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Best Campgrounds near Mattawan, MI

702 Reviews

Kalamazoo County and surrounding areas offer a range of campground options within proximity to Mattawan, Michigan. Several established facilities cater to different camping styles, including Fort Custer Recreation Area with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations approximately 15 miles southeast of Mattawan, and Markin Glen County Park featuring full hookup sites roughly 10 miles east. Outdoor Adventures Kalamazoo Resort and Cranberry Lake Campground provide additional options for those seeking developed campgrounds with amenities. The region includes both public parks and private camping resorts that accommodate tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin rentals.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with many closing between mid-October and late April. Markin Glen County Park operates from April 25 to October 15, while others like Fort Custer maintain year-round accessibility. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, though amenities vary significantly between locations. The terrain throughout the region is relatively flat with some small hills, making most sites accessible without specialized vehicles. Weather conditions remain mild through summer months with occasional thunderstorms. A visitor noted about Markin Glen: "Despite having lived near Kalamazoo for seven years, we had never visited this park previously. The sites are large level concrete pads with grass dividing the sites."

Family-friendly amenities represent a common feature at campgrounds near Mattawan. Several facilities offer swimming areas, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails. Markin Glen County Park provides access to the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail system, connecting campers to extensive paved pathways for biking and walking. Campers report that noise levels can vary, with some sites experiencing occasional train noise. Camping close to Kalamazoo provides convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting. One camper commented that Markin Glen is "a great place for us with the family. The lake was wonderful. Meeting up with some friends was easy here." Most campgrounds offer a mix of sunny and shaded sites, with waterfront locations typically commanding premium prices and booking quickly during peak season.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mattawan, Michigan (155)

    1. Fort Custer Recreation Area

    44 Reviews
    Augusta, MI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 731-4200

    "Fort Custer is a hidden gem in Michigan. Nobody thinks to go camping near Battle Creek, but they really should reconsider!"

    "Another great camping experience, site 210 has an amazing trail that leads directly to the showers at one end and at the other path went directly to running water, plus only a couple of yards from a great"

    2. Markin Glen County Park

    6 Reviews
    Nazareth, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 381-7570

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Despite having lived near Kalamazoo for seven years, we had never visited this park previously. The site are large level concrete pads with grass dividing the sites. All full hookups."

    "There are three roads in the campground and the two roads on the outside have no one behind them which adds privacy. "

    3. Van Buren State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 637-2788

    "Not only is it a short distance from our home but it is a short walk to Lake Michigan! The campground has tree-lined lots and some of the loops are very wooded."

    "Walkable access to Lake Michigan is unbeatable! Bathrooms are very clean."

    4. Melville 7 Lakes

    4 Reviews
    Marcellus, MI
    12 miles

    $25 / night

    "Access to several lakes including all sports"

    "Lake for boating and fishing. Has a small swimming area, playground."

    5. Outdoor Adventures Kalamazoo Resort

    3 Reviews
    Nazareth, MI
    12 miles
    Website

    6. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday

    17 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 764-0818

    "Nice very busy pool and slide, play areas, walking trail, camp store with hot food. Not far from Lake Michigan and places to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Check it out you'll be happy you did."

    "This is a great place to camp with young children, as there are many activities around the camp. It is family owned and operated and you can tell- warm and friendly."

    7. Brookside City Park

    6 Reviews
    Allegan, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 692-3391

    $5 - $10 / night

    "The camping spots are in a park right off the main road, however they are tucked all the way around back offering surprisingly private camping."

    "The campsites are located past the playground and shelter. Just keep driving down the road that looks like an alley. There is a wonderful place set up for just a few campers. "

    8. Kalamazoo County Expo Center

    1 Review
    Kalamazoo, MI
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 383-8778

    "It’s not as big as some of the expo centers in Michigan, but it does the job. If you plan to camp here they offer 220 campsites over 5 small campgrounds."

    9. Cranberry Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Marcellus, MI
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 646-3336

    "The kids and dog really enjoyed the playground, swimming in the lake and jumping off the floating pad. There were little cabins and trailers for rent but we had our own camper."

    "Park near store and get great WiFi....I spent 14 days streaming, gaming and watching movies. This is campground is definitely a diamond in the sand."

    10. Covert Park Beach & Campground

    19 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 764-1421

    $40 - $100 / night

    "Pros: Lake Michigan is right there! We walked down to sunset and it was a 5 min walk max."

    "Close to beach of Lake Michigan. Walk in primitive tent site is what I stayed at. Many other sites available. Quiet at night. Great staff"

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Recent Camping Photos near Mattawan, MI

211 Photos of 155 Mattawan Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mattawan, MI

702 Reviews of 155 Mattawan Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Therese S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Warren Dunes State Park Campground

    Nice Campground But Spendy

    Nice campground with easy access to dunes and lake, but the nightly fee for a motorhome with electric only (no water) was $60 a night. Quite a bit higher than we would typically go for, but other campgrounds in the area were shut down for the season. The spaces are small but it wasn’t too crowded, bathrooms and showers were very clean.

  • 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.

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Small, lakeside, chill

    This was our first time staying at Covert Park Beach + Campground. We stayed in site 52 with our 21 ft travel trailer. The site is a good size. Tree placement made it a little tricky to back into, but nothing crazy. We stayed Sunday to Saturday, so we got to see it at its bustling weekend peak and the quiet, cozy weekday vibe. Family friendly, dog friendly and kid friendly. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach, but there's a beach a few minutes down the road (Hagar Beach) where you can bring leashed dogs. Sunset views were beautiful. Bathrooms were very clean and showers nice and hot. The two guys who were running the check-in and campground operations were super cool- they were the perfect mix of attentive and laid back. No sewer on campsites but there's a dump station when you enter/exit. Ice and firewood are abundantly available and can be delivered to your site. We loved our stay here. Tree cover is generous, and it really preserves the camping feel. Weekend crowd was fun, friendly and lots of locals. Would definitely stay again!

Guide to Mattawan

Camping near Mattawan, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From sandy beaches to wooded trails, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Warren Dunes State Park Campground, provide great hiking paths and access to Lake Michigan. One camper mentioned, “Overall, great walking paths, hiking and the beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!”
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Potato Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A visitor shared, “Fishing, kayaking on the lake,” highlighting the peaceful nature of the park.
  • Family Activities: Campgrounds like Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday offer fun for kids with splash pads and playgrounds. One review noted, “It has a splash pad, a jump park, and the pool,” making it a hit for families.

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the scenic views and wooded areas. A review for Fort Custer Recreation Area stated, “We loved how wooded and beautiful the campground was.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Pokagon State Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor remarked, “Bathrooms and showers were clean,” which is always a plus when camping.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. At Covert Park Beach & Campground, one camper said, “The camp is under new management and they are friendly and welcoming.”

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Lake Michigan Campground noted, “This is a very popular beach campground,” which can lead to tight spaces.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Weko Beach Campground has basic facilities, and one visitor mentioned, “Bathrooms were port o potties only and half of them didn’t even have toilet paper.”
  • Noise Levels: Some campers have reported noise from nearby roads or other campers. A review for Van Buren State Park Campground stated, “Nearby highway noise which I dislike,” so be prepared for some background sounds.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday that offer activities for kids. One review highlighted, “Perfect for kids activities.”
  • Plan for Beach Days: If you’re near the coast, make sure to pack beach gear. A camper at Warren Dunes State Park Campground enjoyed the beach, saying, “The beach was a great bonus.”
  • Bring Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save you trips to the camp store. A visitor at Potato Creek State Park Campground mentioned, “The camp store had a little bit of everything,” but it’s always good to have your favorites ready.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A review for Pokagon State Park Campground advised, “Some sites are level, some aren't,” which is crucial for RV parking.
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with convenient dump stations. A camper at Fort Custer Recreation Area appreciated the “dump stations located in loops,” making it easier for RVers.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials like water and firewood. A visitor at Covert Park Beach & Campground noted, “Firewood at a good price,” which can be helpful for campfires.

Camping near Mattawan, Michigan, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mattawan, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mattawan, MI is Fort Custer Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 44 reviews.

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