Discover the best lakeside campgrounds near Muskegon, Michigan with fishing

United States
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Michigan
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Muskegon

90% (438 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Muskegon

Dog-friendly getaways

7 top lakeside campgrounds near Muskegon with fishing

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.

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.

Riverside Retreat at New Richmond

7 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. :)

Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Newaygo, MI

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/

McTaylor Lake Property

1 site · RV1 acre · Bitely, MI

Family property that’s on the Lake. When we are not there, we would like to share a piece of our serenity with others who enjoy the peace and tranquility of Lakes and the nearby Manistee National Forest . Access to the Lake allows you to enjoy several water activities. From Kayaking, swimming, fishing and more. Off road ATV’s motorcycling, side by sides , snowmobiling, and sightseeing. Deck facing Lake and grill available Pet Friendly (just pick up after your pet please) Trash can be dumped at the local transfer station

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SheriDune

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Pentwater, MI

Our cottage was originally built by two women who were a couple in 1965. The Burke family bought it in the mid-1970s and added on the Master Bedroom and Living Room. The Sheridan family purchased this magical property in 2013 and have lovingly maintained it since. While we had thoughts of rebuilding like many of our neighbors have, we chose to honor the past owners and improve it. We have doubled the deck size, replaced all windows and doors, and put wood ceilings with ceiling fans in all bedrooms and the bathroom, a significant improvement over the old drop ceilings. Future projects include a bathroom remodel and kitchen remodel.Learn more about this land:Best views of Little Sable Point Lighthouse & lots of hangout space, sleeps 8.First time ever available as a rental!With unparalleled views of Little Point Sable Lighthouse from the expanded deck and from inside the cottage, and right across the street from Golden Sands beach, you simply cannot beat this location. This magical property has amazing beach access right across the street, and the most incredible sunsets you will ever see!SheriDune is surrounded on two sides by Silver Lake State Forest and has a private fire pit area out back for 'Smores roasting and stargazing. With so many different zones to hang out in, your friends and family will have plenty of space to enjoy from the cottage to the huge deck to the fire pit area to the beach.The deck is the place to be from the morning cup of coffee on. It boasts a bar height table for 4 and a picnic table for 6-8, both made from recycled milk jugs! There is another "kids" picnic table for activities and a queen-sized day bed with a sun canopy overhead. There is also a Design Within Reach plastic sofa on the deck and other seating for everything from sunbathing to stargazing!Not to be outdone, the beach is like something you would fly thousands of miles to visit, and most of the time you have this huge public beach all to yourselves.With 3 bedrooms and a bathroom, SheriDune comfortably sleeps 8. There is a Queen in the Master, a Full-size bed in the guest bedroom, and a kids' bunk room that has 4 bunks.Very limited calendar so book fast!!

Pettibone Place

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Bitely, MI

Our vacation rental cabin is located in a peaceful and rural setting, surrounded by hundreds of acres of beautiful federal land. Located just a short walk from Pettibone Lake, this cozy cabin is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the city and enjoy the great outdoors. The cabin features a charming modern rustic design, with a warm and inviting interior that includes a comfortable living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and two cozy bedrooms. The outdoor space includes a deck with chairs, perfect for enjoying the fresh air and beautiful natural surroundings. The cabin is located just a short walk from Pettibone Lake, where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, kyaking and boating. The surrounding area also offers ample opportunity for hiking, biking, and more. With hundreds of acres of federal land just steps away, the possibilities for outdoor adventure are endless.

Star Hosts in Muskegon

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(7)

Muskegon Pines-Lake Cabin

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Newaygo, MI

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/

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.

Riverside Retreat at New Richmond

7 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. :)

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(14)

Muskegon State Park

North Muskegon, Michigan

100%

(5)

Grand Haven State Park

Grand Haven, Michigan

81%

(26)

Huron-Manistee National Forests

Duck Lake Public Reserved Land

Maine

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping near Muskegon with fishing 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.