RV camping near Nazareth, Michigan offers diverse camping options within an hour's drive of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. The region features rolling countryside with elevations ranging from 600 to 900 feet and experiences warm summers with highs around 80-85°F from June through August. Motorhomes and travel trailers can access most campgrounds in the area via well-maintained county roads that connect to major highways.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: The Michawana Campground offers water activities on their private lake. "They have a lake/beach for swimming, kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes to use at the lake," notes a camper, highlighting the free boat usage when lifeguards are present.
Family entertainment: Woodchip Campground provides numerous activities for children. "There is a pool, bounce pillow and basketball court," explains one visitor. Another adds, "Kids loved going on wagon ride to find the pumpkins and then decorating them. They really enjoyed the glow wagon ride."
Cave exploration: At Thousand Trails Bear Cave, campers can visit a natural cave formation. "They have a naturally formed cave that you can go down into for a small fee. A variety of things to do from fishing to the game room," shares a reviewer, though recent visitors note "The cave was closed with no plan to reopen in 2025."
What campers like
Spacious modern sites: Hidden Ridge RV Resort earns praise for its well-designed sites. "All sites include a concrete pad, fire ring and full hook-up," mentions one camper. Another explains, "Spacing was generous between locations. We had a drive-in(forward) location overlooking the small lake."
Resort-style amenities: Many campgrounds offer extensive recreation options. One camper at Michawana reports, "They also have a massive slip 'n slide, zip lining, and a rock climbing wall. The bath houses are huge and well taken care of."
Kid-friendly layouts: Camp Turkeyville RV Resort receives positive feedback for its family-oriented design. "Spacious sites. Concrete patio at each site. Daily trash pickup at campsite. Very quiet and family friendly," writes a camper, while another calls it a "Family campground with restaurant, gift shop, camp store, ice cream parlor, and heated pool."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Nazareth area close during winter months. Timber Trails RV Park operates from May 1 to September 30 and caters exclusively to RVs with big-rig friendly sites and sewer hookups.
Internet connectivity: Wireless access varies between properties. At Twin Mills Camping Resort, a camper reports, "Internet is through a paid campground service and was $5/day but was actually very good. Not too sure how service would be during peak season."
Limited services: Crooked Lake Campground offers more rustic accommodations. "Our campsite was huge and mostly private. The vault toilets were as clean as one could be," notes a visitor. Another adds, "Voices and noise carry quite a bit and there are lots of mosquitos right now."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites with easy playground access for children. At Woodchip Campground, "There are campsites in a circle around the playground, so you can sit at your site and watch the kids play," explains a visitor.
Children's programs: Look for organized activities to keep kids engaged. At Woodchip, "We love this as an easy getaway close to home... it is clean, and has a ton to do for kids!" Another camper appreciates that "all activities are included with stay."
Recreation variety: Camp Michawana offers comprehensive children's activities. "This campsite is perfect for children! The workers are the nicest people I have encountered at a campsite," shares one family. Their amenities include "a massive slip 'n slide, zip lining, and a rock climbing wall."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking at Hidden Ridge RV Resort, consider your priorities. One RVer advises, "If you want the best sites, forego the 'full hookup', pay less for the best and closest view of Lake Huron."
Location considerations: Some parks offer seclusion, while others provide convenience. Bear Cave campers note, "It's a very nice off the grid camping with no cell service but if you want wifi then its 5.95 per day or if you're here for a week + then 34.95 for the month."
Facility differences: RV parks vary in maintenance and amenities. At Twin Mills, a visitor observes, "Certain areas are still nice and others look like a homeless shanty town. It seems they target the seasonal campers over the weekend family/group campers."
