Best Campgrounds near Montague, MI
Campgrounds near Montague, Michigan range from rustic to full-service facilities, with several options providing access to Lake Michigan's shoreline. White River RV Park & Campground in Montague offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations from May through mid-October. Just south in Muskegon, several state park campgrounds provide additional options, including Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park and South Channel Campground, both offering a mix of tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Sand Road Primitive Rustic Camping provides free dispersed camping options.
The camping season in this region typically runs from May through September, with some facilities remaining open year-round. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when lakefront sites fill quickly. "We stayed at the Channel Campground right on the channel from Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan, so you have walking access to both lakes," noted one visitor, though they cautioned that "campsites were VERY close together." Cell service varies throughout the area, with Verizon generally providing better coverage than T-Mobile or Sprint. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities, while the dispersed camping areas typically have no amenities and may require permits.
Proximity to Lake Michigan represents a significant draw for campers in the Montague area. Several visitors highlighted the easy beach access as a key feature of their stay. According to one camper at Muskegon State Park, the campground is "just steps from Lake Michigan. Literally walk down some steps, and you're at the beach." The region also offers numerous recreational opportunities beyond swimming, including hiking trails, fishing in White River and nearby lakes, and access to the Hart-Montague bike trail. While waterfront sites tend to be more crowded and offer less privacy, they provide convenient access to swimming and water activities. Inland sites often feature more shade and separation between campsites, with several campgrounds situated among pine forests that provide natural cooling during summer months.