Camping along the lakeshore, part 2

Are you ready for a getaway to the great outdoors? You’re not alone! Camping has become even more popular over the last two years, as people seek a connection to nature and some fresh air. Whether you’re sporting a shiny RV or plan to pitch a tent, the lakeshore is full of campgrounds to meet your needs. And even better yet, where you stay is only part of the fun. We’ve rounded up a list of local campgrounds and things to do nearby. Happy camping! 

Grand Haven State Park

1001 S. Harbor Ave., Grand Haven
616-847-1309
www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=449

The 48-acre park is set along a half-mile of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline along the west side of the park and the Grand River. 

The park consists primarily of beach sand and provides scenic views of the Grand Haven pier and two lighthouses. The campground is unlike any other in the park system, as sites are set close together, but just steps from Lake Michigan.

Amenities: 

Playground, fishing pier, electrical hookup, cabin rentals

Know before you go: Firepits are not provided, but campers can bring their own portable firepits.

A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry.

What’s nearby: 

Enjoy a musical treat: Since 1962, the Grand Haven Musical Fountain has delighted visitors of all ages with its 20-minute synchronized water and light show accompanied with music from the likes of Shakira and Jimmy Buffet to Disney and Star Wars soundtracks. A different show plays daily at dusk from Memorial Day through Labor Day as well as Fridays and Saturdays in May and September.

Shop ’til you drop: An assortment of shops, galleries and markets make up Downtown Grand Haven, which is easily walkable. 

Outdoor Adventures Grand Haven Resort

10990 U.S. Highway 31 N, Grand Haven 
989-671-1125
outdooradventuresinc.com/grand-haven

Outdoor Adventures is a family-owned business that has provided a safe and enjoyable experience for campers for over 25 years. The company operates nine camping resorts throughout Michigan. The Grand Haven resort, formerly known as Jellystone Campground and Grand Haven Campground, is located 10 minutes from Lake Michigan. 

Amenities: 

General store, clubhouse, game room, putt-putt golf, go-kart track, outdoor pool, playground, hiking/biking trails, planned activities, cabin rentals.

Know before you go: This is a membership-based campground. 

What’s nearby:

Ride a trolley: Tour the town on a trolley. Each summer from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Lakeshore Trolley offers rides for residents and visitors alike for a small fee. There are many pickup locations downtown.  

Get festive: Plan your visit around one of Grand Haven’s many summer festivals, including the Coast Guard Festival and the Grand Haven Sand Sculpture Contest. 

Muskegon State Park

3560 Memorial Drive, North Muskegon
231-744-3480
www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=475&type=SPRK

Muskegon State Park is home to 3 miles of breathtaking shoreline (2 miles along Lake Michigan and 1 mile on Muskegon Lake), Snug Harbor, forested dunes, two campgrounds, picnic areas multiple trails and more. 

Amenities: 

Concession store, electrical hookup, playground, cabins, yurts, water access 

Know before you go: A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry. 

What’s nearby: 

Get sporty: The year-round Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park boasts an Olympian-designed luge track, an ice-skating trail, a sledding hill, cross-country ski trails, a 1,300-foot dual zip line, a one-of-a-kind summer luge track, an archery range and much more. 

Tour history: Visit the Queen Anne-style Victorian houses of Muskegon lumber barons Charles Hackley and Thomas Hume. The historic sites are open May to October.