Tent camping near Saugatuck, Michigan offers access to diverse ecosystems from coastal Lake Michigan dunes to inland forests. The region receives average summer temperatures of 75-80°F with cooling lake breezes making evenings comfortable for sleeping. Most campgrounds in the area sit within 30 minutes of Saugatuck, with inland locations typically offering more shade and protection from winds than lakeside options.
What to do
Water activities on Kalamazoo River: At WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite, campers can kayak directly from their site. "We kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for," reports Jeremy K., who enjoyed spotting wildlife along the river banks.
Pick your own produce: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday sits on property with multiple blueberry fields accessible to campers. "This KOA has blueberry fields everywhere on the property. For a period of time in summer and early fall, you can pick your own blueberries in the morning to have in your breakfast pancakes!" notes Cindy B.
Visit nearby towns: Take a 20-minute drive from campgrounds to explore the beach towns. "It's only 10-15 minutes from the beach in south Haven-beautiful!" says Melissa B. about the accessibility from Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday.
What campers like
Private beach access: Some campgrounds offer exclusive water access away from crowds. "It was beautiful with solar lights at night and a private beach. Great swimming, in a very private area," writes Karlina L. about her stay at WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite.
Kid-friendly activities: Family campgrounds often include scheduled entertainment. According to Amy J., Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday offers a "heated pool and lots of activities for kids. Camp with blueberries right outside your door!"
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms rank high on camper priorities. Wailym C. noted at East Lake Camping, "The bathrooms were wonderful with great hot water and water pressure," while also mentioning the "well kept grounds throughout with beautiful flowers."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends fill quickly at popular locations. "Reserve early," advises Sara G. about South Channel Campground, particularly for sites with lake views.
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds pack sites close together while others offer more privacy. Lori S. noted about Coloma/St. Joseph KOA, "Small sites, lots of people... Just too crowded for our tastes" despite liking other aspects.
Seasonal availability: Most tent camping options near Saugatuck operate from May through October, with a few exceptions. Check individual campground seasonal dates when planning spring or fall trips, as many close after Columbus Day.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular entertainment. "They have movie nights, we met Disney characters, did crafts, and enjoyed the barrel train & ice cream sundaes," shares Cassie B. about her family's experience at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday.
Consider campground size: Smaller campgrounds can offer more freedom for kids to explore independently. Lisa P. appreciates that Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA "is woody but doesn't feel too buggy...the activities are super fun and the pool is a nice size for the kids."
Check pool accessibility: Not all pools have easy entry points for young children. Cassie B. notes, "No steps to walk in so it was very hard for our 2 smallest kids to use it. Not a problem for older kids who can swim, but disappointing for smaller kids."
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing policies: Check campground check-in rules before planning your arrival. At Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, Dan K. warns, "Make sure you do not arrive before 2:00PM, as they require a $10 early registration fee. if you decide not to pay, you'll be directed to overflow parking where you can loiter until 2:00."
Site surface considerations: When tent camping in Saugatuck with an RV, check site surfaces. Heather V. noted at Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, "We had a lot on the pond. All of those sites were good size for small trailer," suggesting suitable tent setup areas as well.
Water access options: RV sites with good tent setup areas often feature proximity to water. Cassie B. mentions that at Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday, despite somewhat crowded conditions, her family's site allowed them to frequently visit the park, "which we could see from our site."
