23 of the Best Campgrounds for Kids in Michigan

Michigan offers some of the best camping opportunities in the Midwest. Whether you want to stay in the pine forest or on the lakeshore, you’ll find the perfect campsite for your family.

Ready for your next outdoor adventure? Here’s a look at some of the best campgrounds for kids in Michigan.

TriPonds Family Camp Resort 

The family-owned and operated campground encompasses 90 acres of fields, woods, ponds, and meadows. TriPonds Family Camp Resort offers plenty of activities for everyone in your family. Hike the nature trails or play a fun game of miniature golf.  

Fishing ponds keep anglers happily occupied for hours. The campground’s friendly staff is here to answer your questions and recommend places to visit. Spotless facilities ensure your stay is comfortable, even when you spend the night in a tent.

TriPonds caters to families, providing a place to relax and reconnect with each other. If you aren’t interested in sleeping outdoors, the campgrounds also boast eight spacious cabins.

Tyler Creek Campground 

Located in Alto, MI, the Tyler Creek Campground offers plenty of activities for kids and parents.

Beginner anglers can head to the creek and pond area to practice their casting, and even catch a bite. Kids will love the playground because it’s close to the swimming pool. A sandbox encourages children to use their imaginations as they create unique sand sculptures. The campground even has a volleyball area.

Golfers will love the on-site course. It’s designed for golfers at all skill levels, including first-time players. Serious golfers can test their skills against the built-in course challenges. Pitch a tent or pull-up in your RV; the campground welcomes both.

KOA Coloma/St. Joseph 

Benton Harbor is a small city in western Michigan offering some of the best camping locations in the state. One option is the KOA Coloma/St. Joseph campground.

The campgrounds are only two miles away from Lake Michigan, and it’s also close to the attractions in St. Joseph. Visit the children’s museum and take a ride on the carousel. There’s also a splash pad.

Stay in a tent or rent one of the cabins. You can even go glamping. Don’t worry if you forget something. KOA Coloma/St Joseph has an on-site camp store. Relax in the hot tub after playing a round of mini-golf. Families can also rent bikes and spend the day exploring the nature trails.

Woodchip Campground 

Grand Rapids, MI is a bustling city in the western part of the state offering something for everyone, including great camping.

The Woodchip Campground is a relaxing getaway a few miles from the city. Offering a variety of family-friendly leisure activities, the campgrounds are an ideal place for families to reconnect with each other.

A pool and playground are on-site, along with basketball and volleyball areas. Horseshoes and four squares are other popular games, along with the bounce pillow. If you haven’t played gaga ball before, give it a try at the campground.

A renovated camp store ensures you don’t run out of supplies, and you can even grab a free root beer float.

Lakeside Camp Park 

Off of US 131-N in Cedar Springs, MI, you find the Lakeside Camp Park. The campground boasts modern amenities and sits on 35 acres. There are 92 RV hookups and 146 campsites, and some even have a view of the beach and fishing pond.

Rent a boat and spend the day on the lake or relax on the sandy beach. If you prefer sleeping in a bed, you can rent one of the spacious cabins. The campground welcomes both short and long-term guests.

Hungry Horse Campground 

Not far from Dorr, MI lies the Hungry Horse Campground. It’s one of the best campgrounds in Michigan for families. The campground offers plenty of on-site activities, so there is also something fun to do.

Located on 90 acres, the campground offers 96 spacious campsites. There are also plenty of RV hookups and cabins to rent if you aren’t in the mood to sleep in a tent.

Swim in the pool and play on the splash pad. The campground also has three playgrounds, a jumping pad, and multiple basketball courts. Take a wagon ride and enjoy all of the other fun activities at the Hungry Horse Campground.

Salmon Run Campground 

On the shores of the Muskegon River sits the Salmon Run Campground. Enjoy almost year-round swimming in the heated pool and take advantage of the recreation room. Play a family-friendly game of pool or relax with some video games.

Outdoor activities include a playground, horseshoe pits, basketball, and volleyball. An on-site camp store ensures you have everything you need for your campsite. You can also spend the day on the river. Take one of the guided tours and spend some quality time with your family enjoying the scenic river views.

Wabasis Lake Campground 

Nature lovers flock to the Wabasis Lake Campground, a few miles outside of Grand Rapids, MI. The campground offers around 75 sites, ranging from full hookups to primitive. If sleeping under the stars isn’t your thing, rent one of the campground’s spacious cabins.

Wabasis Lake is known for its fishing and boating opportunities, and the campground lets you take full advantage of these activities. The campground borders the state park, so there are plenty of trails connecting campsites to the lake.

Relax on the sandy beach or launch a boat from the ramp.

Holland State Park 

Holland, MI is famous for its annual spring tulip festival, but it also offers some of the best camping in the state. One of the most popular campgrounds is Holland State Park. It’s hard to beat the scenic views, along with all of the family-friendly activities.

A new playground keeps active children happy and busy. Lakefront beaches and paddleboat rentals make for a fun day on the water. Don’t forget to visit the area’s iconic lighthouse. You can find sites and cabins with stunning views at either of the park’s two campgrounds.

Cabin rentals are also available if you prefer sleeping in comfort.

Sandy Pines 

One of the largest campgrounds in western Michigan is outside the small city of Hopkins. The Sandy Pines Campground has something for everyone in your family. Be sure to check out the campground’s event calendar. There is always something new and fun going on.

Stay for two nights or two weeks. The campground has all of the amenities you need, including a general store and laundry facilities. Four heated pools allow you to swim almost any time in winter or summer. The campground also boasts a splash pad, ropes course, and mini golf.

Stay in one of the camp or RV sites. Sandy Pines also has rustic cabins for those that prefer to not sleep on the ground.

Campers Cove RV Park & Livery 

Northern Michigan has some of the best campgrounds in the state, including Campers Cove RV Park & Canoe Livery. Located in Alpena, MI, the campground is by the shores of Lake Huron on the Thunder Bay River.

Whether it’s cold and rainy or warm and sunny, you can spend the day in the water. The campground boasts a heated, indoor pool and a water trampoline on the river.

The campground offers plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the camping season with special events on holiday weekends. Mini-golf and children’s train rides are a few of the fun activities. You can also rent tri-wheeled bikes and explore the area’s nature trails.

Fishing boats, pontoons, and paddleboat rentals are also available at the campground.

Young State Park

The state park is at the east end of Lake Charlevoix, spanning 560 beautiful acres of sand, fields, and trees. Young State Park is in Boyne City, MI, and it has something to offer everyone in your family.

The park is considered one of the best beaches in the state, and it’s easy to see why. Tree-lined shores, blue water, and sandy beaches make it a nature lovers’ paradise.

You can paddle to and from your campsite to the boat launch. Hikers will find plenty of trails that are also ideal for bikers. If you forgot to pack an item, don’t worry. There is a general store at the park’s entrance. Don’t forget to grab some doughnuts but call and reserve yours in advance. The doughnuts quickly sell out.

Platte River Campground 

Empire, MI is in the northern part of the state and home to the Platte River Campground. Located inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park, you do need a permit for admission.

Picturesque lakes, thick forests, and a historic maritime village are a few of the attractions you find at the campgrounds. Hiking and biking trails let you explore the area’s natural beauty. Campers can also rent canoes and kayaks for a trip down the river. Tubing is another popular pastime at the Platte River Campground.

DH Day Campground 

Not everyone is into glamping or staying in a cosy, rustic cabin. If your family likes roughing it, check out the DH DAY Campground in Glen Arbor, MI. The campground is also near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, so you can take advantage of the trails and water-related activities.

The wooded campground offers RV and tent sites. Cains are not available for rent. The campground is also near the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. The views from the route are worth leaving your campsite.

In Glen Arbor, you can enjoy the city’s fabulous restaurants, shops, and museums.

Burt Lake State Park 

Water enthusiasts will want to make plans to visit the Burt Lake State Park campgrounds. Located on the lake’s southeast corner, the campground boasts 2,000 feet of gorgeous shoreline. Spend the day relaxing on the beach or take advantage of the available water sports.

Boat rentals are available, and there are plenty of spots for fishing. The water in front of the beach is shallow and ideal for splashing and wading. Rent a kayak and experience the fast-moving Sturgeon River. You can also make a day trip to Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City.

Tent and RV sites are available for campers.

Interlochen State Park 

Nestled between Duck and Green Lakes is Interlochen State Park. Campsites come with few amenities, so be prepared to rough it during your stay.

Campers that don’t mind sleeping outdoors can enjoy spectacular views. The lakes offer boating and swimming, along with fishing. You can rent boats at the state park or launch yours from the ramp.

Take a break from camping and head across the street to the Interlochen Center for the Arts. The centre is known for its world-famous musicians performing concerts throughout the year.

Lake Leelanau RV Park 

The family-owned and operated Lake Leelanau RV Park offers stunning views and family-friendly activities for campers of all ages.

Located on the Leelanau peninsula, campsites provide gorgeous lake views. Spend the day swimming, boating, and fishing, or explore the area’s hiking trails. A beach and playground are on the campgrounds. You’ll also find laundry facilities and a small general store. On scheduled days, you can take in a free pipe organ concert.

The campground does bill itself as an RV park, but all types of vehicles are welcome. Pitch a tent, camp in your car, or hook your RV up for an extended stay.

Kibby Creek Campground 

Only a mile from Lake Michigan lies Kibby Creek Campground. It’s between Ludington and Pentwater, offering scenic countryside campsites.

The campgrounds are designed with families in mind and offer plenty of activities for family members of all ages. Everyone will find something to do at Kibby Creek Campground.

Fishing ponds, mini-golf, and an arcade are some of the activities you’ll find. There is also a swimming pool, playground, and barrel train for children’s rides. Make sure you stop by the on-site camp store to pick up some ice cream, Slush Puppies, candy, and more.

Ludington State Park 

One of the best campgrounds in Michigan is in the upper peninsula. Ludington State Park is a must for campers, especially family groups.

Get ready to enjoy two beaches at Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake. You can also take advantage of the Snake River. It also runs through the campground. Fishing, swimming, and boating are popular warm-weather activities. Don’t forget to visit the Big Sable Lighthouse.

The park boasts three large campgrounds with 360 sites. You want to make reservations early since the park is always full.

Poncho’s Pond 

Ludington, MI offers some of the state’s best camping opportunities, including Poncho’s Pond. The campground doesn’t always get the same recognition as some of the larger sites, but it does offer a lot of family-oriented activities. You also can’t complain about the scenery or clean and spacious campsites.

Campers can rent paddle boats or spend their time fishing on the lake. Children can take advantage of the playground and video game room. Indoor and outdoor pools ensure year-round swimming. The campground also offers basketball and volleyball courts.

Tent and RV sites are available, but it’s best to call for a reservation.

Onaway State Park 

One of the oldest parks in the state is in Onaway, MI, the Onaway State Park boasts 158 acres of rugged, scenic land that includes rock outcrops, sandy cobblestone beaches, and thick tree stands.

Situated on Black Lake, campers can enjoy a variety of water activities like fishing, boating, and swimming. Campers can go rock collecting and explore the hiking trails, enjoying the solitude underneath the virgin white pine trees.

Campers can choose from RV and tent sites or stay in one of the spacious cabins.

Petoskey State Park 

On the shores of Lake Michigan, you find Petoskey State Park. It’s at the north end of Little Traverse Bay. It’s a great summer destination for families, offering both wooded and beach campsites.

Bike and hiking trails run throughout the expansive state park. You can also rent paddle boats and kayaks. Drive a short distance outside of the park, and you are in the quaint city of Petoskey. Enjoy the historic downtown and grab a bite to eat at one of the fabulous restaurants. You can also head over to the Bear River recreational area to get in some fishing.

Tent and RV sites are available at the campground.

Traverse City State Park 

Have you ever considered city camping? If you haven’t tried it, then a great place to start is at Traverse City State Park. The urban park keeps you close to all of the amenities while also letting you get back to nature.

Only two miles from downtown Traverse City, the campground is surrounded by woods. It also boasts a quarter-mile sandy beach where you can fish, wade, boat, and swim. The campground is on the city’s TART Trail (Traverse City bike path), so bring your bicycle and explore the area from two wheels.

Tent and RV sites are available at the campgrounds, along with cabin rentals.

Conclusion 

Michigan offers plenty of great camping opportunities for families. Whether you choose to camp in western Michigan or the Upper Peninsula, you will find the perfect campground for your family.

Check out these other articles about vacationing in Michigan:

• 20 of the Best Water Parks in Michigan
• 5 of the Best Michigan Beach Resorts for Families
• Revealed: The Best Places to Vacation in Michigan with Kids