is pretty strenuous if you are not used to the dunes & a hill. If you are elderly or not in shape you might go to the beach at an easier access point. Bathrooms & showers are always very clean. They have a campground host that offers free coffee in the mornings & tools you can barrow for your campsite. This is a great place for families. Well spaced sites. No alcohol allowed and pretty quiet after 11pm just the occasional person is awake. We had the site with the creek behind us so we sat our tent up facing the creek. Monday morning there was a lot of people leaving so we did get woke up pretty early w/ a lot of noise of people leaving from Labor Day but Monday night we had empty sites all around us & it was very chill Tuesday morning. I was a little worried that the workers would say something to us bc we had not packed fully by 11 but we were able to finish our breakfast and pack up quickly without them saying anything to us.

  • M
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Crockery Creek RV Park

    Rude and unprofessional

    The little owners wife racially profiled my kids friends mom,  in front of the kids!!!!!!  Ha!  She tried accusing us of sneaking in their pool.  That's hilarious,  because we paid $3700.00 for a seasonal.  The pool is actually small and it was oily and full of hair.  Being off Apple Ave,  it's  loud and hard to relax.  My husband had a tragic workplace accident,  so we weren't able to get to the camper in a few weeks.  The owner called him multiple times at once,  being aggressive with his tone,  trying to get us to pull our camper so they can rent that spot out.  They must be desperate for money.  They should try reading up on the law.  Their website lies about their amenities,  they had no fish all season and their pond was disgusting.


Guide to Lowell

Camping near Lowell, Michigan, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly campground or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Hoffmaster State Park Campground, have miles of trails. One reviewer mentioned, "Miles of trails if you are into hiking. Excellent playground if you have little ones."
  • Fishing: Campgrounds near lakes, such as Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park, provide great fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "Great dunes covered in dune grass, beautiful water next to the pier where we can go fishing."
  • Beach Access: Campgrounds like Beach Campground — Holland State Park offer easy access to the beach. One camper noted, "Walking distance to Lake Michigan and some cute beach shops and restaurants."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Fort Custer Recreation Area stated, "The showers and bathrooms are fine, and I think they're being upgraded this season."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds provide spacious sites. A visitor at Newaygo State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites are large and separated from the next."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground are great for families. One reviewer said, "Great spot. Friend rented out two plots in the rustic campsites."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Grand Haven State Park Campground noted, "Very Tight Sites! This is also a very small state park, so it's parking lot/beach/campground & that's about it."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Lake Michigan Campground mentioned, "No fire rings at the beach sites. Bring a portable if you want a fire."
  • Bug Spray is Essential: Campers often mention bugs, especially in wooded areas. One visitor at Fort Custer Recreation Area said, "It was EXTREMELY buggy. If you weren't covered in Deep Woods bug spray the whole time, you were getting bit."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids, like Hoffmaster State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Excellent playground if you have little ones."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours. A camper at Newaygo State Park Campground noted, "The noise levels really dropped off in the evening."
  • Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One camper at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground shared, "Great fire pit and place to place tents."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Lake Michigan Campground mentioned, "The spot we got was super hard to back our 33’ trailer into."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Muskegon State Park Campground offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A reviewer said, "Clean facilities. Beach access."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Many campgrounds have close sites. A camper at Grand Haven State Park Campground noted, "Sites are extremely tight and small."

Camping near Lowell, Michigan, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Lowell, Michigan from popular state parks like Sleepy Hollow?

Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground is approximately 45-50 miles from Lowell, making it about an hour's drive. The park is tucked away in Clinton County and easily accessible from major roads. Sleepy Hollow features a large lake (Lake Ovid) with excellent fishing opportunities and is conveniently located near Lansing with shopping centers nearby. Other popular state parks within driving distance include Yankee Springs Recreation Area (about 30 miles) and Hoffmaster State Park (approximately 50 miles).

What parks in Lowell, Michigan offer camping facilities?

While Lowell itself has limited camping directly within the city limits, several nearby parks offer camping facilities. Ionia State Recreation Area is relatively close to Lowell and provides camping options. For those willing to travel slightly further, Bertha Brock County Park near Ionia offers multiple access points (boat-in, drive-in, hike-in, walk-in) with reservable sites, water, and toilets. These parks provide scenic natural surroundings while still being within a reasonable distance from Lowell.

What are the best campgrounds near Lowell, Michigan?

Several excellent campgrounds are located near Lowell. Wabasis Lake County Park near Greenville offers drive-in access with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. For families, Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation provides full hook-ups, rustic camping options, a swimming pool, fishing, and a gagaball pit. The campground is family-run with clean bathhouses and spacious campsites that are easy to access. Other nearby options include Tyler Creek near Alto and Indian Valley Campground & Canoe Livery near Middleville, both offering various amenities for a comfortable camping experience.