Tent camping options near Nazareth, Michigan center around the Kalamazoo River basin and southwest Michigan lake country. The region's sandy soil drains well after rain, making most sites usable even after wet weather. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during peak camping season, with cooler nights dropping to the 50s. Several campgrounds feature access to inland lakes and ponds rather than just Lake Michigan.
What to do
Blueberry picking: During summer months at Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday, campers can harvest fresh berries on-site. "This KOA has blueberry fields everywhere on the property. For a period of time in summer and early fall, you can pick your own blueberries in the morning to have in your breakfast pancakes!" reports one visitor.
Lake swimming: Most tent sites near Nazareth offer water access within short walking distance. "The lake was great for swimming, kids loved the beach and play area," notes a camper at East Lake Camping, while another mentions that at WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite, there's "great swimming, in a very private area."
Biking: The Kal-Haven Trail extends from South Haven to Kalamazoo, passing near several campgrounds. "We rode 47 miles round trip from Bloomingdale to Bell's Brewery in Kalamazoo," mentions one camper who stayed at Covert/South Haven KOA while exploring the trail.
Fishing: Several campgrounds maintain fishing ponds or lake access. A camper at Covert/South Haven KOA noted "On site fishing ponds are catch and release with lots of active fish to enjoy."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness stands out in reviews across multiple campgrounds. At Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, a camper noted "The showers were very clean & had good pressure & hot water," while another at Covert/South Haven mentioned "Bathrooms/showers are NICE!"
Kids' activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events for children. "Lots of fun activities on the weekends for the kids and FREE! They have movie nights, we met Disney characters, did crafts, and enjoyed the barrel train & ice cream sundaes," shared a visitor to Coloma/St. Joseph KOA.
Privacy levels: Campgrounds offer varying degrees of seclusion. At WaterTrail Ventures, a camper described it as "private, clean, and relaxing" while noting the "private beach." For East Lake Camping, a visitor observed that "The sites are very small, not much privacy, but well kept. There are more spacious sites available on the upper grassy loop."
Natural surroundings: The native woodland setting appeals to many campers. "We kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for," reported a visitor to WaterTrail Ventures.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During peak summer months (June-August), advance booking is essential. At Lakeside Campground, "Campground is all seasonal campers now. Owners were super nice and found room for us for one night layover," indicating the difficulty of finding spots without planning.
Site variations: Tent sites differ significantly in size and character. "We stayed in the deluxe cabin for one night and loved it! The cabin was so cute and well kept. It came with a fridge, stove, and bathroom. We had 6 people in it and we fit comfortably," noted a visitor to Coloma/St. Joseph KOA.
Seasonal population: Many campgrounds host primarily seasonal residents. At East Lake Camping, "Most people here are seasonal, occupying almost all the lakefront sites. We may have seen one lakefront available for renters."
Weather considerations: Spring and fall camping may encounter muddy conditions. "The campground itself is lovely and the couples that live there during the open season are extraordinarily kind. I would note, however, that the cabins are on the far back of the property and there is a depression in the gravel road before getting to them. Because it rained rather heavily, it makes it formed a huge collection of water," reported a camper at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Activity variety: For the best tent camping near Nazareth, Michigan with children, choose campgrounds with multiple recreation options. "This is an amazing campground! The kids love the activities and the pool and my family who are not necessarily 'outdoorsy' love that they can sleep in an air conditioned cabin with cable!" shared one camper about Shady Point Campground.
Swimming accessibility: Look for graduated-entry swimming areas for younger children. A visitor to Coloma/St. Joseph KOA noted, "My main gripe was the pool. No steps to walk in so it was very hard for our 2 smallest kids to use it. Not a problem for older kids who can swim, but disappointing for smaller kids."
Bike-friendly layouts: Smaller campgrounds allow more independence for children. At Coloma/St. Joseph KOA, one family appreciated that "It was small enough for our kids to ride bikes around alone and they frequented the park, which we could see from our site."
Budget considerations: Some campgrounds charge additional fees for activities. "Family spent 4 nights here and the staff was extremely accommodating. This is a campground that is mostly seasonal campers. It had playgrounds and basketball court and a small 'game' room," reported a visitor to Shady Point Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: When seeking the best tent camping near Nazareth, Michigan, note that many sites have specific constraints. At Spring Lake Resort - American Campgrounds, tent-only areas are available but tend to be smaller than dedicated RV sites.
Mixed-use considerations: Some campgrounds separate tent and RV sections. "Nice shady, sandy spots not far from South Haven. Good spots for RV/pull behind/tents. Clean facilities and only a 20 min drive from South Haven's beautiful beaches!" noted a visitor to Covert/South Haven KOA.
Hookup options: Tent sites near electrical outlets offer charging convenience. "We had our bikes and it wasn't bad, but it's almost too big of a campground. They pack the seasonal lots in so tight-there is a large amount of people for a small lake," observed one camper at Sandy Pines RV Resort and Campground.
