The best waterside camping near Big Rapids

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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) 42 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Rapids

Chippewa Henge Camp

1. Chippewa Henge Camp

97%
(56)
43mi from Big Rapids · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

2. Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

100%
(14)
18mi from Big Rapids · 1 site · Lodging
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/
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$140
 / night
Huron-Manistee National Forests

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
Toilets
Campfires
Newaygo State Park

4. Newaygo State Park

100%
(1)
99 sites · Morley, Michigan
Discover Newaygo State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

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) 42 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Rapids

Chippewa Henge Camp

1. Chippewa Henge Camp

97%
(56)
43mi from Big Rapids · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

2. Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

100%
(14)
18mi from Big Rapids · 1 site · Lodging
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/
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$140
 / night
Huron-Manistee National Forests

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
Toilets
Campfires
Newaygo State Park

4. Newaygo State Park

100%
(1)
99 sites · Morley, Michigan
Discover Newaygo State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

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