Best Campgrounds near St. Johns, MI

Camping near St. Johns, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Fort Custer Recreation Area, have great hiking and biking trails. One visitor mentioned, "We took full advantage of the mountain bike trails which are very easily accessed from the campground."
• Visit the beach: Campgrounds such as Bay City State Park Campground are close to sandy beaches. A reviewer said, "Beach, trails and children's solace pad, just an easy walk across the road."
• Fishing and kayaking: Many lakes in the area are perfect for fishing or kayaking. One camper at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground noted, "Walk-in site F was literally the perfect campsite... can kayak right up to it on the calm lake."

What campers like:

• Secluded sites: Campers appreciate the privacy offered at places like Holly Recreation Area. One visitor shared, "Huge beautiful campground. Lots of privacy."
• Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, including Bishop Lake Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer mentioned, "The bathrooms are pretty far away as there is only one building, but they were very clean."
• Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. At Haas Lake Park RV Campground, one camper said, "Haas Lake is quiet, clean and has friendly staff who are ready to help anytime."

What you should know:

• Bug spray is a must: Many campgrounds are wooded, which can lead to bugs. A camper at Fort Custer Recreation Area warned, "It was EXTREMELY buggy. If you weren't covered in Deep Woods bug spray the whole time, you were getting bit."
• Limited cell service: Some areas have poor cell reception. A visitor at Sleepy Hollow State Park Campground noted, "Verizon service was basically non-existent other than at the beach."
• Check for amenities: Not all campgrounds have the same facilities. For example, Yankee Springs Recreation Area lacks showers, which some campers found disappointing.

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places like Bay City State Park Campground that have playgrounds and splash pads. A reviewer said, "Great newer playscape and splash pad (!) for the kids."
• Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids entertained. One camper at Groveland Oaks County Park mentioned, "There are lots of family activities like mini golf, kids bike courses and playgrounds."
• Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can save you trips to the store. A visitor at Holly Recreation Area suggested, "Don’t leave any food or garbage out ever or you will be robbed by a gang of raccoons."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Some sites may be too small for larger RVs. A camper at Holly Recreation Area advised, "Any site above 80ish is very hilly and may be difficult to level an RV."
• Bring extension cords: Some sites have far-off electrical hookups. A visitor at Bay City State Park Campground noted, "Recommend to have extension cord for some sites, as plug in can be far."
• Reserve early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially on weekends. A camper at Groveland Oaks County Park mentioned, "A park employee told me they would be fully booked for the next two weeks."

Camping near St. Johns, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!