Newaygo State Park Campground provides pet-friendly sites with full accommodation for tent, RV, and glamping options. Dogs must remain on leash throughout the park grounds, with several campgrounds in the area maintaining designated pet waste stations. Ed H. Henning Park and Salmon Run Campground offer riverfront sites where pets can access the Muskegon River under supervision, while maintaining clean, well-maintained facilities. The staff at these campgrounds are known for being accommodating to campers with pets, with minimal restrictions beyond standard leash requirements. Twinwood Lake Campground features more rustic options with five secluded sites that provide ample space for pets to enjoy the outdoors while still following park regulations. Woods and Water RV Resort and Little Switzerland Resort both offer full-hookup sites suitable for campers with pets.
Dedicated hiking trails connect many Newaygo area campgrounds to the North Country Trail system, providing excellent opportunities for dog walking. Twinwood Lake's connection to these trails makes it particularly popular for campers seeking longer walks with their dogs. Sites at Salmon Run Campground along the Muskegon River offer pets cooling opportunities during summer months, though swimmers should watch for current conditions. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the Newaygo area restrict pets from indoor facilities such as bathhouses and camp stores, but allow them throughout all outdoor common areas when leashed. Local veterinary services can be found in Newaygo proper, approximately 10-15 minutes from most campgrounds. Campers should be aware that summer weekends see higher occupancy, potentially creating more dog-to-dog interactions, especially at Ed H. Henning Park where the atmosphere remains family-friendly despite busy conditions.
"I love the campsites at this state park, they're decently big and each site is surrounded by trees. The sites are a little close together but all in all we really enjoyed our stay."
"I’ve read lots of reviews that were lukewarm about Newaygo, but we enjoyed our 3 day getaway."
"If booked in advance there are some great walk-in sites where you can cast a line right from your picnic table. Clean, quiet campground."
"Went with three families, had secluded site near back. It was perfect. Towed tubes to a few places on to river and enjoyed a long 3 hour float and a shorter hour float."
"Great staff and very nice sites, lots of trees and a great little lake beach. Not too far from things to do in the area, and Lake Michigan fishing is only about 45 minutes away."
"They have trails and water and they have showers and even a hot tub."
"Easy access to the Muskegon River and close to downtown Newago."
"It's great for river trips since we go upstream and can float all the way into camp and no worry about driving."
"No hiking trails or green area to walk around or hike. Good atmosphere and lots of stuff to do though. Tubing was awesome and you end at the campground. Nice store and food options on the grounds"
"The trail oscilates between being very "green tunnel" and wide expansive views of pines and older trees without much ground cover."
"Twinwood Lake is pretty. Easy access to the North Country Trail system. Rained during our weekend but took an easy walk to a gas station nearby to get more ice and firewood."
"Beautiful chain of four lakes."
"Camp store with old school candies and ice cream, beach area, docks available on a series of recreational lakes with decent fishing. Permanent sites available."
$30 - $90 / night
"This campground is a home away from home. It’s beautifully situated in the middle of the state. Ample boating, fishing swimming. The facilities are great and they have a good truck on site. "
"The park is right next to the Dragon Trail, a hiking and mountain biking trail that runs 47 miles round Hardy Pond. "
$38 - $42 / night
"Unfortunately, a red flag was flying on our visit, so we only waded at the water's edge- but - still cool to lay out on the sugar-like sand and walk its 3 mile length!"
"Site 31 and any along that path back up to a little creek and trail which was just perfect for the kids to play in."
"It was clearly a popular place for families who liked to play on and near the water."
TravelerDefinitely the best camp ground in West Michigan! Clean sites, friendly staff, and many amenities. Camp store, laundry, showers and bathrooms, huge pool, hot tub, pickle ball courts, kids play ground, bikes, scooters, and kayaks for rent (with a kayak launch) and boat slips on the water. They have access to a dog park as well. Home away from home!
TravelerWas a decent place to camp- lots are very close though! Luckily in the fall it wasn’t very busy. Nice little lake on property. Fire pits in odd spot near the road. No pets allowed-not even a cat that stays inside in your camper! Also- there is a $7 a day fee for out of the county. Even when you arrive late at night.
LegendHolland State Park is popular for its expansive sandy beach along Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa where swimming, sun bathing, fishing, and boating are popular activities. Holland SP has two campgrounds – the Lake Macatawa Unit and the Beach Campground (which is where we stayed and the focus of this review). The Beach Campground is essentially a parking lot as the sites, patios and roads are paved with little grass among them. It is nestled between dunes which adds to the scenic value and blocks the strong winds coming off of Lake Michigan. The Lake Unit campground is much larger (211 campsites) than the Beach Campground and has more of a state park feel with trees, grass, and fire pits.
Site description:
The Beach Campground has 98 RV sites of which 31 are 50 amp full hook-up and two camper cabins. Some sites towards the northern section of the park have great views of Lake Michigan but be warned that strong winds can come off the lake and really shake your RV. When we were there in early May the winds were very strong with blowing sand which made us really glad we were not near the water.
Campsites are plenty wide to fit your RV with slide outs and car next to it without feeling cramped. Utilities are at the very back of the site so you may need an extension for your sewer hose. All sites were level. Every site has a picnic table. There are no fire pits at individual sites but community ones are located near the beach and you are permitted to use your own fire pit if you have one.
We were able to get nearly two dozen television stations with our antenna and had no problem locking into a satellite with our roof-mounted dish. Verizon phone and hotspot worked well.
So is this park big rig-friendly? In general, yes. Our site was certainly long (and wide) enough to fit our RV and the tow car next to it. However, we did have the back five feet overhanging the sand at the back of the site. This was no problem for us because our stabilizing jacks are in between our back tires. We were also there at a time when the park was fairly empty so backing in and pulling out was no problem. The sites are all set at an angle to the main road which makes backing easier.
Campground amenities:
By far the beach is the biggest draw to the campground. The wide beach lures sunbathers out in warm weather and is popular for a walk at sunset. There is a playground, picnic area, community fire pits, dump station, boat launch and concession stand. There is one restroom/shower house that was very clean but no laundry facilities.
What we liked:
We loved that fact that this campground was so close to water and the nice paved path for walking and hiking trails in the main part of the campground. Within 50 yards from our site we could be walking along Lake Macatawa or along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. The beach is wide and expansive and is the place to be for awesome sunsets. When we were there the beach was not crowded because it was cold and windy but it would be a great place to enjoy a good book under an umbrella. Definitely liked the fact that this was a full hook-up state park with level sites.
What we didn’t like:
The park is essentially a parking lot with little grass and trees. What really surprised us was how many cars drove through the campground that were not staying there. There apparently are no restrictions on who drives through the park so many day-use visitors came by just for a look resulting in unnecessary traffic.
Be advised there is a “no alcohol” policy in the park and campground and you have to sign a piece of paper saying you will abide by that rule. The rule states that “Possessing or consuming alcohol is prohibited in all areas of the park throughout the entire year” even inside your RV.
In order to enter the state park you must have a Michigan Recreation Passport which costs $32 for an annual non-resident OR you have to pay $11/day to enter the park even if you are camped there.
Pet:
There are plenty of places to walk dogs here and access points to water if your dog likes to swim. Unfortunately, they are not allowed on the beach but there is a long walking path and within the main part of the park are miles of hiking trails and a nice overlook. This park does not have an unleashed dog park; however, there is one within five miles at the fairgrounds.
LegendThis park is a very nice RV park. All 257 sites are full hook-up (with cable), level, and have paved patios and for a $2 up charge you can get a paved site. Our site was super long (over 100’) and had a nice view of the large pond. There is pretty good separation between sites and on one side of us were large bushes that added privacy from our neighbors and the adjacent pathway. There are tent sites set off along one area of the park near the bathrooms. There are a few trees among the tent sites but they are not very private and located near the garbage dumpsters/recycle bins and on a main exit thoroughfare. There are also three “haciendas” for rent.
One of my favorite features of the campground was the fitness center. Poncho and his wife are triathletes so the facility is top notch with weight machines, free weights, cycles, treadmills, elliptical, medicine balls, and lots of bands. There are three heated pool on the property – two outdoor and one indoor with and two spas. Since we were there in mid-October the outdoor pools were closed but the indoor hot tub and pool were open (albeit, super crowded on the weekend with kids). There are two laundry rooms and three bathrooms that are very modern and clean. One of the cable television stations displays security camera footage around the property which was nice because I could see how full the laundry was before carrying all my stuff there. There is a game room for kids, playground, shuffleboard, and a clubhouse. There is a stocked pond on the property but it is only for kids (17 and under) to fish in. Cable television yielded 55 channels and WiFi was available at our site with a decent signal. The campground is very well-maintained with nicely mowed grass. The grounds crew was always working but they were not annoying with constant loud machines. There is a railroad track that runs behind the park but it does not get a lot of use so the noise was not too bad. If you don’t want to be near the tracks, ask for a site away from the south side of the park. There is an off-leash dog park but it really is too small and narrow for big dogs.
The campground is very convenient to lots of shopping and restaurants and within walking distance of a McDonalds, fruit market, drug store and grocery. Downtown Ludington is only about five minutes away which has a cute downtown with shopping, galleries, and restaurants. Ludington State Park is about 15 minutes away and has miles and miles of hiking trails and beach access. There is also a city park downtown which is along Lake Michigan with beach access and lots of room for a nice walk (but dogs are not allowed). The office staff was super helpful pointed out places to hike and things to do for the weekend. Also loved that they gave us a choice of sites and let us drive around the campground (in their golf cart) and pick out the one we wanted.
We camped here in an RV and really couldn’t find anything we didn’t like about it. New customers get a 10% discount and during our stay we fell into low season and nightly rates were discounted 50%. So for $28/night we got a really nice site with lots of amenities in a great location. If you are looking for a nice RV park at a great price near a nice coastal Michigan town, give this place a try.
GuideThis place is FUN!!!
The campground in itself is a blast. The waterpark, playground, hammock area, swings, biggest sand box ever, all the activities, and can’t forget the ice cream shop!!!
Then add in ATV access from the campground, waterfront sites to park your jet skis, and horse rides onsite!!
We never really wanted to leave! The staff were awesome! The grounds are well maintained and they have the best grass. Lol
My only suggestion would be to put in a fenced in dog park, but other than that, this is a must stop if ever in the Silver Lake area.
ScoutThe Layout of the campground is great. Perfect to bring your pets. Nice pools and close enough to the state park to go tubing or a beach day at Lake Michigan. Everything is close so you are not missing anything.
LegendSilver lake is one of the most beautiful areas you can go in all of Michigan. With dunes of it's own, & a perfect, calm crystal lake - it's great for swimming, kayaking and photography. Holiday Park campground was on the south shore of the lake, had a swim area, boat launch, and was immaculate. Pets were allowed and sites were very level for trailers. All sites had electric hook ups and they are sectioned out by environment, like woods, lakeside, up on the ridge line, and there's even island sites. I prefer the lake and island sites if you can get them. There's something about waking up to that lake that is dreamy!
ScoutThe staff is very friendly and helpful. There are activities for young and old and everyone in between. The showers are clean and spacious. They have campsites to meet everyone's desires. Pets are welcome here with two fenced dog runs and trails to keep the owners exercised. I love this place and have made it a regular stop.
TravelerThis is a great little camp ground right on Lake Michigan. Pretty open so not a ton of privacy but a nice set up to meet new friends. The campground sits above the lake so be ready to trek up and and down a large set of stairs but the beach and views are worth it! Water, outhouses, ice and firewood available. No showers. Pet and family friendly.
Newaygo camping areas offer direct access to the Muskegon River and several interconnected lakes in west-central Michigan. The region sits at elevations between 800-900 feet with sandy soil supporting mixed hardwood forests. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March, while summer daytime averages reach 80°F with cooler nights in the 50s.
Disc golf courses: Newaygo State Park Campground features an 18-hole course through wooded terrain. "I stayed here for a couple nights while I was on a business trip up that way, because camping is way cooler than staying at hotels. It's all rustic sites, but the campground is nice. There's good hiking, an awesome disc golf course, and the lake right there with boat launches for fishing," notes Ryan L T.
Riverside tubing: Multiple campgrounds offer equipment rentals and shuttle services. At Chinook Camping, "Tubing was awesome and you end at the campground. Nice store and food options on the grounds," reports Collin C. Many tubing trips last 1-3 hours depending on river conditions.
Lake beach access: Hoffmaster State Park Campground provides Lake Michigan swimming with a safety flag system. "The campground beach, only a 5-10 minute walk from any site, was awesome! While there wasn't a lifeguard, I appreciated the 'flag system' advising how safe the water is each day," explains Shelly B.
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds feature larger-than-average campsites. "Spacious, friendly staff," writes Sara G. about Ed H. Henning Park. At Newaygo State Park, "Very wooded and spread out among the campsites! Close to the water, and there's a trail along the perimeter of the campground with amazing views. Great stargazing as well," reports Elise R.
Fishing access: Many sites provide direct water access for anglers. At Salmon Run Campground & Vic's Canoes, "If booked in advance there are some great walk-in sites where you can cast a line right from your picnic table," says Jen W. Fishing opportunities include bass, pike, and seasonal salmon runs.
Trail connectivity: The North Country Trail system links multiple campgrounds. "Hiked north about 5 miles out of Croton, starting from the campground. The hike is easy, with a few very short steep elevation changes. The trail oscilates between being very 'green tunnel' and wide expansive views of pines and older trees without much ground cover," describes Jennifer O. about Twinwood Lake Campground.
Rustic vs. modern options: Campground amenities vary significantly. "If you like rustic, this is the place for you! My husband and I have been going to Newaygo State Park for over 20 years. We started out tent camping and now have a pop camper. The thing we love most about this campground is the spacious site and that it is truly rustic with vault toilets and hand pumped water," explains Sarah K.
Weekend congestion: Summer weekends see higher visitation rates. "Summer weekends see higher occupancy, potentially creating more dog-to-dog interactions," especially at waterfront sites. Plan accordingly by arriving mid-week when possible.
Shower conditions: Facilities vary between parks. At Little Switzerland Resort and Campground, one camper noted: "The campground itself is very nice and well maintained. The 3-star rating is for the bathroom and showers. They were clean, let me put that out there, what they lacked was hot water in the showers or sinks. Added to that they have very old school 5-second pop back up knobs to engage the water."
Playground options: Brower Park Campground offers multiple play areas. "There 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," reports Amanda L.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular family events. At Woods and Water, "They have the perfect amount of scheduled activities for The Weekend that were scheduled out really well! The kids loved the glow dance party Sat night. We enjoyed a nice Father's Day lunch on Sat (free for dads and $3/person for others)," shares Cassondra P.
Pet-friendly swimming spots: For dog owners seeking pet-friendly camping near Newaygo, Michigan, riverside sites often allow supervised water access. "We camped for memorial weekend 2019. The staff was great. The showers and bathrooms were clean. They could use a little bit more playground equipment but there where enough trails and the river to keep the kids busy," notes Korrie H. about Ed H. Henning Park.
Site selection priorities: RV campers recommend requesting specific areas. At Newaygo State Park, "We stayed in the Poplar campground. Sites are bigger than the other side and more private with more trees. Rez was easy online. Not many campers this weekend," advises Michelle P.
Dump station timing: On busy weekends, plan dump station use strategically. "While we don't have a big rig, I did notice the backup of campers at the two campground dump stations Sunday before 1pm checkout," notes a reviewer at Hoffmaster State Park. Consider alternative timing like mid-morning.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "They have very narrow roads that were very difficult to maneuver a large trailer. Lots were smaller and hard to back into. And no full hook up sites," warns Clint about Chinook Camping. Pet-friendly camping near Newaygo offers many options, but larger rigs should research access details.
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