The best waterside camping near Muskegon

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Nestled on the shore of a Lake Michigan harbor, Muskegon is a nautical city known for fishing, sailing, and cruise ship ports. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is a perfect place to enjoy all that the Great Lakes have to offer with close proximity to both wooded areas and beaches.

94% (654) 28 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Muskegon

Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

1. Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

100%
(15)
35mi from Muskegon · 1 site
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
Riverside Respite at New Richmond

2. Riverside Respite at New Richmond

96%
(99)
41mi from Muskegon · 4 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! Fully furnished with air beds and linens, also included is a stocked firepit and drinking water. Kayak and Canoe Rentals onsite for self guided river adventure or hire one of the local area Fishing 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 
$60
 / night
Grand Haven State Park

3. Grand Haven State Park

100%
(5)
State park 12mi from Muskegon · 174 sites
Discover Grand Haven State Park's scenic shores and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Huron-Manistee National Forests

4. Huron-Manistee National Forests

83%
(29)
National forest 153mi from Muskegon · 938 sites
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
Holland State Park

5. Holland State Park

95%
(11)
State park 31mi from Muskegon · 311 sites
Lounge on the sandy beach and soak in some killer views while the big red lighthouse watches on.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Newaygo State Park

6. Newaygo State Park

100%
(1)
State park 38mi from Muskegon · 99 sites
Discover Newaygo State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Nestled on the shore of a Lake Michigan harbor, Muskegon is a nautical city known for fishing, sailing, and cruise ship ports. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is a perfect place to enjoy all that the Great Lakes have to offer with close proximity to both wooded areas and beaches.

94% (654) 28 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Muskegon

Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

1. Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

100%
(15)
35mi from Muskegon · 1 site
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
Riverside Respite at New Richmond

2. Riverside Respite at New Richmond

96%
(99)
41mi from Muskegon · 4 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! Fully furnished with air beds and linens, also included is a stocked firepit and drinking water. Kayak and Canoe Rentals onsite for self guided river adventure or hire one of the local area Fishing 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 
$60
 / night
Grand Haven State Park

3. Grand Haven State Park

100%
(5)
State park 12mi from Muskegon · 174 sites
Discover Grand Haven State Park's scenic shores and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Huron-Manistee National Forests

4. Huron-Manistee National Forests

83%
(29)
National forest 153mi from Muskegon · 938 sites
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
Holland State Park

5. Holland State Park

95%
(11)
State park 31mi from Muskegon · 311 sites
Lounge on the sandy beach and soak in some killer views while the big red lighthouse watches on.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Newaygo State Park

6. Newaygo State Park

100%
(1)
State park 38mi from Muskegon · 99 sites
Discover Newaygo State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

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The best waterside camping near Muskegon guide

Where to go

Muskegon State Park

Here, you’ll find a mix of sandy shoreline, tree-covered dunes, and sports adventure tracks. Climb to the highest point in Muskegon county to enjoy a panoramic scene at the blockhouse, a viewing station built in the 1930s. Designated campsites start at $33 per night, with 247 sites across two campgrounds. There’s also archery, zip lining, rock climbing, and a wheel luge.

Dune Harbor Park

Located within Muskegon County, Dune Harbor Park was once a sand mine and the area has been recovering ever since. Now, the former mine site is covered in hilly forests, grass-covered dunes, and a man-made lake—an ecosystem that attracts bald eagles and monarch butterflies. The main activity here is hiking, and leashed pets are welcome, so be sure to bring a camera to capture wildlife as you stroll around the lake.

Ludington State Park

About an hour’s drive north of Muskegon is Ludington State Park Beach, which is nestled between Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan. This park has over 20 miles of walking paths, three campgrounds, and many sand dunes for climbing. There’s also a historic beach house with interpretive visits and the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, which is open from 10am to 5pm daily for tours at a fee of $8 for adults and $5 for kids.

When to go

The best time to visit the Great Lakes is May, June, September, and October, which avoids both the hot summers and the cold winters. But winter can also be a good time to visit. For example, Muskegon State Park is great for water adventures in the summer. But in the winter, you can enjoy the Luge Adventure Sports park—which has one of only four luge ice tracks in the country and options for adaptive sports year-round.

Know before you go

  • Mosquitoes can be particularly annoying during the month of June, so keep this in mind when booking a camping trip.
  • In Michigan, a day fee applies to visit state parks, so it might be a better bet to purchase a Recreation Passport.