Best Campgrounds near Norton Shores, MI
Norton Shores, Michigan provides access to several state parks and campgrounds along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Hoffmaster State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and fire rings in a wooded setting. Muskegon State Park features two distinct camping areas—the Lake Michigan Campground with beach access and the South Channel Campground along the channel connecting Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan. Most campgrounds in the area maintain shaded sites with varying levels of privacy, while some like Grand Haven State Park Campground provide more open settings directly on the lakeshore.
Camping in the Norton Shores region operates primarily from April through October, with some facilities like Hoffmaster State Park and Muskegon State Park's Lake Michigan Campground remaining open year-round. Most campgrounds require advance reservations through Michigan's state park system, especially during summer weekends when lakefront sites fill quickly. Non-Michigan residents must purchase a Recreation Passport for entry to state parks in addition to camping fees. Water and electric hookups are common, though full hookup sites are limited to certain campgrounds like Eastpointe RV Resort and Pioneer Park Campground. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage near developed areas. According to one visitor, "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."
Lake Michigan access represents the primary draw for campers in the Norton Shores area. Most state park campgrounds feature paths or stairways leading to sandy beaches, with some offering direct views of the lake. Campers consistently mention the appeal of being within walking distance to Lake Michigan's shoreline. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Hoffmaster is an easy and family friendly place to camp. 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." The campgrounds closer to the lakeshore tend to be more exposed with less privacy between sites, while those set back in wooded areas offer more shade and separation. Many campgrounds provide clean shower facilities, playgrounds, and hiking trails through dune ecosystems, creating a mix of natural experiences and family-friendly amenities.
