Best Campgrounds near Mears, MI

The camping landscape around Mears, Michigan centers on its proximity to Lake Michigan and Silver Lake State Park, with numerous developed campgrounds supporting a range of camping styles. Silver Lake State Park Campground provides traditional tent and RV sites with electricity and modern facilities, while Dunes Harbor Family Camp offers more diverse accommodations including cabins and glamping options. The region includes several family-oriented campgrounds with amenities like swimming pools, recreation areas, and easy beach access, making it popular for summer vacations.

Access to campgrounds in the Mears area varies seasonally, with most facilities operating from May through October. "We absolutely loved our stay here! Lots of trees, walking paths, Lake Michigan beach steps away," noted one camper about their experience in the region. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months when Lake Michigan beaches draw significant crowds. Cell service is generally reliable near established campgrounds but can be spotty in more remote areas. The terrain features a mix of forested areas and sand dunes, with most campgrounds providing paved or level sites suitable for a variety of camping setups. Weather conditions remain mild during the camping season, though Lake Michigan can create unpredictable weather patterns with strong winds and sudden temperature changes.

Campers consistently highlight water access as a primary draw to the Mears area, with multiple reviews mentioning proximity to both Lake Michigan and smaller inland lakes. Several visitors noted the appeal of campgrounds offering dual water access. According to one reviewer, "The best thing by far is the dual access to the STUNNING beach on Lake Michigan. You can paddle through Bass Lake and into the river straight down to the dam at the big lake." Campgrounds closer to Silver Lake State Park offer convenient access to the popular dunes area, where off-road vehicle recreation represents a major attraction. Sites throughout the region vary in privacy levels, with some campgrounds described as having tightly packed sites while others provide more spacious, wooded settings. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, recreation areas, and ice cream stands are common features mentioned in positive reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Mears, Michigan (197)

    1. Silver Lake State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mears, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 873-3083

    "But the location is awesome due to its proximity to the Silver Lake Off Road Vehicle Area, Lake Michigan, Silver Lake and the Little Sable Point Lighthouse. "

    "Silver lake is one of the most beautiful areas you can go in all of Michigan. With dunes of it's own, & a perfect, calm crystal lake - it's great for swimming, kayaking and photography."

    2. Dunes Harbor Family Camp

    11 Reviews
    Mears, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 873-3662

    "The tent sites and full-hookup camper sites are separate (but there were a couple campers and plenty of pop-ups in our area) and the tent sites are grassy/wooded and on the edge of the campground."

    "There is a nice lake for fishing and kayaking. This is campground is part of a Christian camp near by and is a dry campground. "

    3. Mears State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Pentwater, MI
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 869-2051

    "Clean facilities and closely located to Lake Michigan. Only drawback was how close the sites were to each other."

    "Awesome location for camping, and is right on Lake Michigan. However, 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."

    4. Sandy Shores Campground

    9 Reviews
    Mears, MI
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 873-3003

    "Silver Lake is a popular destination for off road vehicles, so this campground is always full of vehicles and traffic."

    "Grocery store immediately off site within walking distance. Sand beach across the street on the shore of a beautiful lake or use the heated pool on site."

    5. Dune Town Camp Resort

    9 Reviews
    Mears, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 873-4502

    $38 - $60 / night

    "We didn’t have a second vehicle so was trapped at the resort and close surrounding shops. The best thing about this park is the proximity to Silver Lake."

    "Right in the heart of Silver Lake, this campground is the walking distance or a short drive to shopping, food and fun! the campground itself has a pool and game room for the the family."

    6. Hill & Hollow Campground & RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Pentwater, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 869-5811

    "Campsite is located 2 miles from downtown Pentwater, adorable small town on the water. Mears state park is 2 miles from the campground as well, Lake Michigan beaches."

    "The little town of Pentwater is close by. It is a neat place with shops and treats as well as art and a fancy grocery store. Plan to spend a day strolling the sidewalks there."

    7. Kibby Creek Campground

    11 Reviews
    Pentwater, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 843-3995

    $40 - $160 / night

    "Close to Lake Michigan and very clean! Will definitely come back"

    "Locally there is a few lighthouses, parks, views of Lake Michigan. Ludington Bay Brewing was an excellent place for dinner and a drink."

    8. Silver Lake Resort & Campground

    6 Reviews
    Mears, MI
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 873-7199

    "Sites were nice and level, we stayed at the western edge and only had neighbors to the sides of us. Campground was clean and serviced."

    "Close to the dunes and the village of Silver Creek. Rent Jeeps at the village."

    9. Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake

    6 Reviews
    Pentwater, MI
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 869-5050

    $46 - $69 / night

    "But it improves dramatically as you drive over the hill and into the hollow where there are nicely spaced sites scattered across a field with a great playground and a path to Bass Lake."

    "Whispering Surf has a private beach on Bass Lake--great fishing, sandy bottom, kayak and canoe rentals--plus 2 Lake Michigan beaches within walking distance."

    10. Cedar Campground — Ludington State Park

    40 Reviews
    Ludington, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 843-2423

    $25 - $65 / night

    "It is situated between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan with several miles of beautiful shoreline along both lakes."

    "You have easy access to Lake Hamlin and Lake Michigan for great swimming. Float down the creek to Lake Michigan or go hiking to the light house."

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Recent Reviews near Mears, MI

898 Reviews of 197 Mears Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • Evelyn K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Lots of privacy

    These dispersed sites in the national forest are fantastic! Level for tents. Spread out enough that you aren’t on top of neighbors. We couldn’t see anyone from our site. Really great biking paths. We had fun on our e-bikes. Beautiful surroundings. Good birding too. No bugs!

  • 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.

  • Therese S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Penny Park Campground

    Decent Little Campground

    Flat camp area on the lake. Some of the spaces have electric hookups. We came in the off season so it’s not too crowded, but the spaces are small so I imagine it would be tight in peak season. Bathrooms are currently locked, but there is a potable water spigot available. Reasonable camp fee - $20.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Doesn't exist and says "no camping"

    We went down the path and it says to make it right when there's no road that goes to the right. We drove three and a half hours to get here and now we've got to figure out where we're going to stay for the night. And the only spot that looked like a campable spot says no camping. There's a stake in the ground that says it.

  • T
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Nichols Lake South Campground

    Needs to maintain standards of operation

    Facility at Office quite nice. Camp host was running his generator all night long. Women routinely take their dogs with them into the restroom. We’re not talking about outhouses but flush toilet bathroom with shower.

  • J
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Green Road Dispersed - Manistee NF

    Nice and woodsy

    The sites were easy to find and surrounded by forest. I could see other campers from my site, but they weren’t close. FCFS of course, but I had no problem finding an available site.


Guide to Mears

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mears, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mears, MI offers a wide range of camping options, with 197 campgrounds and RV parks near Mears, MI and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mears, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mears, MI is Silver Lake State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 23 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Mears, MI.