The White Cloud area of Michigan features numerous camping options adjacent to the Muskegon River and surrounding lakes. Located in Newaygo County at approximately 900 feet elevation, the region experiences warm summers with average temperatures around 80°F and cold winters with significant snowfall. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally between May and October, when water activities become the central attraction for visitors.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Newaygo State Park Campground features an exceptional disc golf course that draws enthusiasts throughout the season. "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 T.
Kayaking the Muskegon River: Ed H. Henning Park provides direct river access for water activities. "It's a nice campground with a small park, pond, full bathrooms, group sites, and even a couple small cabins. It's great for river trips since we go upstream and can float all the way into camp and no worry about driving," explains Amy K.
Lakeside refreshments: Visitors to Diamond Lake can enjoy unique local amenities accessible by water. "We love kayaking to the party store around the other side of the lake for vodka slushies!" shares Kelli V. about the experience at Diamond Lake County Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cleanliness stands out as a priority at many White Cloud glamping locations. "Bathrooms and showers were clean and easily accessible," reports Heather Q. about her stay at Brower Park Campground.
Family activities: Campgrounds in the area offer structured recreation for children. "Hayrides and movies on the weekend," mentions Dave B. about Brower Park, while another camper notes, "There is also a fairly large swimming area. The showers are actually nice and clean!"
Spacious sites: Newaygo State Park Campground offers roomier camping spaces than many alternatives. "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. Great stargazing as well," writes Elise R.
What you should know
Rustic options vary: Some parks offer more basic amenities than others. "No water access (without filtering devices to use the lake water) and pit toilet (no door, no roof, behind a fence)," explains a visitor to Shelley Lake Campground, which charges just $10 per night.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping options in White Cloud require advance booking. "Rez was easy online. Not many campers this weekend," shares Michelle P. about Newaygo State Park's Poplar campground.
Additional fees: Some parks charge beyond base camping rates. "You do need a county park pass, $6/day until 10pm or $25/year," mentions Amanda L. about Brower Park, while boating may incur additional costs: "You will need to pay either a $7 daily or $30 annual fee for your boat but kayaks and canoes are free."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: White Cloud County Park offers recreation facilities within biking distance of town. "You can easily ride a bike to the local stores, restaurants and beach. There are miles of biking trails, White River flows nearby for kayaking," explains Becky P.
Beach access: Brower Park features child-friendly swimming areas. "This campground is on the beautiful muskegon river, it has a large swimming area, nice sandy beach along the swimming area, play grounds, everything is clean and well kept," shares Bethany S.
Creative activities: Some parks provide structured activities for children. "There is a trail head with a gorgeous trail along a smaller stream and an art barn with activities for kids to create each day," notes a Brower Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RV glamping in White Cloud, Michigan, consider which section of the campground best suits your needs. "Poplar campground. Sites are bigger than the other side and more private with more trees," recommends Michelle P. about Newaygo State Park.
Hookup options: Woods and Water RV Resort offers full-service sites for larger rigs. "Sites are spacious. Easy to back into. Very quite! Wonderful little swim area with water slide," reports Amie R., though she notes it's "a little pricey."
Seasonal considerations: Several glamping venues operate with limited seasons. "I love camping here to get away from the city living. No electric and pit toilets which are pretty clean!" shares Jentien S. about Newaygo State Park, which unlike many seasonal operations remains open year-round.
