Searching for the best camping near Montague, MI? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$10 - $60 / night
"Has a path to the channel with a short walk to Lake Michigan beach. Electric hook up, no water hook up. Site 89 was large and wooded."
"The park/location is a 5. The beaches, the dunes the wildlife, the ice cream shop… but this is a campground review and I’d give that a 3. We had a blast tons of kids everywhere."
"The campground is clean, but very small spaces for each site. Water and electric are available. The grounds are very peaceful."
"We explored the area while camping at nearby Pines Point campground."
"The Allendale KOA is a perfect spot for GR residents looking to have a nice camping getaway without having to drive out too far."
"The clean restrooms and full-service showers were a highlight, offering a comfortable and convenient experience after a long day of outdoor activities."
"Wonderful trails for hiking. Lots of activities. We will definitely come back. A little pricey."
$15 / night
"We chose a site on the Big Lake. There are also a few sites on the Litte Lake.
The sites include a picnic table and fire ring. We had plenty of room between sites."
"the big lake unit has large sites with lake views and 2 vault toilets. the little lake unit has small sites, 1 vault toilet, some lake views, some views of nearby houses (more mosquitos at the time too"
Legend2-3 mile hike-in backcountry camping on the dunes of Lake Michigan. This is a gorgeous area that has unfortunately gotten a little overpopulated. The over night area used to be a quiet and peaceful place to unplug and unwind, but now it feels more like a party beach. Very crowded and loud. Also, too many inexperienced campers come out carrying too much stuff and leave there garbage and unwanted items all over the dunes rather than practicing “leave no trace”
RangerThere is something for everyone here. Tent, camper, or RV and fun for all ages with everything from 3 playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and tennis courts, to a boat launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. There is also a fairly large swimming area. The showers are actually nice and clean! The restrooms were surprisingly clean and modern as well. Firewood is available in bundles or loose and you stack it yourself. There are numerous picnic areas throughout the campground. There are picnic tables and fire rings at every site and hook up such as electric and water vary. Kids are riding their bikes all over, fishing, playing at playgrounds, the beach, everywhere. Everyone was very friendly. You probably don’t necessarily need a sleeping pad or air mat if you’re in a tent, but they’re always nice. The mosquitos weren’t bad at all! We stayed at site #226. You do need a county park pass, $6/day until 10pm or $25/year.
ScoutThe Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness is dispersed camping, and nearby is Lake Michigan Campground with tent and dry rv camping. We stayed there and almost had the whole place to ourselves.
Be warned- there is no cell service or wifi, so plan ahead and let people know you won’t be reachable. And then enjoy being disconnected :)
The campsites were big and beneath mature trees for max shade and privacy. There’s a small bath house with flushing toilets. No hook ups or electricity of any sort. Camp hosts sold ice and firewood and there was potable water.
The dunes are a quick walk and well worth it. There is a trail from the campground right down to the beach. We hiked all day and lounged on the beach. Dogs are welcome on-leash.
RangerGo to the beach for the day, but don't camp here. The sites were on top of each other and there was no privacy. There was only one bathroom for the entire campground meaning that only 3 stalls were offered for all of the women. Because there is only one bathroom and it isn't in the middle of the campground, it is a long walk for most of the campers. The showers were nice, but the bathroom could use an upgrade.
All of the sites were sandy with no shade. Traveling on bike meant having few comfort items. We really could have used a tree or some other shade after a long day of touring, but there was no shade at the site or anywhere nearby. Most folks had awnings on their campers. I could see how having a camper or RV (or even a car) would make the experience more enjoyable, but still I would not choose to return here.
It is not a tent friendly site because the tent gets blown off the sand. Sandy sites make it difficult to stake down a tent. We went on a particularly windy day and the gear we had was not enough to hold down the tent. I ended up going to bed at 7:30pm just to keep the tent from blowing away.
There was wifi, but it hardly worked at the site. The beach was decent, but nothing any more impressive than anywhere else on the lake. If you have the opportunity to stay somewhere other than here, go there instead. I was shocked that so many people would pay so much for such a pathetic campground. If you are paying to stay at a Michigan State Park, find yourself a better one!
I intended on taking pictures, but was so unimpressed I completely forgot.
GuideAn easy walk from the designated parking spots by the maintenance area, but I chose to bike. The road was sandy in spots but manageable. Sites contain a fire ring and picnic table. Two clean vault toilets. Signs said the well was closed; not sure if that was seasonal or permanent. Site F was good for hammocking. Walked to the lighthouse for sunset and was not disappointed. There’s a trail from the campground up over a dune to Lake Michigan.
GuideThere are two campgrounds in the park - The Channel Campground & the Lake Michigan campground. We stayed at the Channel Campground two years ago. It's right on the channel from Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan, so you have walking access to both lakes. The campsites were VERY close together. It was actually the first thing we noticed as soon as we pulled through the gate. Campsites have a paved parking pad, fire ring, electrical hookup, and picnic table. Restroom & shower facilities were relatively clean & well maintained. You'll probably have to wait for the showers, but that's pretty typical.
Overall, the campground was just average. If you don't like being close to your neighbors, I'd recommend staying at the Lake Michigan campground in the same park. Larger sites & tons of shade.
TravelerLudington State Park - Jack Pine camp had everything. A very pleasant drive into the state park - with many places to access the beach.
Check-in and parking for camping was easy and the price was reasonable. Easy hike to Jack Pine and it was easy to find my campsite.
Campsite has well designated corner marker boundaries with plenty of room to pitch a tent and several hammock options. Each site has a solid fire pit and picnic table. Plenty of tree cover for shade. Toilets are close and clean.
The hike to the lighthouse was easy and the lighthouse was picturesque. Great access to the beach and again toilets were close and clean.
GuideClean, shady campground with easy access to Lake Michigan beach. We stayed at site 50A right across from the steps down to the beach. There was no privacy, but it was a large corner lot with both water and trash steps away. Bath house had nice, clean individual showers and seperate multi stall restrooms. We have t mobile and had cell service at our site, but there is no wifi.
LegendIf you like to camp in a parking lot, like Walmart or Cracker Barrel, you will love this lake side campground- it's a parking lot!
PROS
Toilet/shower facilities very clean
2 bars TMOBILE
Walking distance to Lake Michigan
Rangers strictly enforced beach closure each evening- lots of sirens.
CONS
Pricy state park camping at $53/night for full hook up
$8 Fee to make on-line reservations
Since out of state, we had to purchase a $39 Michigan State Park Permit in addition to paying for campsite
No senior or veteran discount
Campground is one big asphalt parking lot with painted lines to delineate each site. Absolutely no privacy from any other campsite.
Camping is slammed together as tow vehicles have to be parked next to camper/RV insufficient space to park in front of camper/RV
Must check-in before going to campground even with on-line reservation and payment in full
3pm check-in was strictly enforced--there was quite a line of RVs backed up at 230pm. Once registration opened it took us 20 minutes to register.
Needed plumbers tape to connect hose to site water faucet
Waist high weeds behind campsites
No shade and most of time too windy to deploy awning
No security gate closure overnight.
Anyone can drive through or walk in from the beach.
Lots of drive thrus by non campers
No campfire rings or lantern poles at campsites
Lots of campfire debris dumped behind campsites from those who bring their own fire pit and charcoal grills
Site 396 not level
No park WIFI
Tent camping near Montague, Michigan offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from family-friendly parks to more rustic settings, there's something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Montague, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Montague, MI is South Channel Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.
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