The best waterside campgrounds near Big Rapids, Michigan

Big Rapids delivers when you want to camp next to the water. You’ll find over 1,300 waterside campsites here—riverside clearings, lakeside alcoves, and creekside nooks all pop up within easy reach. Rates dip as low as $15 a night, with the average hanging around $30. Top picks include Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat (301 reviews), Provision Family Farms (94 reviews), and Sportsman's Port Wellston PineRiver (85 reviews). Most sites come with toilets, showers, and allow campfires—so you can cook up the day’s catch or just unwind by the water. Fishing, hiking, and swimming are the staples here. If you’re after easy river access and plenty of space to roam, Big Rapids should be on your radar.

97% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Big Rapids delivers when you want to camp next to the water. You’ll find over 1,300 waterside campsites here—riverside clearings, lakeside alcoves, and creekside nooks all pop up within easy reach. Rates dip as low as $15 a night, with the average hanging around $30. Top picks include Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat (301 reviews), Provision Family Farms (94 reviews), and Sportsman's Port Wellston PineRiver (85 reviews). Most sites come with toilets, showers, and allow campfires—so you can cook up the day’s catch or just unwind by the water. Fishing, hiking, and swimming are the staples here. If you’re after easy river access and plenty of space to roam, Big Rapids should be on your radar.

97% (1.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Chippewa Henge Camp

97%

(56)

43mi from Big Rapids · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Mount Pleasant, MI

One acre swimming pond with multiple rustic campsites, common areas include the beach and group firepit. 122 acres with long entrance drive that situates campers next to "Lake Leland" as we refer to the pond. Absolutely no Glass permitted on property! Generators are permitted. A creek crosses the back portion of the property with several trails intersecting.

2. Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

100%

(14)

18mi from Big Rapids · 1 site · Lodging · Newaygo, MI

Pet friendly 2-bedroom, 1 bath cabin on Croton Pond with great views of the Muskegon River valley. The lake cabin has all the amenities necessary for an incredible stay. There is a private beach and a dock for a boat on a large all sports lake. Lake and beach area is accessible on property via 185 steps. There are other lake access points in the area such as Duchemin public boat launch. There is great fishing in the area, and we are approximately 2 miles from the Dragon Trail - mountain bike trail. https://www.thedragon.us/the-dragon-trail/ https://newaygocountyexploring.com/project/croton-pond/

3. Huron-Manistee National Forests

83%

(29)

938 sites · Mio, Michigan

You’re going to feel like you struck gold when you visit Huron-Manistee National Forest and you might actually strike gold! Along with hiking and horseback riding in the fairytale forest of lower Michigan, you can also pan for gold or hunt for natural minerals and geodes. If a sparkly souvenir isn’t your fancy, tube down the AuSable National Scenic River or explore the Nordhouse Dunes. The Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary is delight for all your senses and a spot to get that epic panoramic shot. This is a place you’ll want to discover for more than a day, so crack a few fireside brews at one of Huron-Manistee’s campgrounds. You’ll have no issues here striking it rich in both scenery and fun.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

4. Newaygo State Park

100%

(1)

99 sites · Morley, Michigan

Discover Newaygo State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Big Rapids

Hungerford Lake Boat Launch and Campsites

7mi from Big Rapids · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Hungerford Trail Camp

7.2mi from Big Rapids · 48 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Hungerford Equestrian Group Campground

7.3mi from Big Rapids · 1 site · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Brush Lake Campground

11mi from Big Rapids · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

100%

(1)

Poplar Campground

14mi from Big Rapids · 51 sites · Tents, RVs · in Newaygo State Park

Oak Campground

14mi from Big Rapids · 48 sites · Tents, RVs · in Newaygo State Park

Shelley Lake Campground

17mi from Big Rapids · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Indian Lake Campground

17mi from Big Rapids · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Benton Lake Campground

21mi from Big Rapids · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

These boy scouts were caught taking a short break at Highbanks Campground will earning there Hiking Merit Badge.

Highbank Lake Campground

21mi from Big Rapids · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

100%

(1)

Twinwood Lake Campground

21mi from Big Rapids · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Nichols Lake South Campground

21mi from Big Rapids · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Huron-Manistee National Forests

Stories from the community

S

Sarah

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

My son and I stayed for a weekend to go fishing and get away from the busy city life. We absolutely loved our stay, were so impressed with the cleanliness of the place, the items available for our use, and the breathtaking views. We will definitely be back!

A

Ariel

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

Beautiful views, host makes the house feel super homey and cozy, and its pet friendly :) my boyfriend loved fishing as well.

J

Joshua

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

Well-stocked, comfortable and clean cabin. Really nice outdoors space. We had a great time!

R

Ronald

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Chippewa Henge Camp

The camping area was beautiful and the host was very friendly. I will definitely be returning on my next trip.

I

ISABELLE

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Chippewa Henge Camp

Lovely campground, quite peaceful and the pond was a nice feature. Would recommend!

A

Amelia

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Chippewa Henge Camp

Impeccably maintained tent sites in a great location for anything in Mount Pleasant! Forest is largely intact around the camp, so plenty of “up north” feel and privacy.

shay

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Chippewa Henge Camp

I loved camping at chips place it was beautiful!!

Frank

June 2025

Tent

2 nights at Chippewa Henge Camp

This place was absolutely beautiful. I stayed in site D and it was only a few steps away from the relaxing lake from the pictures. Chip, the host was really friendly and always made sure we had what we needed. It was very peaceful and it wasn’t over populated for going on a long weekend. I would definitely camp here again in a heart beat!

C

Cinthia

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Chippewa Henge Camp

We loved Chip's land, the area is nice and clean. We had the chance to meet the owners really nice people. We will definitely come back

Boe

June 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Chippewa Henge Camp

Place was amazing, quiet and secluded. People were courteous.

K

Kacey

May 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

We loved the cabin and its ambiance. Everything we needed was provided. The view from the back, the ledge patio for coffee. The convenience of how close to Newaygo town it was. A great place to go and stay for those who like to hike, bike, fish, and or be outside!

S

Sunitha

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Chippewa Henge Camp

Loved this place. Clam and pleasant. Felt like healing , its very peaceful. Spacious enough, you wont be disturbed at all. Will surely visit again.

Maxwell

April 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

Our stay at Mike's was great, the site felt pretty private and had a nice view. Mike also left firewood out for us which was nice of him, overall the experience was amazing.

Melanie

March 2025

3 nights at Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

A clean, secluded, well-supplied and maintained cabin with fantastic views from the entire back of the cabin. I was able to cook full meals without issue thanks to the well-stocked kitchen; and the furnishings, linens, and bathroom supplies made the place feel like home. There were even dedicated 'sofa blankets' for the dog! A lot of places that allow pets don't do much to make their presence feel welcomed, but Mike took that extra step, and it was greatly appreciated! Baseboard heaters were individually controlled making it easy to keep it as cool or toasty as we needed, and the appliances and fixtures overall were in better repair than most rentals I've ever stayed in. The hot water pressure in the bathroom sink was low, but it really was not an issue. There was plentiful firewood for the pit out back and stove inside. The outside furnishings were plentiful, but it being off season, we didn't spend a lot of time lounging outside. There are ~182 steep steps leading down to the water, and the property does drop off sharply in back. But the view!!! Mike is a pleasant, helpful, and responsive host; and I cannot recommend him or his property enough! A note: For us, our nav/phone directions took us right to the property. Turn onto Partridge from Locust (right or left depending on your directions, but do go down to Mallard, past Partridge (PVT), and turn right. There are mucky spots in the lane that may be a bit much for a 2WD but not impassible.