Camping near Muskegon

Historic landmarks, nautical activities, and adaptive recreation make this town shine.

95% (1336 reviews)
95% (1336 reviews)

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Under $50

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12 top campgrounds near Muskegon

100%
(55)

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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$62.10
 / night
100%
(114)

Hen and Hive Provisions

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Cedar Springs, MI
We are a small bio-dynamic farm situated on 10 acres in West Michigan. the land has small diverse eco-systems. Open meadows with large White pine to dense woods to the back of the property. We have a small diverse fiber herd of Jacob sheep and Nigora Goats along with some heritage Breed chickens including 1 Rooster who watches over the flock. A small group of Cayuga duck work their pest control magic as the snoodle around the entire property. These ducks go everywhere! There are also 2 barn cats, that might visit your camp site if you are traveling without dogs. we also host group of 24 Bee Hives. On the farm we grow a variety of veggies, flowers and Medicinals. We have plots of native woodland medicinals and a variety of other Perennials and Medicinals including Hemp and Cannabis on a very small scale. Everything is grown organically. Sorry, No children under 10 We are also close to the Red Flannel Gun club, quite a bit of the time we hear guns. We are also very close to the Cedar Chase Golf Course if you like golf. Hen and Hive Provisions makes a small collection of Honeys, medicine and full-Spectrum Aromatherapy CBD Topicals that we sell locally and at seasonal markets. Email henandhiveprovisions@gmail.com for a full product list + price list. We hope you come for a visit, we would love to meet you!
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$26
 / night
98%
(107)

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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$22.50
 / night
100%
(6)

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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$95
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98%
(413)

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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$50
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99%
(54)

Campit Outdoor Resort Saugatuck

49 sites · Lodging, Tents36 acres · Fennville, MI
Campit is a LGBTQ + resort that is open to all. We are 21+ only on all weekends. We are a membership community requiring a valid $15 yearly membership. We are a beautiful 36 acre resort offering themed weekends from April 1st to October 31st. Many options to fit any budget including $10 tenting, RV sites, many cabin options, and a bed and breakfast style lodging unit. The resort features a large heated pool, general store, 4 large bathhouses, and many trails throughout the park. Campit emphasizes giving back in all of our themed weekends by hosting charitable after parties supporting Woman, Transgender Health, LGBTQ Youth, and so much more. Campit is a 21+ Resort Friday-Sunday, and Thursday-Monday on Holiday weekends. Guests with children are welcome on weekday stays. We are a membership community and guests must have a valid yearly membership of $15.00 that can be purchased directly after booking or at the time of check in.
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$8
 / night

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Star Hosts in Muskegon

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Muskegon guide

Overview

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.

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.

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