Best Campgrounds near Sparta, MI

Campgrounds near Sparta, Michigan encompass a variety of developed sites suitable for different camping styles, particularly for families seeking amenities. Cedar Springs RV Resort and Duke Creek Campground, both within 15 miles of Sparta, provide full-service options with water and electric hookups. The area features several mixed-use campgrounds accommodating tents, RVs, and cabins, with some properties offering glamping options. Most established campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations, typically opening from May through October.

Camping availability peaks during summer months when water recreation becomes a central attraction. Most developed campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays during peak season. As one camper noted, "It was nice at night very quiet, during the day it was very busy, the site was very big. The lake access was extremely busy." Wabasis Lake County Park and other waterfront campgrounds experience particularly high demand on summer weekends. Winter camping options are limited, with only select facilities like Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA operating year-round. Most campgrounds in the region offer modern amenities including showers, toilets, and electric hookups, though site sizes and privacy levels vary considerably.

Lakefront camping represents a significant draw in the Sparta region, with several campgrounds providing direct water access. The geography features relatively flat terrain and shallow lakes ideal for family swimming and beginner boating activities. Campers frequently mention clean facilities as a highlight, with particular praise for bathrooms and shower buildings. A visitor to Steamboat Park Campground reported it has "rigorously cleaned restrooms and showers - the best I've seen." Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly Cedar Springs RV Resort where proximity to roadways can impact the camping experience. Most developed campgrounds in the area offer planned activities for children, including playground facilities, swimming areas, and seasonal recreation programs, making them suitable for family camping trips rather than wilderness experiences.

Best Camping Sites Near Sparta, Michigan (175)

    1. Duke Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cedar Springs, MI
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 696-2115

    "Right across the road from Michigan's Adventure amusement park"

    "Train rides, Pool, Scavenger hunt, trails, bike rides, there just weren't enough hours in the day! We should have reserved an entire week!"

    2. Hoffmaster State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Norton Shores, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 798-3711

    $38 - $42 / night

    "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."

    "Great hiking trails, close to Lake Michigan"

    3. Wabasis Lake County Park

    10 Reviews
    Cannonsburg, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 691-8056

    "There are a few downsides:

    1. Because it's so close to Grand Rapids and some other cities, it typically is full on the weekends. Booking a site can be troublesome."

    "However, we were able to get a hold of the staff the next day, we were refunded for our first night, and had a great second night at Wabasis Lake staying in the camper cabins."

    4. Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA

    13 Reviews
    Allendale, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 895-6601

    "We did venture out to a brewery 5-10 mins away in Allendale and Grand Haven is about 20-25 minutes away if you want to cruise out to Lake Michigan. The pool was clean and we had a lot on the pond."

    "Very easy drive to the lighthouse, too!"

    5. Cedar Springs Rv Resort

    3 Reviews
    Cedar Springs, MI
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 696-1735

    "Only downfall is the proximity to the highway and lack of woodsy camping feeling. Restrooms are always immaculately clean. Close to Cedar Springs downtown."

    "Nice fishing pond, the cleanest bathrooms I’ve ever seen at a campground and nice walking path."

    6. Steamboat Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Jenison, MI
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 457-4837

    $45 - $85 / night

    "Year round parks are so hard to find in Michigan. This one is awesome. Great spots in the trees and also back in spots right on the river."

    "This is a quirky little campground tucked away along a large river. It's not large, but half of the sites are directly on a wide fast moving river.  Occasionally a paddleboat goes buy with tourists. "

    7. Newaygo State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Morley, MI
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 856-4452

    "This was such a beautiful location!! And definitely a nice find!"

    "I love the campsites at this state park, they're decently big and each site is surrounded by trees. The sites are a little close together but all in all we really enjoyed our stay."

    8. Grand Haven State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Grand Haven, MI
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 847-1309

    "We were right on the canal side and only 300ft away from Lake Michigan. Grand Haven State Parks has upgraded facilities so bathrooms and showering is actually pleasant."

    "We are here for Lake Michigan. The sunrises and sunsets, the water, the beach and the waves. 

    Nothing like waking up and walking to the beach, easy back and forth for lunch/dinner and snacks."

    9. Scalley Lake Park Campground and Cabins

    6 Reviews
    Cannonsburg, MI
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (616) 691-8534

    "Amazing spot away from the city! The owner of the place is very accommodating and pleasant to be around. Private lake with no motors so it is very quiet and peaceful!!!"

    "The cabins are clean and nice, the view of the lake is beautiful. My 6 children had a great time here"

    10. Salmon Run Campground & Vic's Canoes

    5 Reviews
    Newaygo, MI
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (231) 834-5494

    "If booked in advance there are some great walk-in sites where you can cast a line right from your picnic table. Clean, quiet campground."

    "Went with three families, had secluded site near back. It was perfect. Towed tubes to a few places on to river and enjoyed a long 3 hour float and a shorter hour float."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 175 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Sparta, MI

766 Reviews of 175 Sparta Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Doesn't exist and says "no camping"

    We went down the path and it says to make it right when there's no road that goes to the right. We drove three and a half hours to get here and now we've got to figure out where we're going to stay for the night. And the only spot that looked like a campable spot says no camping. There's a stake in the ground that says it.

  • T
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Nichols Lake South Campground

    Needs to maintain standards of operation

    Facility at Office quite nice. Camp host was running his generator all night long. Women routinely take their dogs with them into the restroom. We’re not talking about outhouses but flush toilet bathroom with shower.

  • G
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Beach Campground — Holland State Park

    Entry policy needs revising

    Got to campground at 13:00, checked to see if my reserved site was vacant (it was vacant) then went to check in. Attendant told couldn’t check in until 15:00. Had to park in marina parking lot.  Went back to check in and there was a line out to the street (safety issue).  It then took us 1/2 hr to check in then had to wait another 1/2hr in line for water. Got to site at 16:15.  Something has to change. Was told this was a Holland State Park decision because other state parks don’t do this.  Horrible, horrible policy

  • Nicole B.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    White River RV Park & Campground

    Terrible Campground/Noisy/Rude Staff

    Campsites are right on top of each other, so very little privacy. There were people outside our tent all night making noise. Staff was very rude. We left a day early.

  • 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.

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Sawkaw Lake

    Small and quiet

    Not a lot of privacy between sites, but they are very large so you don’t feel on top of another and having the lake right there was nice


Guide to Sparta

Camping near Sparta, Michigan, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the miles of trails available at Hoffmaster State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Miles of trails if you are into hiking," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the stunning Lake Michigan beach at Hoffmaster State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Family campground with beautiful Lake MI beach," perfect for a day of sun and sand.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park, you can fish and enjoy water activities. One camper shared, "Great dunes covered in dune grass, beautiful water next to the pier where we can go fishing."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A review for Fort Custer Recreation Area stated, "The showers and bathrooms are fine," indicating a well-maintained environment.
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered at campgrounds like Fort Custer Recreation Area. One visitor mentioned, "Huge beautiful campground. Lots of privacy."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Hoffmaster State Park Campground are noted for being family-friendly. A reviewer said, "Very family friendly not for people that stay up past 10pm."

What you should know

  • Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds, like Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park, have close sites. A camper remarked, "Sites are very close and is a typical campground outside of the beautiful trails and beach access."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Beach Campground — Holland State Park lack certain amenities. One visitor noted, "No showers, no firewood," which could be a dealbreaker for some.
  • Noise Levels: Expect some noise, especially during busy weekends. A review for Newaygo State Park Campground mentioned, "The noise levels really dropped off in the evening," indicating that daytime can be lively.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Hoffmaster State Park Campground, which has a great playground. A reviewer said, "Excellent playground if you have little ones."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor activities. One camper at Fort Custer Recreation Area enjoyed the mountain bike trails, saying, "We took full advantage of the mountain bike trails."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A visitor at Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park mentioned, "Walking distance to an excellent ice cream stand."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your RV against the campground's site dimensions. A review for Silver Lake State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you check your rig size against the site you are planning on reserving."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Many campgrounds have close quarters. A camper at Grand Haven State Park Campground noted, "The sites are VERY tight."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have everything you need. A visitor at Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park mentioned needing "plumbers tape to connect hose to site water faucet."

Camping near Sparta, Michigan, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to plan ahead and know what to expect!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Sparta?

The Sparta area offers several excellent camping options. Dutch Treat Camping & Recreation is a well-loved family-run campground with fishing, swimming pool, and a gagaball pit for kids. It's conveniently located close to town with a relatively short drive to Lake Michigan. For those seeking a more nature-immersive experience, Wabasis Lake County Park near Greenville provides drive-in access with reservable sites, water amenities, and toilets. This park is also big-rig friendly, making it suitable for RV campers exploring the Sparta region.

What amenities do Sparta campgrounds offer for tent camping?

Hoffmaster State Park Campground offers tent campers family-friendly sites with access to trails and a creek perfect for kids to play in. The park features clean facilities and is within walking distance to the beach. Lake Michigan Campground at Muskegon State Park provides tent campers with shaded sites among trees, clean bathhouses with hot showers, and the major highlight of being just steps away from Lake Michigan beach. Both campgrounds offer fire rings, nearby hiking trails, and access to natural water features that tent campers particularly appreciate.

How much does it cost to camp at Sparta campgrounds?

Camping costs in the Sparta area vary by campground type and amenities. Pioneer Park Campground offers well-maintained sites with Lake Michigan beach access at typical public campground rates. For more budget-conscious options, Duke Creek Campground near Cedar Springs provides reservable sites with basic amenities like water and toilets. Generally, public campgrounds in the area range from $20-35 per night for basic sites, while private campgrounds and those with full hookups typically charge $30-50 per night. Many campgrounds offer weekly rates at a discount and may have different pricing tiers based on location, hookups, and seasonal demand.