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Best Tent Camping near Spring Lake, MI

707 Reviews

The Spring Lake area in western Michigan offers multiple tent camping options including Muskegon State Park's South Channel Campground, located approximately 15 miles north along Lake Michigan's shoreline. This established campground provides dedicated tent sites with access to both Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. Closer to Spring Lake, the White River Campsite #1 offers free primitive tent camping in the Manistee National Forest with a more secluded, natural setting.

Tent sites at South Channel Campground feature paved parking pads with electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables. Access is primarily drive-in, though some walk-in sites are available. Campers should note that while drinking water and toilets are available, sites lack direct water hookups. A camper described the Channel Campground as having "sites that are VERY close together," indicating limited privacy during peak season. The campground operates seasonally from April through October, with reservations recommended during summer months.

White River Campsite #1 offers a contrasting primitive camping experience with minimal facilities. According to one visitor, "This is the White River special area of the Manistee National Forest. While there are numbered campsites, there are no facilities or amenities. This is more suitable for tents or maybe small campers." Access requires navigating unmarked two-track roads that may be challenging for some vehicles. Free camping is available at these sites, though the primitive nature means campers must pack in all necessary supplies including water. The forest setting provides natural shade and a more authentic outdoor experience compared to established campgrounds. Tent campers seeking solitude will appreciate these basic sites, though proper preparation is essential given the lack of amenities.

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Best Tent Sites Near Spring Lake, Michigan (21)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Spring Lake, MI

14 Photos of 21 Spring Lake Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Spring Lake, MI

707 Reviews of 21 Spring Lake Campgrounds

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 9, 2018

    Brower Park Campground

    Large Family Fun Campground

    There is something for everyone here. Tent, camper, or RV and fun for all ages with everything from 3 playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and tennis courts, to a boat launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. There is also a fairly large swimming area. The showers are actually nice and clean! The restrooms were surprisingly clean and modern as well. Firewood is available in bundles or loose and you stack it yourself. There are numerous picnic areas throughout the campground. There are picnic tables and fire rings at every site and hook up such as electric and water vary. Kids are riding their bikes all over, fishing, playing at playgrounds, the beach, everywhere. Everyone was very friendly. You probably don’t necessarily need a sleeping pad or air mat if you’re in a tent, but they’re always nice. The mosquitos weren’t bad at all! We stayed at site #226. You do need a county park pass, $6/day until 10pm or $25/year.

  • T
    Apr. 15, 2021

    Ely Lake Campground

    Keyword: RUSTIC

    This is our "home base" campground. It's familiar. We've been coming here for decades. Comfortable, and quiet(for the most part).

    Caveat: no electric, no running water, no sewer/septic, no dump, no fill... Can run your generator(inverter type is best). Solar is a negative due to tree cover.

    Vault toilets only, and pitcher pumps for water. There is a dumpster available in the busier parts of the season but this campground is open year round.

    No playground. Just the beach and the trails.

    Sites range from small tent sites to fairly large, but the "roads" inside the campground are tight so think twice before bringing the longer 5th wheels.

    In short, if you want a quiet getaway from your usual then this is a great place to go. If you're expecting a pool, arcade, and dining hall... Look elsewhere.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort-South Haven, MI

    This is my top pick for South Haven

    Although this campground has great amenities, a pool, clean showers, and good sites/cabins, it is hard to book. If you know you are going to come to this area and camp, you need to book it a while in advance. I have used a pop-up and there was good space between campers. When I tent camped, we had a great spot near the cafe, the showers are amazing over there, they are more secluded. Our tent spot had electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. We camped on the grass and there is gravel to park your car. This campground is a perfect place to stay when visiting surrounding towns and going to the beach.

    Don’t forget to go to Sherman’s!!

    There was a forecast or rain, don’t mind the tarp

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2019

    Brookside City Park

    Beautiful super small camping in town

    The campsites are located past the playground and shelter. Just keep driving down the road that looks like an alley. There is a wonderful place set up for just a few campers. 

    A couple sites are for tents only and the others are standard sites. There are a few trees by the sites but it’s mostly open area. Portable toilets are at the end of the camping area and in the playground area. The playground is a day use area for town so expect to meet some locals. 

    Driving just down the street takes you to the police station. This is where you register for the site. Town is around you and ready to explore. There are a few train tracks and industrial businesses which provide a bit of noise along with traffic. For us, the noise just slid right into the background. 

    This is a great place for a low price.

  • Shelly B.
    Jun. 26, 2017

    Hoffmaster State Park Campground

    Woods & Water Wonderland!

    Great 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.

  • N
    Jul. 19, 2016

    South Channel Campground

    Close to the beach, but very very cramped

    There are two campgrounds in the park - The Channel Campground & the Lake Michigan campground. We stayed at the Channel Campground two years ago. It's right on the channel from Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan, so you have walking access to both lakes. The campsites were VERY close together. It was actually the first thing we noticed as soon as we pulled through the gate. Campsites have a paved parking pad, fire ring, electrical hookup, and picnic table. Restroom & shower facilities were relatively clean & well maintained. You'll probably have to wait for the showers, but that's pretty typical.

    Overall, the campground was just average. If you don't like being close to your neighbors, I'd recommend staying at the Lake Michigan campground in the same park. Larger sites & tons of shade.

  • Christopher P.
    Jul. 25, 2021

    Deep Lake Rustic Campground — Yankee Springs Recreation Area - TEMPORARILY CLOSED IN 2024

    Nice rustic site

    Nice rustic campground with a beautiful lake view. Nice big fire rings. Vault toilet and water pump nearby. Some what level site but in the small side. Perfect for tent camping or a teardrop. Definitely nothing over 15'. Was able to park across from my site to maximize space.

    Gorgeous little lake town just 8 miles away has a full grocery store and restaurants.

    Campsites border the Deep Lake trail.

  • Napunani
    Dec. 1, 2023

    Beach Campground — Holland State Park

    Beach Campground = Parking Lot

    If you like to camp in a parking lot, like Walmart or Cracker Barrel, you will love this lake side campground- it's a parking lot! 

    PROS 

    Toilet/shower facilities very clean 

    2 bars TMOBILE 

    Walking distance to Lake Michigan 

    Rangers strictly enforced beach closure each evening- lots of sirens. 

    CONS 

    Pricy state park camping at $53/night for full hook up

    $8 Fee to make on-line reservations 

    Since out of state, we had to purchase a $39 Michigan State Park Permit in addition to paying for campsite 

    No senior or veteran discount 

    Campground is one big asphalt parking lot with painted lines to delineate each site. Absolutely no privacy from any other campsite. 

    Camping is slammed together as tow vehicles have to be parked next to camper/RV insufficient space to park in front of camper/RV 

    Must check-in before going to campground even with on-line reservation and payment in full 

    3pm check-in was strictly enforced--there was quite a line of RVs backed up at 230pm. Once registration opened it took us 20 minutes to register. 

    Needed plumbers tape to connect hose to site water faucet 

    Waist high weeds behind campsites 

    No shade and most of time too windy to deploy awning 

    No security gate closure overnight. 

    Anyone can drive through or walk in from the beach. 

    Lots of drive thrus by non campers 

    No campfire rings or lantern poles at campsites 

    Lots of campfire debris dumped behind campsites from those who bring their own fire pit and charcoal grills 

    Site 396 not level 

    No park WIFI

Guide to Spring Lake

Alternative tent camping options near Spring Lake, Michigan offer varied experiences depending on your camping preferences. Beyond the South Channel and White River sites, several family-oriented campgrounds provide amenities within driving distance. The region contains a mix of established campgrounds with electrical hookups and more primitive forest camping experiences within 30 miles of Spring Lake.

What to do

Explore lakefront activities: At Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA, located 25 minutes from Grand Haven beach, visitors can enjoy water recreation along with campground amenities. As Steve F. notes, "This campground is great, it's only 25 minutes from Grand Haven beach. The sites are well treed and flat!"

Watch boat traffic: The channel connecting Muskegon Lake to Lake Michigan provides unique boat-watching opportunities at South Channel Campground. According to Sara G., you can "watch boats go through channel from campsite, loved watching the lake express."

Hike forest trails: Manistee National Forest offers hiking opportunities near the tent camping areas. Vegan T. advises, "There are dispersed options as well as docked site. It's in a forest, so bring a compass if you plan to do some hiking."

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms at campgrounds near Spring Lake. At Allendale KOA, Magy C. reports, "the bathrooms and showers were super clean and someone was always in there keeping them that way."

Water access: WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite provides river access and swimming opportunities. Karlina L. describes it as "beautiful with solar lights at night and a private beach. Great swimming, in a very private area. It also has great trails for walking."

Peaceful atmosphere: Quieter camping options contrast with busier state parks. Jeremy K. found WaterTrail Ventures "definitely off the beaten path. We kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for."

What you should know

Early arrival fees: Some campgrounds charge for early check-in. At Allendale 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 spacing varies: Campground density differs significantly between locations. East Lake Camping has limited space between sites according to Wailym C.: "The sites are very small, not much privacy, but well kept. There are more spacious sites available on the upper grassy loop."

Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer. Sara G. simply advises about South Channel Campground: "Reserve early."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Woods and Water RV Resort offers activities specifically designed for children. Amie R. mentions, "Wonderful little swim area with water slide. Wonderful trails for hiking. Lots of activities."

Animal attractions: Several campgrounds include small animal areas that appeal to children. Lisa D. notes that Allendale KOA has "Goats to visit, air-soft shooting range, large play structure."

Organized activities: Scheduled events keep children entertained at some campgrounds. Heather V. shares, "We found this campground last minute and it was our first time at a KOA... the pool, the hayride, the night hayride, two parks, jump pad, and feeding the goats kept them busy."

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. For White River Campsite #1, Kendra H. advises, "Best access seems to be along 160th avenue south of Arthur road. The road seems a bit sketchy but should be okay for most vehicles."

Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies between campgrounds. Amanda K. notes at Oak Knoll Family Campground: "Water and electric are available. The campground is clean, but very small spaces for each site."

Size restrictions: Larger RVs may face limitations at certain campgrounds. Kendra H. explains that White River Campsite is "more suitable for tents or maybe small campers."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Spring Lake, MI?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Spring Lake, MI is Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA with a 4-star rating from 13 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Spring Lake, MI?

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Spring Lake, MI, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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