Camping options near Jerome, Michigan include state parks and private campgrounds throughout the Irish Hills region. Many sites offer electric hookups, with most located within 30 minutes of Jerome. Water-based activities dominate the recreation scene, with fishing in Lake Hudson's no-wake waters and kayaking the Kalamazoo River being popular options. Camping is primarily seasonal, with most facilities operating from May through October.
What to do
Stargazing at a dark sky preserve: Lake Hudson Recreation Area is designated as a dark sky preserve where light pollution is minimized. "The best part of this campground is the stars at night! This is a dark sky preserve campground and the stars are the show. We stayed here at the end of the perseid meteor showers and saw several of falling meteors," reports Michelle M. from Lake Hudson.
Kayaking on quiet waters: Twin Pines Campground & Canoe Livery provides direct river access for paddlers. According to Helen C., "They rent out kayaks and canoos. I personally would recommend the kayaks. And then if you go in the Kalamazoo River Wich is a little chilli fyi no matter what time of year. Its your own fault."
Horseback riding: Pokagon State Park offers equestrian activities within driving distance of Jerome. As Becky N. notes, "There are trail, beaches, boats, horses... so many things to do." The park maintains maintained trail systems for riders of various experience levels.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Lake Hudson Recreation Area offers secluded camping spots. Meghan R. explains, "This small campground (about 40 sites) is well off the beaten path, but still easy to access by road. Each site is separated from the next by young forest, so it lends to a very private and secluded atmosphere."
Lakefront fishing opportunities: The best places to camp near Jerome, Michigan often provide water access. At Lake Hudson Recreation Area, fishing is particularly popular. "I love campsites, especially the lakefront. But there are only a few waterfront sites and they are very hard to get. Great for fishing, wildlife viewing and swimming," says Bob J.
Clean facilities: Hayes State Park maintains well-kept amenities. According to Miranda J., "This was a very nice campground, peaceful, with trails and ample shade. Campsites were decently sized, fire pits were big, $5 per bundle of dry wood, showers were private with hot water, and there were activities and a beach/playground for kids."
What you should know
Limited water and facilities: Lake Hudson Recreation Area has minimal amenities. Jennie S. notes, "There is a yellow service phone at the headquarters to check-in. I bought my wood in state on my way in. There is no place to purchase wood here." Another camper mentions, "You must bring your water unless you want to hand pump it from the only central pump."
Seasonal operation: Moscow Maples RV Park operates from May 1 to October 15, which is typical for the region. Private campgrounds like Ted Ranch have varying levels of amenities. CRC S. reports, "This campground is pretty rustic with water and electricity at some sites, no showers or restrooms, a dump station for one at a time, Porta potties scattered around, small beach, small boat launch."
Race weekend impacts: Camping near Michigan International Speedway affects the atmosphere at nearby campgrounds. Stephanie C. from Ted Ranch Campground explains, "This place is across the street from Michigan international speedway and sure beats fighting all the people/campers in the infield campgrounds! We attend the NASCAR race at least once per year and this is our absolute favorite place to camp."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and beaches: Gateway Park Campground offers multiple family amenities. Melissa M. describes, "They have a lot for the kids here: Pool 3ft-5ft, Air pillow, Large playground (very clean), Half basketball court, Sand Volleyball net, Rec room (small amount of games), Crafts on weekends, Corn hole boards -2 sets by pillow, Horse shoe pits - 2 sets by pillow."
Shade considerations: When camping with children in summer, shade becomes important. At Hayes State Park, Miranda J. recommends, "I suggest sites 93-96 for more private/shaded sites." Campers regularly note the importance of selecting shaded sites during summer months.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. A reviewer at Harrison Lake State Park mentioned, "Some of the non-electric sites were used by RVs running generators all day and night, so that was a bummer for those of us hoping non-electric would mean more quiet."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling and hookups: Moscow Maples RV Park offers relatively level sites for RVs. Brenda L. explains, "This is a smaller campground with some full timers or seasonal campers. We stayed a week and enjoyed our time there. We had lots of rain so we didn't get outside as much as we wanted. The sites were grassy and mostly level."
Electrical connections: At Lake Hudson Recreation Area, electrical hookups require planning. One camper advises, "Extension or long electrical cords may be needed, as boxes are at back end and halfway to next site over." Another notes that the park offers 30-amp service but has site restrictions: "LONG RV's 31'+ would fit in a lot of the sites, but sites say up to 30'. We had approx 40-45' space from road to treeline."
Dump station access: Several campgrounds lack on-site dump stations. Steven S. from Lake Hudson shares, "The campground has no dump station so we had to drive to the next State campground, about a 30 minute drive, to dump the tanks."
