Lake Camping in Grand Rapids, Michigan, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
—
Michigan
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Grand Rapids

98% (453 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Grand Rapids

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

94%

(99)

Retreat Center Campsites

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Fennville, MI

The Retreat Campsites are situated on land owned by the Red Spirit Retreat Center. The beautiful wooded land is perfect for walking in. The stars are like brilliant diamonds, and in mid June the fireflies float up from the prairie into the trees by the hundreds. It is pretty quiet except for the birds and the bullfrogs and your own crackling campfire. In the spring the fruit trees can be seen blooming across the fields. Straw is grown on the neighbor's farm and cut and baled midsummer. The farm buildings are off in the distance but have gleaming white buildings and silver silos. Guests may walk wherever they like on trails or bushwhack through the forests of the Red Spirit Retreat Center. Each campsite is unique and pretty private. While you may see other campers you probably can't hear them as they are about half a city block away through the trees. Staying at the Country Dome Home is an amazing experience. Located on a hill at the top of the prairie, the view of farms and forests is spectacular. To enjoy the view, the front window is 8 feet tall and 11 feet wide. The 12 foot ceiling enlarges the room tremendously. There is an awesome feeling of spaciousness. On a warm day 8 foot wide by 3 foot high screens can be opened up to let and with the screen door to let breezes blow through. The solar fan then pulls the heat right out of the roof. Outside there is a patio sail providing shade. A lovely dinner can be cooked on a propane griddle while watching the view. Refurbished Jordan Brown Tamiami table and chairs and a chaise lounge provide comfortable seating. Deck chairs are out on the front deck as well. Sitting around the campfire is a great way to end the day. About 9 pm hundreds or thousands of fireflies slowly make their way to the tops of the huge trees and the stars start to twinkle as the sun sets. The birds, crickets, and bullfrogs gradually quiet down, lulling you to sleep in the most comfortable bed in the world. You feel at one with nature.. Stay at the dome in the fall or early spring and the wood stove will keep you toasty warm on chilly nights. Three rustic campsites with their own personalities are also on the land but hidden by trees. The Frog Pond Campsite is a in a sylvan glade next to the pond and creek, with parking immediately next to the campsite. The Edges and Deep Forest Campsites are both larger campsites that are located inside the forest near the Prairie. These sites are separated far enough apart to allow for a very private feeling. Each campsite has parking space very close by. All campsites have their own private composting toilets, fire pits, one bundle of wood, sanitary spray, toilet paper, and at least three gallons of water. At the Deer Blind more wood is available at the Deer Blind for $10 per bundle with Venmo or PayPal. There are two yoga mats, frisbees, bubbles, and a corn hole game for borrowing. You may request a one night stay, but it is dependent upon my availability to clean in between guests. We hope that our guests have a truly beautiful, quiet, and relaxing stay.

98%

(66)

Riverside Retreat at New Richmond

5 sites · Lodging, Tents3 acres · Fennville, MI

Welcome to the Historic Village of New Richmond! Once a bustling lumber town established by early settlers, New Richmond now sits idle on the Lower Kalamazoo River. Come adventure with us!! Our riverbend glamping site awaits your arrival! Located on our private river bank this is on 3 acres of land shared by 2 personal glamping sites and a rustic group campsite. Our sight offers scenic views of sunrise on the riverbend as well as the New Richmond Swing Bridge. Now open to pedestrian traffic only, the small county park next door offers a riverside board walk full of natural flora and wildlife for morning strolls or the delight of a fisherman who likes to be 1st on the water! Kayak and Canoe Rentals are also available on sight by appointment or reserve one with your tent. Hiking trails nearby offer a great way to explore the Allegan Forest and reconnect with nature. 7 miles east of Saugatuck and 5 miles north of Fennville, our site makes a perfect escape from the nearby lakeshore district and tourist attractions. Just follow the paved road all the way to the end and enter through our private drive. ....where the pavement ends, adventure begins! See ya at the river. :)

Provision Family Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · White Cloud, MI

Nestled in Manistee National Forest is a family farm. Trailheads lead to hundreds of miles of public two-track, and the woods roll between oak/maple/beech and aspen/birch. On the farm is a 20 acre lake with a floating island, tent sites, and healthy ecosystems with plenty of wildlife.Our farm pastures pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry, investing in our dirt and our neighbors. We are provision family farms because we provide for our animals even as we are provided for. Drop on in at the house and we may have time for a little tour.In the woods is a small composting toilet, but you're welcome to fertilize our pastures anytime. There's also a shower available in the house.The best time to visit Michigan forests is in October when the leaves turn color and the nights are cool. The mosquitoes are done for the winter and the air is brisk.

100%

(7)

Tincan Camp

3 sites · Lodging, RVs7 acres · Bloomingdale, MI

This fun property is just under 7 acres - butted up to another 12 acres of public land (and boat launch) with trails, boardwalk and a dock on 51 acre Lake Eleven. The property is shared by (2) full-hook up RV sites and a cabin. If available, the cabin and sites may be rented together however the owners, Jim and Maria, use the cabin much of the summer leaving just the RV sites available. The property is at mile market 13 of the Kal-Haven Trail - the midpoint. The Kal-Haven Trail is a biking, cross-country skiing, walking, running, snowmobiling - you name it, the trail that goes 34 miles from Kalamazoo to South Haven. Literally steps from the property and you are on the trail. But you may not need to leave the property, with 6.3 acres of woods and field, with trail cut through PLUS the added public lands butted up to Tincan's property line, giving almost 20 acres to roam. Each RV site - far enough apart to be separate, close enough if you and friends/family want to camp together, has a fire pit and fireplace. There are a couple of options for grills if needed. Currently on grass, concrete pads will be poured sometime Spring 2023. Each RV site offers water, 30|50AMP electrical and septic. The dock may have availability for keeping you boat - please inquire. There are kayaks and some bikes (mostly teen and adult size) that may be used. These are shared amenities for the cabin and campsite guests and offered on a first come, first serve basis. This was a run-down fishing cabin Jim and Maria lovingly brough back to life as a second home and they delight in sharing it. Jim often referred to it as "The Tincan" while working on it as it was - indeed, a tin shack and the name stuck. Kate, your booking coordinator, helps Jim and Maria tend to the administrative side of getting the property booked and keeping the details in order. Once booked you'll get contact info for Kate, who will take care of most communications and logistics, and Jim/Maria who will also be available to help as needed.

Fish Lake Access Camp

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Delton, MI

Rustic camping site on small pond that is the only access point to the secluded Fish Lake. Fish Lake is a hidden gem, very deep all sports lake completely surrounded by State land! Not a single house on the lake! Also close to 5200 acre Yankee Springs Recreation Area. Space for multiple tents, and also access to small campers/RV. Electric, but no water or toilet.

8 top lakeside campgrounds near Grand Rapids

98%

(66)

Riverside Retreat at New Richmond

5 sites · Lodging, Tents3 acres · Fennville, MI

Welcome to the Historic Village of New Richmond! Once a bustling lumber town established by early settlers, New Richmond now sits idle on the Lower Kalamazoo River. Come adventure with us!! Our riverbend glamping site awaits your arrival! Located on our private river bank this is on 3 acres of land shared by 2 personal glamping sites and a rustic group campsite. Our sight offers scenic views of sunrise on the riverbend as well as the New Richmond Swing Bridge. Now open to pedestrian traffic only, the small county park next door offers a riverside board walk full of natural flora and wildlife for morning strolls or the delight of a fisherman who likes to be 1st on the water! Kayak and Canoe Rentals are also available on sight by appointment or reserve one with your tent. Hiking trails nearby offer a great way to explore the Allegan Forest and reconnect with nature. 7 miles east of Saugatuck and 5 miles north of Fennville, our site makes a perfect escape from the nearby lakeshore district and tourist attractions. Just follow the paved road all the way to the end and enter through our private drive. ....where the pavement ends, adventure begins! See ya at the river. :)

98%

(362)

Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Stanwood, MI

My property (Lynx Run) has an amazing geological and historical background. During the last ice age, glacial waters carved out the ravine in which the Betts Creek flows. Sometimes, the creek drops over 60 feet below the surrounding terrain as it meanders back and forth in oxbows as it flows toward the Muskegon River. It was once the hunting, foraging and camping grounds of the Potawatami Indians. In the late 1800's it was at the center of the Michigan Timber Industry. Running along the edge of my property is the old railroad bed where timber was once hauled away. Only two miles from my home, the logs were sent down the side of the hill and into the Muskegon River on log chutes and then floated to where the Muskegon empties into Lake Michigan. Piles of field stones indicate that after the timber industry moved on, farmers moved in and attempted to tame the land. But, fortunately for me, the land was abandoned by the farmers and has returned to a much more natural and pristine state. My land is now a part of the Manistee National Forest and I am surrounded by thousands of acres of beautiful land (both public and private). I am the only person who lives back here in this part of the forest, so seclusion and privacy are wonderful and the wildlife and beauty is abundant.

Fish Lake Access Camp

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Delton, MI

Rustic camping site on small pond that is the only access point to the secluded Fish Lake. Fish Lake is a hidden gem, very deep all sports lake completely surrounded by State land! Not a single house on the lake! Also close to 5200 acre Yankee Springs Recreation Area. Space for multiple tents, and also access to small campers/RV. Electric, but no water or toilet.

Tincan Camp

3 sites · Lodging, RVs7 acres · Bloomingdale, MI

This fun property is just under 7 acres - butted up to another 12 acres of public land (and boat launch) with trails, boardwalk and a dock on 51 acre Lake Eleven. The property is shared by (2) full-hook up RV sites and a cabin. If available, the cabin and sites may be rented together however the owners, Jim and Maria, use the cabin much of the summer leaving just the RV sites available. The property is at mile market 13 of the Kal-Haven Trail - the midpoint. The Kal-Haven Trail is a biking, cross-country skiing, walking, running, snowmobiling - you name it, the trail that goes 34 miles from Kalamazoo to South Haven. Literally steps from the property and you are on the trail. But you may not need to leave the property, with 6.3 acres of woods and field, with trail cut through PLUS the added public lands butted up to Tincan's property line, giving almost 20 acres to roam. Each RV site - far enough apart to be separate, close enough if you and friends/family want to camp together, has a fire pit and fireplace. There are a couple of options for grills if needed. Currently on grass, concrete pads will be poured sometime Spring 2023. Each RV site offers water, 30|50AMP electrical and septic. The dock may have availability for keeping you boat - please inquire. There are kayaks and some bikes (mostly teen and adult size) that may be used. These are shared amenities for the cabin and campsite guests and offered on a first come, first serve basis. This was a run-down fishing cabin Jim and Maria lovingly brough back to life as a second home and they delight in sharing it. Jim often referred to it as "The Tincan" while working on it as it was - indeed, a tin shack and the name stuck. Kate, your booking coordinator, helps Jim and Maria tend to the administrative side of getting the property booked and keeping the details in order. Once booked you'll get contact info for Kate, who will take care of most communications and logistics, and Jim/Maria who will also be available to help as needed.

Retreat Center Campsites

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Fennville, MI

The Retreat Campsites are situated on land owned by the Red Spirit Retreat Center. The beautiful wooded land is perfect for walking in. The stars are like brilliant diamonds, and in mid June the fireflies float up from the prairie into the trees by the hundreds. It is pretty quiet except for the birds and the bullfrogs and your own crackling campfire. In the spring the fruit trees can be seen blooming across the fields. Straw is grown on the neighbor's farm and cut and baled midsummer. The farm buildings are off in the distance but have gleaming white buildings and silver silos. Guests may walk wherever they like on trails or bushwhack through the forests of the Red Spirit Retreat Center. Each campsite is unique and pretty private. While you may see other campers you probably can't hear them as they are about half a city block away through the trees. Staying at the Country Dome Home is an amazing experience. Located on a hill at the top of the prairie, the view of farms and forests is spectacular. To enjoy the view, the front window is 8 feet tall and 11 feet wide. The 12 foot ceiling enlarges the room tremendously. There is an awesome feeling of spaciousness. On a warm day 8 foot wide by 3 foot high screens can be opened up to let and with the screen door to let breezes blow through. The solar fan then pulls the heat right out of the roof. Outside there is a patio sail providing shade. A lovely dinner can be cooked on a propane griddle while watching the view. Refurbished Jordan Brown Tamiami table and chairs and a chaise lounge provide comfortable seating. Deck chairs are out on the front deck as well. Sitting around the campfire is a great way to end the day. About 9 pm hundreds or thousands of fireflies slowly make their way to the tops of the huge trees and the stars start to twinkle as the sun sets. The birds, crickets, and bullfrogs gradually quiet down, lulling you to sleep in the most comfortable bed in the world. You feel at one with nature.. Stay at the dome in the fall or early spring and the wood stove will keep you toasty warm on chilly nights. Three rustic campsites with their own personalities are also on the land but hidden by trees. The Frog Pond Campsite is a in a sylvan glade next to the pond and creek, with parking immediately next to the campsite. The Edges and Deep Forest Campsites are both larger campsites that are located inside the forest near the Prairie. These sites are separated far enough apart to allow for a very private feeling. Each campsite has parking space very close by. All campsites have their own private composting toilets, fire pits, one bundle of wood, sanitary spray, toilet paper, and at least three gallons of water. At the Deer Blind more wood is available at the Deer Blind for $10 per bundle with Venmo or PayPal. There are two yoga mats, frisbees, bubbles, and a corn hole game for borrowing. You may request a one night stay, but it is dependent upon my availability to clean in between guests. We hope that our guests have a truly beautiful, quiet, and relaxing stay.

Provision Family Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · White Cloud, MI

Nestled in Manistee National Forest is a family farm. Trailheads lead to hundreds of miles of public two-track, and the woods roll between oak/maple/beech and aspen/birch. On the farm is a 20 acre lake with a floating island, tent sites, and healthy ecosystems with plenty of wildlife.Our farm pastures pigs, cattle, sheep and poultry, investing in our dirt and our neighbors. We are provision family farms because we provide for our animals even as we are provided for. Drop on in at the house and we may have time for a little tour.In the woods is a small composting toilet, but you're welcome to fertilize our pastures anytime. There's also a shower available in the house.The best time to visit Michigan forests is in October when the leaves turn color and the nights are cool. The mosquitoes are done for the winter and the air is brisk.

100%

(1)

Heart Valley Springs

2 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Bloomingdale, MI

Discover a hidden gem in southwest Michigan. Tucked away, but convenient to many major cities. Experience 50 acres of forest, farm, plains and hills. We have furnished bell tents, camping areas with and without electricity, restrooms with showers and flush toilets, and a lot more. What really sets this place apart from other locations is the edible landscape. Around every turn you will find berries, herbs, and fruit trees. Experience the first permaculture inspired campground in the world!

Cherry Grove

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lakeview, MI

Nice spot or a camper or tent site, wooded with a stone drive on site. 2 blocks to the lake where there are several parks with beach access, boat launch and bathroom. Wooded site is great for campfire cooking and bird watching. Just down the road away from the lake hook up with secluded dirt roads and explore mid-Michigan farmland and wildlife on your bike or for a hike. Winter brings opportunities for snow shoeing and hiking or as a kickoff for your snowmobile adventures.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(5)

Grand Haven State Park

Grand Haven, Michigan

Trails are dog friendly, and lead right to the lake

100%

(12)

Hoffmaster State Park

North Muskegon, Michigan

100%

(4)

Fort Custer State Park

Augusta, Michigan

81%

(26)

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Duck Lake Public Reserved Land

Maine

Lakeside camping near Grand Rapids guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience near Grand Rapids, Michigan. With over 197 options in the area that cater specifically to lake enthusiasts, you're sure to find the perfect spot to enjoy the water. Whether you're looking for a serene lakeside retreat or an action-packed adventure, these campsites have got you covered. Check out popular options like Mulln-Heim Vineyards (342 reviews), Lynx Run Wilderness Retreat (236 reviews), and Hibernian Farm (75 reviews) to see what other campers have loved about these locations. With amenities like campfires, pet-friendly policies, and access to potable water, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And with popular activities like wind sports, boating, and wildlife watching, you'll never run out of things to do. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near Grand Rapids, Michigan!