Best Camping in and near Silver Lake State Park

90% (8 reviews)

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Silver Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Silver Lake State Park

90%

(8)

Silver Lake Campground

39 sites · RVs, Tents In Silver Lake State Park

from

$20

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Silver Lake State Park

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(64)

DaltonTraders Base Camp-Grand Cabin

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Muskegon, MI

40 acre secluded wood lot located: 10 miles from Lake Michigan public beaches. 5 miles from Michigan’s Adventure amusement park. 4 miles from Thunderbird Raceway 2 miles from US 31 expressway. 3 miles from shopping, bars and restaurants. 1 mile from public golf course. 5 miles from downtown Muskegon. 8 miles from Lake Express cross lake ferry terminal.

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(62)

Up North Rivers Camping

11 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Manistee, MI

We have 20 Acres of rolling hills, mostly forested, nestled on the banks of a flowing creek, we are also a budding flower farm, this summer there will be hundreds of dahlias blooming, along with many other flowers. If you have a special occasion, that calls for fresh flowers, be sure to let us know! Our setting is quiet, private and scenic. We occasionally see the Aurora Borealis right from our house. We are located in beautiful Manistee, Michigan where outdoor adventures abound!! Manistee is a peaceful, quaint Northern Michigan town with shopping, antiquing, fine dining and a River Walk. We are minutes from award winning fishing spots on the Big Manistee, Little Manistee, Bear Creek Trout Streams and the Platte River. There are many opportunities to canoe, kayak and paddle board. We are 10 minutes from the Lake Michigan shore, and many beaches are close by. You have a choice of gorgeous sand beaches with picturesque dunes, and rocky beaches for those looking for fossils, agates, beach glass and beautiful beach stones. We are within an hour of Sleeping Bear Dunes which has award winning hiking. Traverse City is 40 minutes away with many activities, especially the Cherry Festival. The area is known for live music venues, and lots of weekend art festivals. Manistee is also home to the Little River Casino. We have firepits at each campsite, dry firewood is available to purchase, feel free to pay by cash, Venmo or CashApp, cost is $11.00 a wheelbarrow. Fresh flowers are available to purchase, seasonally. An outhouse is available for use and is supplied with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. There is a garbage can and recycling bin near the outhouse. We installed a water hydrant so you can get potable water to bring back to your site, or hose off with on the spot. A scenic small creek runs by many of the campsites. We live on the property and are here to answer your questions. Feel free to text us. We hope you enjoy your stay!! Dean and Jackie

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BlackBerry Family Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents34 acres · Grant, MI

(We are open all year) We have 34 acres, mostly wooded. You can tent camp right in the woods or in an open area (Site1) with surrounding woods, there you could easily pull a large camper into. We have 3 sites so there is plenty of space for privacy. There is a brand new outhouse between site 1 and 2 . About 10 minutes away is the renowned Muskegon River, mostly known for fly fishing and kayaking. Then about 15 minutes away is Baptist Lake, which has a very nice swimming area that goes from shallow to deep slowly, and also a nice picnic area. There is also Brooks Lake close by with a dock and public access. We are offering additional features available for rent. Please see our list for a variety of options!

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Provision Family Farms

3 sites · Lodging, 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.

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(53)

The 40 Acre Wood

5 sites · Lodging40 acres · Shelby, MI

www.facebook.com/the40acrewood Before our forest was "owned," it belonged to the Odawa people. Once white settlers arrived and governments were established, land deeds were written. We traced those deeds back through the Oceana County Register of Deeds and found that larger tracts of land were owned by people from Chicago and California, which were later divided into smaller parcels. Interestingly, one owner lost the property after failing to pay back taxes of $3.50, shortly after World War II. It is likely that he never returned. In the mid-1900s, Ed Dewey was the owner. Today, we have a cabin on the east side of the 40 acres that was built by Ed, entirely constructed with oak. He had three sawmills there, each powered by the engines of old Studebakers. He cut and milled enormous oak trees, using the wood to construct crates for transporting cherries. Today, you can still see old oak crates on various farms, but they are slowly being replaced by plastic. Ed never finished the little cabin, and the story goes that he died there. The next owners were a couple from Inkster, near Detroit. Despite Ed leaving an acre of "yard art" all over, the place was used as a vacation home after a 50-foot long mobile home was placed near the cabin. As they aged, they sold off their property to us. First, we acquired the 20 acres where the Cozy Camper Cabin resides, then the 7 acres near Weaver Road and 44th, and finally, the remaining 13 acres with the cabin. We began purchasing the property in parcels in 1992 for $500 an acre and owned it all by 1998. From 1998 to 2008, we removed the mobile home, cleaned up all the yard art, refurbished the cabin, added a garage, and built a new shed nearby. The Hipcamp shed was originally built in 1999 and has been used for storage until it was converted into a unique little place in the woods in 2021. Over the years, our Forester has carefully managed the property. We have logged three times. The first round was to remove 75 huge oak trees. The second round involved culling mature poplar trees. The last time, we took out 276 mature oaks and beeches. A Woodsman spent a year cutting down the tops of the trees. Clearing these old growth trees revitalized the forest, as planned. Today, there are over two miles of trails running throughout the property. Some were logging roads, while others were carved out over time. The land is flat to the north but hilly to the south, as these are forested sand dunes. There are approximately a million trees on the property, densely forested with many large "mother trees" such as oaks, beeches, maples, and pines. The poplar trees are growing rapidly, as they do. Wild cherry, sassafras, beeches, oaks, and maples are also growing quickly and thickly. To the south, there are fenced-in asparagus fields and cherry orchards. To the north, on the other side of Weaver Road, is the privately owned Silver Lake Airport, which remains quiet most of the time. On the east side of our 40 acres, you'll find our cabin and buildings, and we kindly ask you to avoid wandering onto that side of the property. Signs will alert you when you get close. To the west, there is a 20-acre section occasionally occupied by some "Dunners." The area is famous for Silver Lake State Park and the sand dunes, located about 2.5 miles northwest of us. Our neighbors in that area have dune buggies, and they sometimes drive around their property, creating more noise than we prefer. It's possible that you may encounter this during your visit, so please be aware. Deer are abundant in the area, and in 2021, we spotted a porcupine for the first time, although we have occasionally seen evidence of their presence through bark-stripped maples. Raccoons come and go, while turkeys are frequent visitors at times. You can hear coyotes yipping away at night, and depending on the time of year and migratory season, you'll see lots and lots of birds. We're pleased to report that there is no poison ivy on the property! It is a beautiful place in the woods, not far from many entertaining activities suitable for both the young and old. Come and visit, but please be respectful of the land and our privacy while enjoying yours. Love Mother Earth while you are here and nourish your soul.

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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.

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(49)

Brookhollow Riverfront Campsite

1 site · Tent10 acres · Newaygo, MI

Learn more about this land: You’ll have a secluded, wooded campsite just footsteps from the Little Muskegon River. Tube down the river, fish, swim, explore the land, and get back to nature. There is a creek that runs through the property and a firepit that is available for use right next to the river. Fall asleep under the stars to the sound of flowing water. We are very flexible with check in and check out times as well. We've been asked why we don't offer several sites on this plot of land but we believe that it's the privacy and seclusion that guests value most and it's what keeps return guests coming back. If you are looking for a getaway, this is it.

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(16)

The Windy Homestead

2 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Nunica, MI

Learn more about this land: We have an 80 acre homestead on a dirt road with clear, flat places to park an RV or vehicle and woods for camping or hiking. You can camp or park in several places around the property and have complete privacy from the house. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water and there are no restrooms available. There is an RV dump station 5 miles north at McCormicks gas station. Feel free to ask questions. We look forward to sharing our beautiful space with you. We are two “young” folks with a budding farm and homestead. We have horses, cows, free range chickens, and a load of barn cats around a 100+ year old barn. You are welcome to respectfully interact with the animals, but be careful of the electric fence! Our rural setting is quiet and peaceful. There is often a herd of deer in the fields at dusk. Yet, we are only ~15 minutes from Lake Michigan and ~30 minutes from Grand Haven or Grand Rapids. The Musketawa Trail is 4 miles directly north.

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Whispering Pines Retreat

2 sites · Lodging50 acres · Newaygo, MI

Relax and unplug at our peaceful little retreat. This new cabin has a full size bed and lots of windows to let in the beautiful scenery. There is a fire pit, table, chairs, privy, and plenty of space for a tent and yard games. There is a second cabin available for rent on the property if interested for family or a friend retreat. This is an ideal location for those seeking to get off the grid and be surrounded by nature. Over 30 acres of trails to hike on site and only 2 miles from Newaygo. You will enjoy a comfortable new full size mattress with bedding provided. Over 30 acres of maintained hiking trails are available. The fire pit area, with solar powered string lights, is the perfect place to relax around the campfire. There is a clean outhouse and water/sprayer available for rinsing off. This is an intentionally rustic site so guests can truly unplug from the daily rush of life. You will enter from a private drive and follow the trail markers to the cabin. Other markers will guide you through the hiking trails on the property. I live adjacent to the property and will be available by phone. I'm happy to answer any questions about the area and activities surrounding. This is a great space for artists, writers and those looking for peace and space to relax amongst the tall pines and listen to the birds sing. Newaygo is a charming little historic town with the Muskegon River flowing through. Visit the local shops and restaurants or explore the nearby trails and Manistee forest or spend time fishing or kayaking on the Muskegon river. The Dragon Trail is a popular biking trail featuring beautiful views of Hardy Pond.

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PV's Campground and Resort

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · White Cloud, MI

We sit on over 50 acres that has been in our family for over 40 years.

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(5)

Manistee River Farms

5 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Manistee, MI

A beautiful fruit orchard with some surrounding woods with 9 semi rustic camp sites nestled along the woods.. 2 converted sheds with beds for guest. Work along on the orchard or walk or run our trails along the woods. Take in the gorgeous evenings and wildlife. A community fire area will be available for all. More things to be added as summer moves forward.

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Deer Run Retreat

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Manistee, MI

Escape the hustle and bustle at Deer Run Retreat, a haven for those seeking tranquility and new memories in the embrace of nature. Here, you can wake up to the sight of deer grazing in the pasture and spend your evenings by the fireplace, gazing up at a sky adorned with countless stars. Our retreat offers a serene environment to unwind and relax, providing a peaceful getaway from the demands of everyday life. Whether you're drawn to the Little River Casino, historic downtown Manistee, or the array of outdoor activities like boating, fishing, tubing, and hiking, you'll find something for everyone in the surrounding area. We provide two gravel pads with full hook-ups for RVs and an additional grassy area with electric and water hook-ups. For those without their camper, we offer the option to rent a beautiful camper on-site. Deer Run Retreat is designed to be family-friendly, creating the perfect backdrop for building lasting memories with your loved ones. Come and rejuvenate at Deer Run Retreat, where the beauty of nature meets the comfort of a welcoming retreat. We can't wait to host your stay!

The best camping near Silver Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

A small desert of white sand dunes separates the immense Lake Michigan from its smaller counterpart, Silver Lake. Whether you're looking to relax on the warm white sands at the water's edge, float atop the calm water, or fly through the air on your offroad vehicle, there is something for everyone at Silver Lake. A lesser-known recreation hotspot, Silver Lake is the perfect alternative to the choppier waters of Lake Michigan. Next door to some of the best camping in the state, this lake is an essential stop for anyone passing through the region. Walk atop the ridges of the tall sand dunes and wind down by the lakeside to finish off your day. These are just a few of the draws to this serene corner of Michigan.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Silver Lake State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is fully accessible. Winter brings a quiet beauty, but some areas may be closed due to snow.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Be aware of park hours, which typically run from 8:30am to 5pm, to plan your activities accordingly.
Remember to pack essentials like water, sunscreen, and insect repellent for a comfortable day out.
Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions that may be in effect during your visit.
Take advantage of the available amenities, including picnic areas and boat rentals, to enhance your park experience.