The best waterside camping near Kalamazoo

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In Kalamazoo, waterside camping puts you steps from kayak launches, fishing holes, and cool swimming spots. With over 960 waterside campsites, you’ll find everything from tent pitches beside quiet streams to lakeshore clearings where you can watch herons hunt at dawn. Average nights run about $60, but you can snag a spot for as little as $10. Shower blocks, pet-friendly sites, and toilets are standard at most locations. favorites like Mulln-Heim Vineyards (488 reviews), 2Chicks And A Farm (150 reviews), and The Haven (81 reviews) let you pitch your tent by the water and hit nearby hiking trails before casting a line at sunset. It’s straightforward, unfussy, and all about getting close to the water.

95% (1.4K) 13 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Kalamazoo

Riverside Respite at New Richmond

1. Riverside Respite at New Richmond

96%
(99)
37mi from Kalamazoo · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
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. Fast Forward 150 years...... Welcome to WaterTrail Ventures...Where the pavement ends, adventure begins! Come paddle, play and stay with us! Our riverbend glamping sites await your arrival! Kayak and Canoe Rentals onsite for river adventure as well as self guided fishing trips or hire one of the local area guides! This is a great space for families to reconnect for the weekend. 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 boardwalk 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, best to reserve in advance. Hiking trails nearby offer a great way to explore the Allegan Forest or the lakeshore sand dunes. We are 7 miles east of Saugatuck and 5 miles north of Fennville, our site makes a perfect escape from the nearby lakeshore shopping and dining district while keeping you in close proximity to local wineries and other attractions. Just follow the paved road all the way to the end of 57th street and enter through our private drive. ....where the pavement ends, adventure begins! See ya at the river!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$80
 / night
Have A Lake Of Your Own!

2. Have A Lake Of Your Own!

92%
(138)
24mi from Kalamazoo · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging
The property was originally owned by a family name Nichols (thus the name of the lake). It was handed down to the sons who each owned half the property. The driveway down the middle of property that leads to the lake was originally a fence line that divided the two pieces of property. The brothers did not get along and their are several stories of their warring on how to maintain the property.My parents bought this piece of property in 1964 and created a camp called "Lakeside Farm Camp", a small all boys camp. The camp has gone through several changes since then but has always been owned by the Edwards family. In 1984 the name was changed to "Cedar Lodge" a coed camp that specializes in English horseback riding and offering high level general camp activities. Enjoy the peace and quiet of our totally private fresh water lake. Take your boat out for a day of fishing or just chill next to the fire.  Sites are approximately 50 feet from each other. If you want privacy we suggest you book both. 
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan

3. Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan

98%
(30)
18mi from Kalamazoo · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This stylish home and property sets the stage for a one of a kind stay. The unique setting is quiet and comfortable, makes you believe that you are hours away from civilization but you're only a short drive from the city and in close proximity of US 131, Interstate 94, M60 and M66. Fishing and kayaking year round, unique decks and gardens overlooking a private eight acre pond encompass this back to nature lifestyle. We're located right on the Portage River that feeds into what locals call The Mighty St. Joe. Maybe you'd like to take a rural walk or run, listen to the frogs and the birds ~ yet minutes away from Portage or Kalamazoo and a short drive from major highways. A 20 minute nature walk around Pondor Lake will surly calm your soul and heart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We can accommodate larger groups! Just let us know what you need and how we can make your stay memorable. Do you have a boat? No problem ~ public accesses to neighboring Portage and Fishers Lake, along with the St. Joseph River, are literally minutes away. Staying at Pondor Lake will be memorable and relaxing. Pondor Lake ~ a private place to ponder.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$49
 / night
Fort Custer State Park

4. Fort Custer State Park

100%
(4)
222 sites · Augusta, Michigan
Discover Fort Custer State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Holland State Park

5. Holland State Park

95%
(11)
311 sites · Beechwood, Michigan
Lounge on the sandy beach and soak in some killer views while the big red lighthouse watches on.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

In Kalamazoo, waterside camping puts you steps from kayak launches, fishing holes, and cool swimming spots. With over 960 waterside campsites, you’ll find everything from tent pitches beside quiet streams to lakeshore clearings where you can watch herons hunt at dawn. Average nights run about $60, but you can snag a spot for as little as $10. Shower blocks, pet-friendly sites, and toilets are standard at most locations. favorites like Mulln-Heim Vineyards (488 reviews), 2Chicks And A Farm (150 reviews), and The Haven (81 reviews) let you pitch your tent by the water and hit nearby hiking trails before casting a line at sunset. It’s straightforward, unfussy, and all about getting close to the water.

95% (1.4K) 13 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Kalamazoo

Riverside Respite at New Richmond

1. Riverside Respite at New Richmond

96%
(99)
37mi from Kalamazoo · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging
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. Fast Forward 150 years...... Welcome to WaterTrail Ventures...Where the pavement ends, adventure begins! Come paddle, play and stay with us! Our riverbend glamping sites await your arrival! Kayak and Canoe Rentals onsite for river adventure as well as self guided fishing trips or hire one of the local area guides! This is a great space for families to reconnect for the weekend. 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 boardwalk 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, best to reserve in advance. Hiking trails nearby offer a great way to explore the Allegan Forest or the lakeshore sand dunes. We are 7 miles east of Saugatuck and 5 miles north of Fennville, our site makes a perfect escape from the nearby lakeshore shopping and dining district while keeping you in close proximity to local wineries and other attractions. Just follow the paved road all the way to the end of 57th street and enter through our private drive. ....where the pavement ends, adventure begins! See ya at the river!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$80
 / night
Have A Lake Of Your Own!

2. Have A Lake Of Your Own!

92%
(138)
24mi from Kalamazoo · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging
The property was originally owned by a family name Nichols (thus the name of the lake). It was handed down to the sons who each owned half the property. The driveway down the middle of property that leads to the lake was originally a fence line that divided the two pieces of property. The brothers did not get along and their are several stories of their warring on how to maintain the property.My parents bought this piece of property in 1964 and created a camp called "Lakeside Farm Camp", a small all boys camp. The camp has gone through several changes since then but has always been owned by the Edwards family. In 1984 the name was changed to "Cedar Lodge" a coed camp that specializes in English horseback riding and offering high level general camp activities. Enjoy the peace and quiet of our totally private fresh water lake. Take your boat out for a day of fishing or just chill next to the fire.  Sites are approximately 50 feet from each other. If you want privacy we suggest you book both. 
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$75
 / night
Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan

3. Pondor Lake Southwest Michigan

98%
(30)
18mi from Kalamazoo · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This stylish home and property sets the stage for a one of a kind stay. The unique setting is quiet and comfortable, makes you believe that you are hours away from civilization but you're only a short drive from the city and in close proximity of US 131, Interstate 94, M60 and M66. Fishing and kayaking year round, unique decks and gardens overlooking a private eight acre pond encompass this back to nature lifestyle. We're located right on the Portage River that feeds into what locals call The Mighty St. Joe. Maybe you'd like to take a rural walk or run, listen to the frogs and the birds ~ yet minutes away from Portage or Kalamazoo and a short drive from major highways. A 20 minute nature walk around Pondor Lake will surly calm your soul and heart from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We can accommodate larger groups! Just let us know what you need and how we can make your stay memorable. Do you have a boat? No problem ~ public accesses to neighboring Portage and Fishers Lake, along with the St. Joseph River, are literally minutes away. Staying at Pondor Lake will be memorable and relaxing. Pondor Lake ~ a private place to ponder.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$49
 / night
Fort Custer State Park

4. Fort Custer State Park

100%
(4)
222 sites · Augusta, Michigan
Discover Fort Custer State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Holland State Park

5. Holland State Park

95%
(11)
311 sites · Beechwood, Michigan
Lounge on the sandy beach and soak in some killer views while the big red lighthouse watches on.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field