Best Campgrounds near Sturgis, MI

Camping in the Sturgis, Michigan area spans several developed campgrounds with varying amenities and natural settings. Cade Lake County Park & Campground serves as a primary destination with full hookup options for RVs and dedicated tent sites in a lakeside setting. The camping landscape extends into neighboring Indiana communities like Shipshewana and Howe, where facilities such as Twin Mills Camping Resort and Grandview Bend Family Campground provide additional options. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate multiple camping styles, with cabins available at several locations including Cade Lake and Trading Post Outfitters, allowing visitors flexibility based on comfort preferences.

Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the area, with most facilities operating between April and October. Full hookup sites typically range from $32-46 per night, while primitive tent sites cost around $30. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak summer months, particularly for holiday weekends. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal changes, with pleasant summer temperatures but occasional thunderstorms and humidity. Facilities at most campgrounds include showers, restrooms, and drinking water, though amenities vary significantly between locations. A visitor commented, "This is a nice cozy campground with a large frisbee golf course, a fishing and kayak lake, and a nice store. For the price, it's a must camp!"

Campers consistently highlight water access as a significant draw in the region's campgrounds. Cade Lake provides fishing and kayaking opportunities that receive positive mentions in multiple reviews. Several campgrounds feature wooded sites that provide natural shade and privacy, particularly appreciated during summer months. Grandview Bend Family Campground offers proximity to Amish country, with visitors noting they could hear "the clip clop of a horse buggie on the main road." Family amenities factor prominently in reviews, with playgrounds, basketball courts, and swimming areas mentioned as important features. While some campgrounds like Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park have limited shade due to immature trees, their convenient access to local attractions like the Shipshewana Flea Market compensates for this drawback according to visitor feedback.

Best Camping Sites Near Sturgis, Michigan (136)

    1. Pokagon State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Angola, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 833-2012

    $19 - $480 / night

    "There's 2 dump stations located in loops 3 & 4. IN THE CAMPGROUND! NEXT TO CAMPSITES!!!!

     "

    "This site was fairly level but very close to other sites…wouldn’t recommend it."

    2. Twin Mills Camping Resort

    7 Reviews
    Howe, IN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We had another couple that we camped with and were able to get two sites next to each other."

    "We frequent this location when getting RV Repairs and visiting Elkhart, the birth place of most RVs.

    There are cabins and tent sites and a large lake access point with a beach area."

    3. Cade Lake County Park & Campground

    4 Reviews
    Sturgis, MI
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (269) 651-3330

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Cade Lake can be seen from most campsites which adds to the scenery. Biking or walking trails, with frisbee golf course. We have been here twice and will probably go here once every year at least"

    "This place is a nice cozy campground with a large frisbee golf course, a fishing and kayak lake, and a nice store. For the price, it’s a must camp!"

    4. Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney

    11 Reviews
    Middlebury, IN
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 347-6889

    "They have trails that are a nice walk for the dogs and a pond to catch and release fish."

    "This clean, well kept campground is really close to grand design. We stayed here to go tour the manufacturers process."

    5. Trading Post Outfitters

    5 Reviews
    Orland, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 367-2493

    $34 - $140 / night

    "If the park wasn't nearly empty I would've never gotten out as it was it took me 30 minutes to get out. With that said the park is beautiful and the people that work there were polite and helpful."

    6. Shipshewana Trading Place RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Middlebury, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 768-4669

    "Easy access to the Shipshewana Flea Market and E&S Sales (greatest bulk food shopping EVER!) Campground was impeccably clean and quiet."

    "The park was clean and quiet and next to some beautiful grazing fields with cattle and horses."

    7. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ at Barton Lake

    14 Reviews
    Fremont, IN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 833-1114

    "You might just step out of your camper and look straight at your neighbors. Starting to think all Jellystones are like this. 5 pools! water slides cost extra. Food prices are reasonable."

    "We brought down 2 30’ campers and we had 4 adults 3 children and two dogs and stay right next to the craft barn. It is a really nice camp ground with lots and lots for the kids to do."

    8. Grandview Bend Family Campground

    2 Reviews
    Howe, IN
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 575-5927

    $30 - $500 / night

    "That said, the dump station location is not great. It’s a the back of the park and a very tight squeeze for bigger rigs. The staff is super friendly and accommodating."

    9. Ebys Pines

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, IN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (574) 848-4583

    "Trails lead to a local County park - Bonneyville Mill. There’s a roller skating rink and laser tag across the street."

    10. Shipshewana North Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    White Pigeon, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (260) 768-7770

    $32 - $134 / night

    "We were passing through and decided to stop for frozen custard at the stand right next to the campground."

    "The other reviewer must have been at the campground next to the flea market because this campground has trees and no way resembles a fairground site."

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Recent Reviews near Sturgis, MI

454 Reviews of 136 Sturgis 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.

  • 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.

  • Shawna T.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    chainolakes

    Camp out

    I loved how neighborly and extremely kind our camping neighbors were. Even though we were close in proximity to eachother, everyone remained respectful of the noise and helped eachother as much as we could. Good little camping trip community. Had a great experience

  • L
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Johnny Appleseed Campground

    Great location, but no privacy

    The campground is almost in the middle of Fort Wayne. Most of the sites are very close and no vegetation to allow any privacy. On the positive side, the bathrooms were very nice and clean. The staff was also very helpful.

  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Shipshewana Campground South Park

    Nice stay

    Bathrooms clean Campground well maintained. Showers clean. Push button operation not temperature control little on the cold side for me.

  • Bob B.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    A return to my childhood

    I camped here countless times throughout my childhood. It was nice returning. I brought back great memories and it struck a balance of staying up with the times but still leaving most to nature.

    Since there are no water or sewer hook ups, lines at the dump/fill station can get long.

    Sites are easy to get in and out of with RV/TT.

    Don’t miss out on the great finishing and hiking. A great plus is still seeing kids rise actual bikes!

  • H
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Fort Custer Recreation Area

    Beautiful Woodsy Campground

    We’ve stayed at both sites listed. 161 you do have neighbors pretty close, but we just stayed at 51 and it is extremely secluded! We had an amazing time tent camping it was so quiet! We love it here already with only being here twice!


Guide to Sturgis

Camping near Sturgis, Michigan, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful lakes to wooded trails, there’s something for everyone in this area.

What to do

  • Hiking and Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Warren Dunes State Park Campground, provide great hiking paths and access to the beach. One visitor mentioned, "Overall, great walking paths, hiking and the beach was a great bonus after an afternoon climbing the dunes!"
  • Kayaking and Fishing: At Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking on the lakes. A camper shared, "Kayaking the 13 lakes can easily last from morning to sundown."
  • Biking Trails: Potato Creek State Park Campground features paved bike trails that are perfect for family rides. One review noted, "The paved bike trails are amazing."

What campers like

  • Secluded Sites: Campers appreciate the privacy at places like Fort Custer Recreation Area. A reviewer said, "Lots of privacy. Trees and shrubs dividing sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds, such as Covert Park Beach & Campground, have welcoming staff. One visitor mentioned, "The camp is under new management and they are friendly and welcoming."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often highlight the cleanliness of facilities. At Pokagon State Park Campground, a reviewer stated, "The shower & restrooms are atrocious!!! Worst looking buildings since Spring Mill SP! Dirty & need an entire overhaul."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Van Buren State Park Campground noted, "Definitely too crowded and loud way past quiet hours."
  • Site Sizes: Not all sites are spacious. At Weko Beach Campground, a camper remarked, "The sites in this loop are so tiny you’re basically on top of your neighbors."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review for Deep Lake Rustic Campground mentioned, "There are wood stands occasionally stocked on the road to town and some gas stations had wood in town."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday has a splash pad and a jump park. One parent said, "It has a splash pad, a jump park, and the pool."
  • Plan for Beach Days: If your family loves the beach, consider campgrounds near Lake Michigan, like Weko Beach Campground. A visitor shared, "The beach area was very nice."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along items that make camping easier for kids, like portable chairs and games. A camper at Fort Custer Recreation Area mentioned, "The property has something like 219 campsites."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify if your RV will fit in the designated sites. A reviewer at Chain O' Lakes State Park Campground noted, "Our site was 21 inches unloved from front to back and 7 inches down on the passenger side!"
  • Look for Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups for a more comfortable stay. Potato Creek State Park Campground provides these amenities, making it easier for RVers.
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Be aware of the location of dump stations. A visitor at Pokagon State Park Campground mentioned, "There’s 2 dump stations located in loops 3 & 4."

Camping near Sturgis, Michigan, has its perks and quirks. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there’s a campground that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far are the nearest camping areas from Sturgis, MI?

Several quality campgrounds are within a 30-45 minute drive from Sturgis. Thousand Trails Bear Cave is approximately 20 miles away in Buchanan, situated on the banks of the St. Joseph River with boat launches and docks. Fort Custer Recreation Area near Battle Creek is about 35 miles northeast of Sturgis, offering a less crowded camping experience with numerous trails and a lake with paddle sports rentals. Heading south into Indiana, you'll find additional options like Shipshewana's campgrounds (about 25 miles away) and Elkhart's camping facilities (approximately 35 miles from Sturgis). Most nearby campgrounds are accessible within a 45-minute drive, making them convenient for both weekend getaways and longer stays.

What campgrounds are available in Sturgis, Michigan?

While Sturgis itself has limited camping options, Cade Lake County Park & Campground is located near Sturgis and offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces. Another notable option in the area is Travel Trailer Club of The Midwest, a rustic private campground that offers a peaceful retreat close to small towns with car shows, parades, and roadside vegetable stands. They host monthly events and provide a nature-filled camping experience. For more options, you'll want to explore the surrounding areas of southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana, which offer additional camping opportunities within a short drive of Sturgis.

What amenities do Sturgis campgrounds typically offer?

Campgrounds near Sturgis typically offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Elkhart Campground provides full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections, along with clean facilities and easy highway access. Some sites are concrete while others are more basic. Shipshewana North Park Campground offers convenient access to local attractions with decent facilities. Many area campgrounds feature recreation options like swimming pools, playgrounds, and walking trails. Some provide extras such as clubhouses with games, libraries, and organized activities. Laundry facilities, clean restrooms, and shower houses are standard at most developed campgrounds. Depending on the specific location, you might also find boat launches, fishing opportunities, and proximity to local events and attractions.