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Cedar Springs RV Resort accommodates tent campers, RV travelers, and cabin guests with pets on its wooded sites. Dogs must be leashed at all times while on the property, with waste stations positioned throughout the grounds. Duke Creek Campground also welcomes pets at no additional fee, offering spacious sites where pets can remain with their owners during all outdoor activities. Both campgrounds maintain pet-friendly policies year-round, though dogs are not permitted in beach swimming areas. Campground bathrooms and common areas are meticulously maintained, allowing comfortable stays for both pets and their owners. The proximity to highways creates some noise at Cedar Springs Resort, particularly noticeable when trucks hit rumble strips nearby.
Several hiking trails accessible from both campgrounds provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs. Wabasis Lake County Park features pet-friendly trails surrounding the lake, though the beach area gets extremely busy during summer months. Dogs must be kept leashed on all trails to prevent wildlife encounters. Seasonal raccoon activity at Wabasis Lake requires pet owners to secure all food items at night. Most campgrounds provide water hookups where pets can be refreshed after walks. Local rules require waste cleanup throughout all common areas. The Kent County Animal Shelter operates approximately 15 miles south in Grand Rapids for emergency veterinary situations, while several pet supply stores can be found within a 20-minute drive of most Sparta-area campgrounds.
"Right across the road from Michigan's Adventure amusement park"
"family owned dog Freindly. Kids have activities hay rack rides and train rides heated pool tent and travel trailer some pull thrus all in all nice place"
"Unfortunately, a red flag was flying on our visit, so we only waded at the water's edge- but - still cool to lay out on the sugar-like sand and walk its 3 mile length!"
"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."
from $38 - $42 / night
Check Availability"Nice and secluded yet close to town and easy access to the highway"
"Lots of greenery to walk my dog. As a bonus, they have river cruises that leave directly from the office."
from $45 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Pets are welcome here with two fenced dog runs and trails to keep the owners exercised. I love this place and have made it a regular stop."
"Lots of the activities within the park, they have a small petting zoo, sky pad, playground. Several cottages in the park as well. Well be back."
"There are a few downsides:
- 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."
"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."
"trees surrounding the campsite was nice for 100% humidity weekend; pit toilets were cleaned regularly throughout the day, wish it had beach access for dogs"
"This was such a beautiful location!! And definitely a nice find!"
"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."
"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."
from $40 - $100 / night
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TravelerDefinitely the best camp ground in West Michigan! Clean sites, friendly staff, and many amenities. Camp store, laundry, showers and bathrooms, huge pool, hot tub, pickle ball courts, kids play ground, bikes, scooters, and kayaks for rent (with a kayak launch) and boat slips on the water. They have access to a dog park as well. Home away from home!
ScoutVery nice campground, Clean and well maintained and friendly office staff. Nice wooded trail (about 3/4 mile loop around the pond) for walking the pooches. There is a nice sized fenced dog park with potable water right there. Great little playground and bounce house for the kiddos.
TravelerWas a decent place to camp- lots are very close though! Luckily in the fall it wasn’t very busy. Nice little lake on property. Fire pits in odd spot near the road. No pets allowed-not even a cat that stays inside in your camper! Also- there is a $7 a day fee for out of the county. Even when you arrive late at night.
LegendHolland 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. Holland SP has two campgrounds – the Lake Macatawa Unit and the Beach Campground (which is where we stayed and the focus of this review). The Beach Campground is essentially a parking lot as the sites, patios and roads are paved with little grass among them. It is nestled between dunes which adds to the scenic value and blocks the strong winds coming off of Lake Michigan. The Lake Unit campground is much larger (211 campsites) than the Beach Campground and has more of a state park feel with trees, grass, and fire pits.
Site description:
The Beach Campground has 98 RV sites of which 31 are 50 amp full hook-up and two camper cabins. Some sites towards the northern section of the park have great views of Lake Michigan but be warned that strong winds can come off the lake and really shake your RV. When we were there in early May the winds were very strong with blowing sand which made us really glad we were not near the water.
Campsites are plenty wide to fit your RV with slide outs and car next to it without feeling cramped. Utilities are at the very back of the site so you may need an extension for your sewer hose. All sites were level. Every site has a picnic table. There are no fire pits at individual sites but community ones are located near the beach and you are permitted to use your own fire pit if you have one.
We were able to get nearly two dozen television stations with our antenna and had no problem locking into a satellite with our roof-mounted dish. Verizon phone and hotspot worked well.
So is this park big rig-friendly? In general, yes. Our site was certainly long (and wide) enough to fit our RV and the tow car next to it. However, we did have the back five feet overhanging the sand at the back of the site. This was no problem for us because our stabilizing jacks are in between our back tires. We were also there at a time when the park was fairly empty so backing in and pulling out was no problem. The sites are all set at an angle to the main road which makes backing easier.
Campground amenities:
By far the beach is the biggest draw to the campground. The wide beach lures sunbathers out in warm weather and is popular for a walk at sunset. There is a playground, picnic area, community fire pits, dump station, boat launch and concession stand. There is one restroom/shower house that was very clean but no laundry facilities.
What we liked:
We loved that fact that this campground was so close to water and the nice paved path for walking and hiking trails in the main part of the campground. Within 50 yards from our site we could be walking along Lake Macatawa or along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. The beach is wide and expansive and is the place to be for awesome sunsets. When we were there the beach was not crowded because it was cold and windy but it would be a great place to enjoy a good book under an umbrella. Definitely liked the fact that this was a full hook-up state park with level sites.
What we didn’t like:
The park is essentially a parking lot with little grass and trees. What really surprised us was how many cars drove through the campground that were not staying there. There apparently are no restrictions on who drives through the park so many day-use visitors came by just for a look resulting in unnecessary traffic.
Be advised there is a “no alcohol” policy in the park and campground and you have to sign a piece of paper saying you will abide by that rule. The rule states that “Possessing or consuming alcohol is prohibited in all areas of the park throughout the entire year” even inside your RV.
In order to enter the state park you must have a Michigan Recreation Passport which costs $32 for an annual non-resident OR you have to pay $11/day to enter the park even if you are camped there.
Pet:
There are plenty of places to walk dogs here and access points to water if your dog likes to swim. Unfortunately, they are not allowed on the beach but there is a long walking path and within the main part of the park are miles of hiking trails and a nice overlook. This park does not have an unleashed dog park; however, there is one within five miles at the fairgrounds.
GuideI grew up coming here and they had expanded a lot on it in the last few years. You will never be bored and it is a true resort feeling, you will forget your camping! They have themed weekends filled with activities for both adults and children and have a pool, pizza and ice cream, jumping pillow, clubhouse, fishing, playground, dog park, and so much more!
ScoutThe staff is very friendly and helpful. There are activities for young and old and everyone in between. The showers are clean and spacious. They have campsites to meet everyone's desires. Pets are welcome here with two fenced dog runs and trails to keep the owners exercised. I love this place and have made it a regular stop.
TravelerThis is a great little camp ground right on Lake Michigan. Pretty open so not a ton of privacy but a nice set up to meet new friends. The campground sits above the lake so be ready to trek up and and down a large set of stairs but the beach and views are worth it! Water, outhouses, ice and firewood available. No showers. Pet and family friendly.
GuideGreat family campground - Paired with the area offers many options!
With mostly modern sites situated in hardwoods, pines, or a mixture, we stayed in the hardwoods area; however, my kids would have enjoyed the pines better for it appeared to have hammock hanging at almost every site. Well-maintained and clean restrooms had soda vending machines.
Children's play area with equipment and activity field, where several kites were hoisted high into the air, were great. Gillette Visitor Center in the State Park area about 1/4 mile away offers Explorer and interpretive programs Tuesday through Saturday, with topics ranging from nature history/preservation to information on wildlife. We enjoyed the spider and bear presentations most, but maybe that is because I have all boys! The campground beach, only a 5 - 10 minute walk from any site, was awesome! While there wasn't a lifeguard, I appreciated the "flag system" advising how safe the water is each day. Unfortunately, a red flag was flying on our visit, so we only waded at the water's edge- but - still cool to lay out on the sugar-like sand and walk its 3 mile length! I do regret not making it back to the beach for sunset as our camping neighbors RAVED about it the following morning!
My favorite part of this campground was the trails. In addition to several trails within the campground (the one along the creek was especially loved!), many more can be accessed in the state park, which contains over ten miles of trails in its 1,200 acres. Trails to dunes, beach, and other parks as well as dune preserve: all well-marked and vary in difficulty, weaving through pine and hardwood forests nestled among dunes. Plus, the adjoining North Ottawa Dune Preserve offers an additional ten miles of trails! OMG - what a phenomenal place for a walk in the woods or trail running! One of our walks was up a 5-story staircase near the nature center, leading to an observation platform with expansive views of majestic dunes and Lake Michigan. I was impressed that a portion was barrier-free.
Some family ventured into nearby towns of Muskegon, Spring Lake, and Grand Haven to experience what they had to offer: shops, museums, World War II boats, piers to walk, and several craft breweries - all 15 minutes away! Our dogs enjoyed the visit to the unleashed dog park at Coast Guard Park that is a ten-minute drive or a five-mile walk through the trails.
Logistics to note: Campground sells ice - $2/7# bag and wood/$5.50 a bundle. We quickly realized that residences outside the park sold it at $5 for larger bundles. Area grocery stores include a Meijer superstore and Leppinks grocery. We preferred Leppinks for the quick trip and Meijer for items beyond groceries, such as that forgotten bathing suit or a propane tank for the grill. While we don't have a big rig, I did notice the backup of campers at the two campground dump stations Sunday before 1pm checkout. Being a state park, Hoffmaster requires vehicles have a recreation passport to enter ($11/year -residents and $32/year -non-residents or a daily rate of $9). No alcoholic beverages between April 15 and Labor Day.
I talked to a ranger about coming back later this year, and he told me it is best to book months ahead for weekends because they fill up at the beginning of summer; however, cancellations are not uncommon, so watch the DNR site for openings. Weekdays usually have availability, especially the first half of the summer. He added that a great time to visit would be the weekend before Halloween as they encourage people to decorate their sites, wear costumes, and participate in trick or treating on Saturday night.
ScoutThis is always my go to campground! All natural camping with plenty of nice people! One word of advise is to bring your own tp though lol they seem to always run out on Sunday mornings lol but are back up and running by mid afternoon. No showers and just outhouses but that's REAL camping right!!!? 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. Walking trails around the lake that offer nature at it's purest! I have been coming to this lake to camp for over 40 years and I hope I have 40 more years left!!!
Camping near Sparta, Michigan offers varied terrain with rolling hills and dense woodland areas. Sites typically sit at elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. The region's mixture of hardwood forests and small lakes creates natural windbreaks at most established campgrounds, though some sites experience highway noise.
Disc golf excursions: Newaygo State Park Campground features a disc golf course that provides excellent recreation for campers staying at rustic sites. "There's good hiking, an awesome disc golf course, and the lake right there with boat launches for fishing. If you're not into fishing or disc golf, you might be happier elsewhere," notes Ryan L.
River tubing: The Muskegon River provides tubing opportunities near Salmon Run Campground. "Towed tubes to a few places on to river and enjoyed a long 3 hour float and a shorter hour float," reports Margaret M., who visited with three families. The campground's proximity to multiple river access points makes it convenient for water activities.
Hiking trail networks: Hoffmaster State Park Campground offers extensive hiking options through diverse terrain. "In addition to several trails within the campground (the one along the creek was especially loved!), many more can be accessed in the state park, which contains over ten miles of trails in its 1,200 acres," explains Shelly B. The adjoining North Ottawa Dune Preserve adds another ten miles of connected trails.
Beach activities: Grand Haven State Park provides direct beach access from campsites. "The State Park sits less than a mile from the main strip of Grand Haven, which is a very cute town with great restaurants, shops and candy stores," shares Kristen B. The proximity to town amenities and beach makes it popular despite limited privacy.
Spacious sites: Newaygo State Park Campground receives positive reviews for its generously sized campsites. "Very wooded and spread out among the campsites! Close to the water, and there's a trail along the perimeter of the campground with amazing views," writes Elise R. The rustic camping experience includes vault toilets and hand-pumped water.
Family activities: Duke Creek Campground offers organized activities for children. "Train rides, Pool, Scavenger hunt, trails, bike rides, there just weren't enough hours in the day! We should have reserved an entire week!" explains Becky P. The campground's variety of structured activities keeps families busy.
Clean facilities: Steamboat Park Campground maintains exceptionally clean shower facilities. "The bathrooms are not just clean and well maintained, but the shower rooms also have a dedicated sink and toilet, which I much appreciate," notes James V. Multiple reviewers mention the cleanliness of the bathhouse and well-maintained grounds.
Riverfront sites: Salmon Run Campground provides options for fishing directly from campsites. "If booked in advance there are some great walk-in sites where you can cast a line right from your picnic table," explains Jen W. The campground's location on the Muskegon River creates premium sites for anglers.
Highway noise considerations: Cedar Springs RV Resort experiences traffic noise from nearby highways. "The highways a littler closer then it looks, so you do get a lot of road noise. Especially when trucks hit the chatter bumps on the side," reports Becky C. The resort compensates with well-maintained facilities and planned activities.
Reservation timing: Grand Haven State Park requires early booking for summer weekends. "This campground is EXTREMELY hard to get into on the weekends. If you are planning a trip to Grand Haven State Park, be sure to log onto the State Reservation site six months to the date that you want to camp," advises Stephanie C. Weekday availability typically remains open longer.
Site variations: Wabasis Lake County Park has diverse site options, including cabins with significant amenities. "Each cabin had a living room, two bedrooms, kitchen work counter, dining table, microwave, and a small fridge. One of the rooms contains a queen size bed, and the other bedroom contains two sets of bunk beds," describes ERolf P. The campground's layout positions cabins with lake views.
Beach conditions: Hoffmaster State Park uses a flag system for water safety. "While there wasn't a lifeguard, I appreciated the 'flag system' advising how safe the water is each day. Unfortunately, a red flag was flying on our visit, so we only waded at the water's edge," reports Shelly B. The park's three-mile beach offers ample space even during busy periods.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA offers multiple child-focused amenities. "The activities are super fun and the pool is a nice size for the kids. My nephew loves the goats more than anything!" shares Lisa P. The campground includes a petting zoo, playground, and jump pad.
Site selection strategies: Duke Creek Campground's sites vary in size and privacy. "The sites were very small at this campground. Our fire pit was so close to our trailer we didn't dare use it," cautions Clint. Families should request sites near recreational areas for convenience but away from main roads.
Wildlife awareness: Wabasis Lake County Park has active wildlife that requires attention. "Lots and lots of raccoons, that aren't shy at all!" warns Nicole C. Campers should secure food items at night to prevent unwanted wildlife encounters.
Swimming considerations: Some lakes in the area have seasonal water quality issues. "We have loved this campground for its sites right on the park, and great beach area with park at the beach also. Lots of trails for hiking and exploring but unfortunately this summer swimmers itch got us!" reports Nicole C. about Wabasis Lake. Check with rangers about current water conditions.
Early arrival planning: Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA has specific check-in policies. "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," advises Dan K. This policy affects travel planning for those driving long distances.
Dump station timing: Hoffmaster State Park experiences congestion at facilities during peak checkout times. "I did notice the backup of campers at the two campground dump stations Sunday before 1pm checkout," observes Shelly B. RVers should plan dump station use outside peak departure windows.
Site leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling. "Some of the sites are a little uneven (the camper needed wood blocks underneath it so that the wheels weren't off the ground after leveling," explains Bill R. regarding Newaygo State Park. RVers should pack leveling blocks even at established campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sparta, MI?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sparta, MI is Duke Creek Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 144 dog-friendly camping locations near Sparta, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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