Best Campgrounds near Saugatuck, MI

The small town of Saugatuck in Michigan draws many campers to its beach areas and nearby woods. Warren Dunes State Park Campground sits about 30 minutes south, with sites tucked among the tall sand dunes and walking paths to Lake Michigan. Campers heading north can stay at Muskegon State Park Campground, which has both wooded sites and others closer to the water. Hoffmaster State Park Campground has well-maintained trails running through the woods and down to the beach. Many of these parks have playground equipment that keeps kids busy when they're not swimming. Summer weekends get pretty full at most campgrounds in the area, so mid-week visits mean fewer neighbors. Black bears aren't common, but raccoons will definitely raid coolers left out overnight. Check whether you need permits for fishing or beach fires before your trip. Most campground roads are paved and in good shape, though some hiking trails wash out after heavy rain. Book your spot at least a few weeks ahead during June through August. Late spring through early fall works best for camping here, with September offering warm days without the crowds.

Best Camping Sites Near Saugatuck, Michigan (107)

    1. Beach Campground — Holland State Park

    39 Reviews
    Macatawa, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 399-9390

    "Holland 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. "

    "The Lake Macatawa campground is across the street from a small beach on the Macatawa Lake. This is a wooded campground. The sites are pretty tight as is usual for a Michigan State Park."

    2. Oak Grove Resort & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Macatawa, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 399-9230

    "The location was so nice for beach going. We had a short bike ride to Lake Michigan. There are places to eat along the way and a well sweet little general store."

    "Family of 5 (3 kids under 6) looking for a reasonably close place to Lake Michigan. Oak Grove was the perfect stay for us!"

    3. Ely Lake Campground

    11 Reviews
    Fennville, MI
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 686-9088

    $18 / night

    "Lived in Michigan for most of my life and frequently visited and camped here as a youth. This is primarily a primitive campground with porto- pottys. Usually pretty clean."

    "No power motor lake but there is another lake close by that is. We take the canoe with a trolling motor and hit that as well. Pet friendly. They have horse campsites and trails."

    4. WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite

    4 Reviews
    Fennville, MI
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 547-1884

    $75 - $145 / night

    "It’s close to the river but set back far enough so that during a downpour you won’t be worrying and the drive to get to the site is quaint and peaceful. Will come back!"

    "It also has great trails for walking. It had air mattresses made up with sheets and blankets, all the firewood provided, a grill full of charcoal. A great way to enjoy the outdoors!!!"

    5. Van Buren State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Covert, MI
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 637-2788

    "Not only is it a short distance from our home but it is a short walk to Lake Michigan! The campground has tree-lined lots and some of the loops are very wooded."

    "Walkable access to Lake Michigan is unbeatable! Bathrooms are very clean."

    6. Lake Macatawa Campground — Holland State Park

    6 Reviews
    Macatawa, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 399-9390

    "Very typical of Michigan state parks. Tight sites with a nice fire ring. Great location with a walking path to Lake Michigan. Close to downtown Holland. Nice bathrooms and clean showers."

    "This campground is close to Lake Michigan and lake Mac . Also convent access to town by car. Not my favorite sites(where are stayed) on the west end are small."

    7. TriPonds Family Camp Resort

    11 Reviews
    Allegan, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 673-4740

    "The roads around the campground are paved and great for bike riding, skateboarding, scooters, or just taking a walk. They deliver firewood to your site, which is a plus."

    "Not so big that you couldn’t walk it on a little family hike. Has a pool and a little beach area. Stopped here on our road trip last year and plan to stop there again in June.."

    8. Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation

    8 Reviews
    Zeeland, MI
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 772-4303

    $48 - $52 / night

    "Campsites are easy to get into with plenty of room to get situated. Close to town and fairly short drive to Lake Michigan."

    "Searching for a 1 night space on the michigan lake we had to look more around and find this wonderful campground. Just 10 minutes away to downtown Holland and only 20 minutes away of the beach."

    9. Campit Outdoor Resort Saugatuck

    2 Reviews
    Fennville, MI
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 543-4300

    $10 - $395 / night

    10. Kal-Haven Outpost

    9 Reviews
    South Haven, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 206-0900

    $22 - $68 / night

    "This was a nice campground right on the Kal Haven Trail - about 4 miles from South Haven."

    "The RVS and campers circled around the bathroom house. All tent camping was south of the campground in their own little spot as well."

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Recent Reviews near Saugatuck, MI

669 Reviews of 107 Saugatuck Campgrounds


  • v
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Markin Glen County Park

    Clean and near bike trails

    Great park. Well maintained. Very clean. Lots of bike trails, a beach area. Helpful staff!

  • Joel K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    MTB camp and bike (again)

    We camped and rode (again) at Fort Custer.  We've been here 2x before (once in a cabin and once in tents) and this has now officially become a favorite. 

    We loved our site (so don't book this one) as it's close to the trails for riding.  The campground was almost to capacity, but still some open sites.

    All in all this was a great trip, and we even visited Belle's brewery on our way home.

  • Holly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park Campground

    Beautiful and well taken care of!

    The campground was full on my visit, but that did not affect the atmosphere. It was quiet and sites are large and well spaced out. The staff did a great job keeping things clean and well stocked. My site was right next to the beach access, and it was fantastic!

  • W
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Hoffmaster State Park Campground

    We will keep coming back

    We stayed Sunday, and Monday night of Labor Day weekend for the second time this year. This place is clean! The only negative of this place is that the water is not as clear compared to a little north & south. I think it has something to do with the grand river being so close. The walk down & back to the beach is pretty strenuous if you are not used to the dunes & a hill. If you are elderly or not in shape you might go to the beach at an easier access point. Bathrooms & showers are always very clean. They have a campground host that offers free coffee in the mornings & tools you can barrow for your campsite. This is a great place for families. Well spaced sites. No alcohol allowed and pretty quiet after 11pm just the occasional person is awake. We had the site with the creek behind us so we sat our tent up facing the creek. Monday morning there was a lot of people leaving so we did get woke up pretty early w/ a lot of noise of people leaving from Labor Day but Monday night we had empty sites all around us & it was very chill Tuesday morning. I was a little worried that the workers would say something to us bc we had not packed fully by 11 but we were able to finish our breakfast and pack up quickly without them saying anything to us.

  • M
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Crockery Creek RV Park

    Rude and unprofessional

    The little owners wife racially profiled my kids friends mom,  in front of the kids!!!!!!  Ha!  She tried accusing us of sneaking in their pool.  That's hilarious,  because we paid $3700.00 for a seasonal.  The pool is actually small and it was oily and full of hair.  Being off Apple Ave,  it's  loud and hard to relax.  My husband had a tragic workplace accident,  so we weren't able to get to the camper in a few weeks.  The owner called him multiple times at once,  being aggressive with his tone,  trying to get us to pull our camper so they can rent that spot out.  They must be desperate for money.  They should try reading up on the law.  Their website lies about their amenities,  they had no fish all season and their pond was disgusting.

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Covert Park Beach & Campground

    Small, lakeside, chill

    This was our first time staying at Covert Park Beach + Campground. We stayed in site 52 with our 21 ft travel trailer. The site is a good size. Tree placement made it a little tricky to back into, but nothing crazy. We stayed Sunday to Saturday, so we got to see it at its bustling weekend peak and the quiet, cozy weekday vibe. Family friendly, dog friendly and kid friendly. Dogs aren't allowed on the beach, but there's a beach a few minutes down the road (Hagar Beach) where you can bring leashed dogs. Sunset views were beautiful. Bathrooms were very clean and showers nice and hot. The two guys who were running the check-in and campground operations were super cool- they were the perfect mix of attentive and laid back. No sewer on campsites but there's a dump station when you enter/exit. Ice and firewood are abundantly available and can be delivered to your site. We loved our stay here. Tree cover is generous, and it really preserves the camping feel. Weekend crowd was fun, friendly and lots of locals. Would definitely stay again!

  • James V.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Steamboat Park Campground

    Wonderful, well thought through campground.

    I have had a very enjoyable stay. The river location is quite nice and the grounds are very well cared for. The site(and all sites, as far as I can see) are quite level. The bathrooms are not just clean and well maintained, but the shower rooms also have a dedicated sink and toilet, which I much appreciate. The washer and dryers in the bathhouse are brand new and take credit cards. While it is near a regional airport, there is close to no air traffic and no commercial traffic I noticed. Overall, probably one of the top 5 campgrounds I have encountered, if the list was for being up to date, well thought out and well provisioned. Everything was top notch.

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Brookside City Park

    More expensive now

    Tents sites are now $20 and RV hookups (water and 20/30 amp) are $30. When I got to the police station they were closed for the week but a phone # was provided to call dispatcher and an officer responded promptly to help me get registered. Cash or check only.

  • Chris R.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Tyler Creek

    Absolutely garbage

    Had a reservation for 6 months and the day we were to arrive, we were told we could not have the site we prepared for because someone else wanted to stay longer.  Management has the right to alter your reservation without your consent or the courtesy of a phone call.  When questioned, the owner treated us like garbage and was rude as hell.  Would never recommend this place to anyone, stay away!!!


Guide to Saugatuck

Camping near Saugatuck, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something to offer.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Warren Dunes State Park Campground, provide great hiking trails and easy access to the beach. One camper mentioned, "Overall, great walking paths, hiking and the beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Muskegon State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and other water activities. A reviewer noted, "Great dunes covered in dune grass, beautiful water next to the pier where we can go fishing."
  • Exploring Local Towns: Saugatuck is close to charming towns with shops and restaurants. Campers at Grand Haven State Park Campground enjoyed the nearby downtown area, saying, "Easy access to town for any needs or a dinner out."

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the scenic views and natural surroundings. One visitor to Hoffmaster State Park Campground said, "Beautiful Lake Michigan beach. Clean, modern bathhouses."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. A camper at Fort Custer Recreation Area remarked, "It’s a gem that has something for everyone. Miles of trails if you are into hiking. Excellent playground if you have little ones."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A reviewer at Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park mentioned, "Clean facilities. Beach access."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Van Buren State Park Campground noted, "Definitely too crowded and loud way past quiet hours."
  • Limited Privacy: Many sites are close together, which can affect your camping experience. A camper at Weko Beach Campground said, "The sites are randomly laid out and on top of each other."
  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Hoffmaster State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A camper mentioned, "While the hiking was good and the beach beautiful, they don’t allow alcohol which is my favorite post hike/beach activity."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. Campers at Fort Custer Recreation Area enjoyed the "great Michigan life" and family-friendly environment.
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for some noise, especially in busy campgrounds. A visitor at Van Buren State Park Campground mentioned, "There were children screaming and running around everywhere."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Warren Dunes State Park Campground highlighted the "great walking paths" for family adventures.

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Saugatuck, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences, from beautiful beaches to family-friendly activities. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right campground for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Saugatuck, Michigan?

Several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive of Saugatuck. East Lake Camping offers a cozy atmosphere amid rolling farmlands and is conveniently located just 40 minutes from Saugatuck without highway travel. For families, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort-South Haven provides abundant kid-friendly activities and cabin options for non-campers, located less than 30 minutes from Saugatuck. Other nearby options include Holland State Park's campgrounds, which offer easy beach access, and Campit Outdoor Resort in Saugatuck itself. These campgrounds provide a perfect base for exploring Saugatuck's charming downtown, nearby breweries, and beautiful Lake Michigan beaches.

Is camping available at Saugatuck Dunes State Park?

No, Saugatuck Dunes State Park does not offer camping facilities. The park is primarily a day-use area featuring coastal dunes, hiking trails, and beach access. For camping options near Saugatuck Dunes, consider Lake Macatawa Campground — Holland State Park, which offers traditional state park camping with fire rings and clean bathrooms, plus a walking path to Lake Michigan. Another option is Campit Outdoor Resort Saugatuck, which provides full-service camping just a short drive from the dunes. These alternatives allow you to enjoy Saugatuck Dunes State Park during the day and have a comfortable camping experience nearby.

What amenities do Saugatuck campgrounds typically offer?

Campgrounds around Saugatuck typically offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation features fishing areas, swimming pools, recreational facilities like gagaball pits, clean bathhouses, and full hookup options. Many campgrounds in the region, such as Pioneer Park Campground, provide well-maintained sites with fire rings, walking paths, and quick access to Lake Michigan beaches. Most have clean shower facilities with hot water, and many offer both water and electrical hookups. Family-oriented campgrounds often include playgrounds, organized activities, and camp stores. The proximity to Saugatuck's attractions is a key amenity itself, with most campgrounds within easy driving distance to downtown shopping, dining, and recreation opportunities.