Mears, Michigan sits along the western edge of Michigan's lower peninsula where dunes and forests meet Lake Michigan shoreline. The surrounding terrain features several inland lakes and smaller waterways connecting to Lake Michigan, creating varied water recreation opportunities. Many campgrounds near Mears operate seasonally from late April through mid-October, with most closing entirely during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing at Bass Lake: At Whispering Surf Campground, campers can rent kayaks and canoes directly on-site. "We enjoyed renting kayaks from the campground and paddling along bass lake," reports Hailey C. The campground offers "a nice sandy beach and good fishing" according to Brenda S., making it ideal for water activities without traveling.
Off-road vehicle recreation: For dune enthusiasts, Dune Town Camp Resort provides direct access to Silver Lake's renowned dune riding areas. "The campground is next to an activity center with go karts a zip line a small coaster, bumper boats and mini golf," notes Sheldon E. The resort serves as a base for dune explorers, as Mike H. confirms: "We visited here for the sole purpose to use as a base camp to ride the sand dunes."
Beach and dune hiking: Visitors can walk to Big Sable Lighthouse along sandy trails at Cedar Campground, where "the hike to Big Sable lighthouse was beautiful as it wound through the woods and out over the dunes," according to Nancy W. The park offers 18 miles of trails that connect the campground to Lake Michigan beaches and dune overlooks.
What campers like
Dual water access: Campers value locations providing access to both inland lakes and Lake Michigan. "You can paddle through Bass Lake and into the river straight down to the dam at the big lake, where you are met with beautiful dunes and a little swimming hole," notes Greg S. about Whispering Surf Campground. This dual-lake setup creates warmer swimming areas where rivers meet Lake Michigan.
Clean bathrooms and facilities: Hill & Hollow Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "Meticulously clean campground. Wonderful pool. Lots of shade," reports Jeff G., while Melissa M. notes "the bathrooms are very clean." Many reviewers specifically mention bathroom cleanliness as a deciding factor when choosing campsites near Mears.
Family activities: Organized events keep children entertained at many campgrounds. "This place is FUN!!! The waterpark, playground, hammock area, swings, biggest sand box ever, all the activities, and can't forget the ice cream shop!!!" exclaims Melissa B. about Dunes Harbor Family Camp. Campgrounds regularly schedule structured activities like "hay rides, outdoor movies, and character meet and greets" according to cheyanne P.
What you should know
Seasonal popularity affects availability: Summer months draw large crowds to Mears area campgrounds. "This is a super clean family friendly campground! It is one of our favorite places to camp and go back every year," notes Cassondra P., adding "It's worth the money!" Reservations often open 6-12 months in advance and fill quickly for peak season.
Site privacy varies widely: Campground layouts range from spacious to crowded. "The sites have many great unique features to them. We love the elevated area for the fire pit our site had!" reports Jason C. at Hill & Hollow. However, at Mears State Park Campground, Keith B. observed: "Only drawback was how close the sites were to each other."
Sand management challenges: Mears State Park Campground features sandy terrain throughout. "There is no grass and is pretty much all sand. As long as that doesn't bother you, you will have a great time camping here," advises Martin W. Sand-based campsites require different equipment considerations than grassy or wooded areas.
Tips for camping with families
Book activity campgrounds: Parents recommend campgrounds with built-in entertainment. "There is a nice pool for the kids. It's a great place to camp if your going to be off doing things elsewhere," suggests Cassondra P. about Silver Lake Resort & Campground. Activity-focused sites minimize travel with children.
Consider proximity to town amenities: Sandy Shores Campground offers convenience to local services. "Grocery store immediately off site within walking distance," notes Frank P., an important feature for families needing supplies. Campgrounds within walking distance to towns provide flexibility for ice cream runs and restaurant meals.
Choose campgrounds with playground options: Multiple play areas keep children entertained throughout the day. At Dunes Harbor Family Camp, Alexandra O. found "a pool (so nice!), athletic field, activity/craft center, playground, and Gaga ball pit. This was great because everyone had something to do." Varied play environments accommodate different ages and interests.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup placement matters: At Silver Lake State Park Campground, Clint notes an important layout issue: "Our electric box for our site was in the front passenger side of the lot. Aren't most RV plugs in the rear driver side? Any way when I went to complain the response I got was basically 'oh well'. Ended up having to buy a $75 extension cord." Check hookup locations when reserving.
Site leveling requirements vary: Campgrounds near Mears feature different terrain challenges. "Our site needed leveling but was not bad," reports Rachel G. about Kibby Creek Campground. Sites on dunes or near water often require additional leveling equipment compared to established campgrounds with designated pads.
Beware tight navigation at some campgrounds: Larger rigs face challenges at certain locations. At Whispering Surf Campground, owners recognize these difficulties and provide assistance. "They escorted us in as it was a little tight with our 40 foot 5th wheel," explains John Ryan G. Request guidance when arriving with oversized vehicles, especially at older campgrounds with narrower roads.
