Muskegon, Michigan is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in Muskegon County, in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Many camping options are available including two state parks in or near town, Three county parks including two on Lake Michigan, and several privately owned campgrounds. Lake Michigan camping is very popular with residents and visitors, and the Muskegon area has several hundred campsites along its miles of Lake Michigan coastline.
Muskegon State Park
Muskegon State Park is located just north of town, and has more than two miles of frontage along Lake Michigan and another mile on Muskegon Lake. Two large campgrounds with electric service, access to running water and modern bathrooms are located at the north and south ends of the park. The Lake Michigan Campground is at the north end on near the beach and has 105 sites and one rustic mini-cabin. Nearby is the Winter Sports Complex, site of one of a handful of luge runs in the United States. This luge run, where Olympic medalist Mark Grimmette got his start is open for summer use to the public, who can use wheeled luges to get a taste of this exciting sport. South Channel Campground has 139 improved sites and is located on the shore of Muskegon Lake where the channel connecting it to Lake Michigan begins. Both camps have access to many miles of beaches and trails. Beach volleyball, scenic overlooks, wildlife viewing areas, a historic blockhouse fort and miles of trails are just a few of this park's attractions.Muskegon State Park also has separate rustic tent camping sites for large groups.
Hoffmaster State Park
Just south of Muskegon is P. J. Hoffmaster State Park. This park has more than three miles of Lake Michigan shore, and with areas for swimming. The large modern campground has 293 improved campsites with electricity and modern bathrooms, and two large rustic group camping sites for tents only. These are located in other areas of the park. Many miles of trails, towering dunes and forests add to the park's natural charm. Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center offers visitors a wealth of information on Michigan's dunes and their ecosystems.
Pioneer County Park
This county park is just north of Muskegon State Park on the shores of Lake Michigan. A modern campground with 235 improved sites gives campers access to the parks large Lake Michigan beach and numerous outdoor activities, including facilities for many sports including tennis, softball, basketball, and soccer. All campsites have water and electric hookups, and the campground has modern bathrooms, showers and a sanitation station. The park is heavily wooded with a variety of native trees, and trails allow campers to explore.
Other County Parks
Minert County Park is about 15 miles north of Muskegon on the Lake Michigan shore. This park of 88 acres has a large dune complex and sandy beaches. A modern campground with 67 improved campsites sits among many large trees in a lightly wooded area. Modern bathrooms, showers and a sanitation station are provided. Blue Lake County park is about 15 miles northeast of Muskegon on the shore of Big Blue Lake. This park has a small campground with 25 modern campsites, each with water and electricity. Modern bathrooms, showers and a sanitation station are available. The park has a large sandy beach and swimming area on Big Blue Lake, as well as a boat launch for fishermen and paddlers.
Privately Owned Campgrounds
The Muskegon area has many privately owned campgrounds. These camps generally offer many modern amenities, but lack the resources and space available to campers at the various state and county park campgrounds. Michigan.org has a very comprehensive list of all the campgrounds in the area, both public and privately owned, and there is a link in the resources section to their site.
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