Tent camping near Wayland, Michigan offers diverse options within Michigan's Lower Peninsula, situated among rolling farmlands at elevations between 750-800 feet. The region experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 78-85°F from June through August, with camping season typically running from early April through mid-October depending on the first frost. Most campgrounds in the area feature sandy soil conditions typical of this glacially-formed region.
What to do
Swimming options: East Lake Camping provides a swimming beach on a small private lake. One camper noted the "Pretty lake with swimming beach and playground lovely for day use," making it popular for families seeking water recreation without Lake Michigan crowds.
Blueberry picking: Covert/South Haven KOA Holiday offers a unique camping experience with blueberry fields throughout the property. "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!"
River activities: Paddling opportunities exist on the Kalamazoo River, with campgrounds like WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite providing river access. A camper shared, "We kayaked there from Allegan and was treated to more wildlife viewing opportunities than we could ask for."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Smaller camping areas provide more intimate experiences than larger facilities. A camper at Camp Clear Sky praised the "Outdoor kitchen with running water and flush toilet" as "unexpected amenities," noting these conveniences in an otherwise rustic setting.
Kid-friendly amenities: Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA receives high marks for family activities. As one visitor mentioned, "We love this little KOA and camp here often with family who stay in the cabins... the activities are super fun and the pool is a nice size for the kids. My nephew loves the goats more than anything!"
Clean facilities: Many tent campers appreciate well-maintained amenities. One camper noted Allendale KOA has "clean restrooms and full-service showers" and "The staff at Allendale KOA were incredibly friendly and welcoming, ensuring that we felt right at home."
What you should know
Early arrival policies: Some campgrounds have strict check-in times. A camper at Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA warned, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds around Wayland operate seasonally. East Lake Camping runs from "May 1 to Oct 1" while Drews Country Camping operates "Apr 1 to Oct 31," meaning tent campers should plan accordingly during shoulder seasons.
Primitive options: Some campgrounds offer more rustic experiences. Pine Point Campground provides vault toilets and fire rings but limited other amenities, making it suitable for tent campers seeking a more basic outdoor experience.
Tips for camping with families
Activity access: When camping with children, proximity to activities matters. At Covert/South Haven KOA, families appreciate that "There are a lot of lodging options, tons of kids activities, both free and for a small fee, great pool, cafe and store! Lots of sports equipment to loan as well."
Campground size: Consider how compact or sprawling a campground is when planning with kids. One camper at Sandy Pines noted the challenge that "if you have a large camper, you can only get a spot in phase 3, which is really far away from all of the fun activities... it's almost too big of a campground."
Pet facilities: WaterTrail Ventures Paddle Respite welcomes pets while providing a more intimate camping experience. With only three sites available, this campground provides "Great swimming, in a very private area. It also has great trails for walking," perfect for families with dogs.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: For those bringing an RV to tent camping-friendly parks, site dimensions matter. At Drews Country Camping, one RVer described it as having "about 30 grassy sites that feel more like someone's big backyard than an actual campground," indicating casual spacing that works for smaller setups.
Seasonal residents: Many campgrounds balance transient and seasonal campers. At East Lake Camping, a visitor noted, "Most people here are seasonal, occupying almost all the lakefront sites. We may have seen one lakefront available for renters," suggesting tent campers should book early for premium spots.
Hookup availability: While tent campers typically don't need hookups, it affects overall campground layout. A camper at Allendale-West Grand Rapids KOA mentioned sites are "well treed (lots of pine trees) and flat," providing good shade coverage important for tent campers during summer months.
