Best Tent Camping near Nunica, MI

Tent camping options surround Nunica, Michigan, with several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. The Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA offers designated tent sites in a wooded setting, while the South Channel Campground at Muskegon State Park provides tent campers with access to both Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. White River Campsite #1 provides a more primitive tent camping experience about 25 miles north of Nunica.

Most tent sites in the Nunica region feature flat, partially wooded terrain with varying levels of privacy. The Allendale KOA provides drinking water, fire rings, and clean bathroom facilities with showers specifically for tent campers. Sites typically include a picnic table and fire ring, though amenities vary by location. South Channel Campground offers electrical hookups and paved parking pads adjacent to tent sites, with newly renovated bathhouses. A recent review noted, "The sites are well treed and flat with pathway access to the channel," highlighting the convenient layout for tent campers.

Primitive tent camping experiences are available for those seeking more seclusion. White River Campsite #1 offers free tent camping with minimal amenities, allowing for a more authentic outdoor experience. Tent sites at the Allendale KOA provide more shade than many other campgrounds in the region, with pine trees creating natural privacy barriers between sites. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "The tent sites are perfectly spacious and it's a nice wooded area to just sit and look at the stars at night." Campers particularly appreciate the wooded surroundings that provide natural shade during summer months. Most tent-specific areas remain less crowded than RV sections, offering a quieter camping experience even during peak season. Access to hiking trails varies by campground, with Muskegon State Park providing extensive trail networks through dunes and wooded areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Nunica, Michigan (20)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Nunica, MI

739 Reviews of 20 Nunica Campgrounds


  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Brower Park Campground

    Large Family Fun Campground

    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. There is also a fairly large swimming area. The showers are actually nice and clean! The restrooms were surprisingly clean and modern as well. Firewood is available in bundles or loose and you stack it yourself. There are numerous picnic areas throughout the campground. There are picnic tables and fire rings at every site and hook up such as electric and water vary. Kids are riding their bikes all over, fishing, playing at playgrounds, the beach, everywhere. Everyone was very friendly. You probably don’t necessarily need a sleeping pad or air mat if you’re in a tent, but they’re always nice. The mosquitos weren’t bad at all! We stayed at site #226. You do need a county park pass, $6/day until 10pm or $25/year.

  • T
    Apr. 15, 2021

    Ely Lake Campground

    Keyword: RUSTIC

    This is our "home base" campground. It's familiar. We've been coming here for decades. Comfortable, and quiet(for the most part).

    Caveat: no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Can run your generator(inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover.

    Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water. There is a dumpster available in the busier parts of the season but this campground is open year round.

    No playground. Just the beach and the trails.

    Sites range from small tent sites to fairly large, but the "roads" inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels.

    In short, if you want a quiet getaway from your usual then this is a great place to go. If you're expecting a pool, arcade, and dining hall... Look elsewhere.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort-South Haven, MI

    This is my top pick for South Haven

    Although this campground has great amenities, a pool, clean showers, and good sites/cabins, it is hard to book. If you know you are going to come to this area and camp, you need to book it a while in advance. I have used a pop-up and there was good space between campers. When I tent camped, we had a great spot near the cafe, the showers are amazing over there, they are more secluded. Our tent spot had electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. We camped on the grass and there is gravel to park your car. This campground is a perfect place to stay when visiting surrounding towns and going to the beach.

    Don’t forget to go to Sherman’s!!

    There was a forecast or rain, don’t mind the tarp

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Brookside City Park

    Beautiful super small camping in town

    The campsites are located past the playground and shelter. Just keep driving down the road that looks like an alley. There is a wonderful place set up for just a few campers. 

    A couple sites are for tents only and the others are standard sites. There are a few trees by the sites but it’s mostly open area. Portable toilets are at the end of the camping area and in the playground area. The playground is a day use area for town so expect to meet some locals. 

    Driving just down the street takes you to the police station. This is where you register for the site. Town is around you and ready to explore. There are a few train tracks and industrial businesses which provide a bit of noise along with traffic. For us, the noise just slid right into the background. 

    This is a great place for a low price.

  • N
    Jul. 19, 2016

    South Channel Campground

    Close to the beach, but very very cramped

    There are two campgrounds in the park - The Channel Campground & the Lake Michigan campground. We stayed at the Channel Campground two years ago. It's right on the channel from Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan, so you have walking access to both lakes. The campsites were VERY close together. It was actually the first thing we noticed as soon as we pulled through the gate. Campsites have a paved parking pad, fire ring, electrical hookup, and picnic table. Restroom & shower facilities were relatively clean & well maintained. You'll probably have to wait for the showers, but that's pretty typical.

    Overall, the campground was just average. If you don't like being close to your neighbors, I'd recommend staying at the Lake Michigan campground in the same park. Larger sites & tons of shade.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    Nice rustic site

    Nice rustic campground with a beautiful lake view. Nice big fire rings. Vault toilet and water pump nearby. Some what level site but in the small side. Perfect for tent camping or a teardrop. Definitely nothing over 15'. Was able to park across from my site to maximize space.

    Gorgeous little lake town just 8 miles away has a full grocery store and restaurants.

    Campsites border the Deep Lake trail.

  • Napunani
    Dec. 1, 2023

    Beach Campground — Holland State Park

    Beach Campground = Parking Lot

    If you like to camp in a parking lot, like Walmart or Cracker Barrel, you will love this lake side campground- it's a parking lot! 

    PROS 

    Toilet/shower facilities very clean 

    2 bars TMOBILE 

    Walking distance to Lake Michigan 

    Rangers strictly enforced beach closure each evening- lots of sirens. 

    CONS 

    Pricy state park camping at $53/night for full hook up

    $8 Fee to make on-line reservations 

    Since out of state, we had to purchase a $39 Michigan State Park Permit in addition to paying for campsite 

    No senior or veteran discount 

    Campground is one big asphalt parking lot with painted lines to delineate each site. Absolutely no privacy from any other campsite. 

    Camping is slammed together as tow vehicles have to be parked next to camper/RV insufficient space to park in front of camper/RV 

    Must check-in before going to campground even with on-line reservation and payment in full 

    3pm check-in was strictly enforced--there was quite a line of RVs backed up at 230pm. Once registration opened it took us 20 minutes to register. 

    Needed plumbers tape to connect hose to site water faucet 

    Waist high weeds behind campsites 

    No shade and most of time too windy to deploy awning 

    No security gate closure overnight. 

    Anyone can drive through or walk in from the beach. 

    Lots of drive thrus by non campers 

    No campfire rings or lantern poles at campsites 

    Lots of campfire debris dumped behind campsites from those who bring their own fire pit and charcoal grills 

    Site 396 not level 

    No park WIFI

  • s
    Jul. 4, 2020

    Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park Campground

    Campground steps away from Lake Michigan

    Clean, shady campground with easy access to Lake Michigan beach. 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. Bath house had nice, clean individual showers and seperate multi stall restrooms. We have t mobile and had cell service at our site, but there is no wifi.


Guide to Nunica

Tent camping near Nunica, Michigan offers diverse landscapes within a 25-mile radius of this small Ottawa County community. The region features gently rolling terrain with a mix of hardwood forests, open meadows, and access to both inland lakes and Lake Michigan shorelines. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons bring cooler temperatures and less crowded campgrounds.

What to do

Lake swimming access: South Channel Campground provides direct access to both Muskegon Lake and the channel to Lake Michigan. A camper noted, "It's very well maintained, fire pit rings, bath house, electric hookups, dump station, paved spots. It was close to The beach to Lake Michigan and the beautiful sand dunes right on the beach."

Forest hiking: Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA offers wooded trails through pine forests for day hiking. "The sites are well treed and flat! Lots of the activities within the park, they have a small petting zoo, sky pad, playground," reports one visitor who appreciated the natural setting combined with campground amenities.

Paddling opportunities: WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite provides access to river paddling with tent sites situated near the water. A camper shared their experience: "We kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for. Upon arriving we were greeted with smiles and our hosts were more than helpful."

What campers like

Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Nunica maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Oak Knoll Family Campground, a visitor reported, "Extremely friendly and welcoming staff. The campground is clean, but very small spaces for each site. Water and electric are available. The grounds are very peaceful. Bathrooms are close and include showers - clean but worn/outdated showers."

Private tent sites: WaterTrail Ventures earns positive reviews for secluded camping. One camper described it as "Private, clean, and relaxing. It was beautiful with solar lights at night and a private beach. Great swimming, in a very private area. It also has great trails for walking."

Family-friendly amenities: Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA offers activities beyond basic camping. A reviewer mentioned, "We love this little KOA and camp here often with family who stay in the cabins. It is woody but doesn't feel too buggy...the activities are super fun and the pool is a nice size for the kids. My nephew loves the goats more than anything!"

What you should know

Reservation timing: During peak summer months, campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with water access. For South Channel Campground, a camper advised, "Reserve early," highlighting the competitive nature of securing spots at popular locations during busy periods.

Site spacing variations: Site sizes and privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds near Nunica. A camper at East Lake Camping observed, "The sites are very small, not much privacy, but well kept. There are more spacious sites available on the upper grassy loop."

Free primitive options: For those seeking basic tent camping, White River Campsite #1 offers free dispersed camping with minimal amenities. A visitor explained, "This is the White River special area of the Manistee National Forest. While there are numbered campsites, there are no facilities or amenities. This is more suitable for tents or maybe small campers."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nunica, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nunica, MI is Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA with a 4-star rating from 13 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Nunica, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Nunica, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.