Primitive camping options near Montague, Michigan range from rustic state forest sites to family-friendly campgrounds with basic amenities. The region sits along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan within driving distance of Manistee National Forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during peak camping season, with autumn bringing cooler temperatures and colorful foliage to the wooded campsites.
What to do
Hiking trail access: Muskegon State Park features miles of trails through dunes and woods with several lookout points scattered throughout the park. According to one camper at South Channel Campground, "Just a walk from the beach. Miles of trails through the dunes and woods. A few lookout points scattered throughout."
Boat watching: The channel connecting Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan provides unique boat-viewing opportunities from campsites. A visitor notes, "Can watch boats go through channel from campsite, loved watching the lake express."
Fishing opportunities: Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground offers excellent fishing access with a pier and boat launch. "The lake offers a fishing pier," reports one camper, while another mentions spotting "wildlife including fish, turtles, muskrats" while kayaking.
Small lake exploration: For paddlers seeking quieter waters, Leverentz Lake provides peaceful exploration. "Big Leverentz is large enough for small motor boats, and makes a nice peaceful area to kayak around looking for wildlife including fish, turtles, muskrats, etc."
What campers like
Lake views: Campsites overlooking water rank highly among visitors to tent camping areas near Montague. At Leverentz Lake, "Many of the sites are on a hill looking over the lake," and campers appreciate that even when "the campground was full on a late september weekend but still quiet and didn't feel crowded at all."
Spacious sites: Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA receives praise for site spacing, with one camper noting, "Sites are fairly wooded (lots of pine trees) and not too crowded." Another camper adds, "The sites are well treed and flat!"
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention facility maintenance in reviews. At South Channel Campground, visitors appreciate that "Amenities are well maintained," while at Allendale KOA, campers note "The showers are clean and spacious" and "the bathrooms and showers were super clean and someone was always in there keeping them that way."
Family activities: Campgrounds with recreational options receive positive reviews from families. "The jump pad, and feeding the goats kept them busy. There was a lot to do so we didn't feel the need to leave," shares one KOA visitor.
What you should know
Reservation needs: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. A South Channel Campground visitor advises simply: "Reserve early."
Campsite spacing: Space between sites varies significantly between campgrounds. Some visitors note that White River Campsite #1 is "more suitable for tents or maybe small campers," while others mention that certain campgrounds feature sites that are "large enough and spaced far enough apart that even if it were full you would not feel crowded."
Amenity limitations: Many primitive sites lack basic facilities. At White River, campers note, "While there are numbered campsites, there are no facilities or amenities."
Payment systems: Some state forest campgrounds operate on self-registration. At Leverentz Lake, "there is no DNR staff on site so bring cash or check to drop into the payment pipe."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Woods and Water RV Resort offers "wonderful little swim area with water slide. Wonderful trails for hiking. Lots of activities." Another visitor notes it's a "Great Family Park" where "Sites are spacious."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Allendale KOA, families appreciate "the large field and play area, which offered ample space for our kids to run around and enjoy themselves."
Beach proximity: Several campgrounds offer swimming options for families. At Oak Knoll Family Campground, campers note "a beach for swimming is close but not on the campground," making it "an awesome camping experience with our four kids."
Animal encounters: Children often enjoy campgrounds with animal interactions. One KOA visitor mentioned, "My nephew loves the goats more than anything!" while another noted they have "Goats to visit, air-soft shooting range, large play structure."
Tips for RVers
Access considerations: Some primitive sites have difficult access roads. White River campers advise, "Best access seems to be along 160th avenue south of Arthur road. The road seems a bit sketchy but should be okay for most vehicles."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary between campgrounds. Oak Knoll Family Campground offers "Water and electric are available," while at Leverentz Lake "All sites are in good size and could handle a small travel trailer, Class B RV, truck camper, or several tents."
Size restrictions: Many rustic sites cannot accommodate larger rigs. Leverentz Lake can handle "small travel trailer, Class B RV, truck camper" but is not suitable for big rigs according to amenity listings.
