Best Michigan Campgrounds for Kids at Michigan State Parks

Narrowing down what campgrounds to add to your bucket list can be quite overwhelming. We’ve camped for the last 12 years and have whittled it down to our favorite Michigan state parks for kids. There are multiple reason why we personally opt for Michigan state parks. We have found that state parks provide some of the best camping, it’s reasonably priced, and kids get a less commercialized feel.

Michigan state park campgrounds fill up quickly, so make reservations 6 months in advance from the date you plan to camp. To secure a campsite, go to MI DNR State Reservations.

Kid-Friendly Campground Want List

When we look for campgrounds some items we appreciate include:

*Accessible beach and swimming area

*Modern playground

*Nearby activities and attractions for the family

Central Michigan

Sleepy Hollow State Park, Lansing

Biking and hiking are popular at Sleepy Hollow State Park, Lansing

Located in Central Michigan, camping closer to home is an ideal way to enjoy summer and fall camping. Known for their spooktacular Halloween and fall camping activities for kids, here is a full Review and Trip guide to Sleepy Hollow State Park near Lansing. This Michigan state park on Ovid Beach has tons of hiking, biking & horse backing riding trails. A large modern playground, plus a large activity area with a gaga ball pit, basketball courts and pavilion is great for families and groups. Want more activities, head into Lansing and see the state capital, visit the Impressions 5 Science Center or Potter’s Zoo. If you love hiking, visit nearby Grand Ledge and hike the gorgeous Ledges Trail.

West Michigan

Ludington State Park, Ludington

Lost Island Lake Trail, Ludington State Park

Endless activities await without ever stepping foot from Ludington State Park. Climb a sand dune and swim at the gorgeous Lake Michigan beach while you grab food at the large beach house. Children will love riding bikes and visiting the Big Sable Lighthouse. Hamlin Lake offers an accessible playground and nearby fishing at the Hamlin Dam. Rent kayaks or paddle boards as you explore under bridges and between islands. Beautiful trails with diverse landscapes will make children fall in love with hiking. Read the full Trip Guide for Ludington State Park with pictures, camping review and nearby activity suggestions.

Fort Custer State Park, Augusta

Fort Custer state park modern playground

This expansive state park is located near Battle Creek, Michigan. We love that the campsites are situated in wooded areas with privacy between each site. With 40 miles of trails that loop around three large lakes, Fort Custer provides a scenic experience. Mountain biking and horseback riding are popular activities on the multi-use trails at this state park. A playground, plus a sandy stretch of beach for swimming and boating are some of the amenities that attract families to this beautiful state park each year.

PJ Hoffmaster State Park, Muskegon

Hike and explore the foredunes at PJ Hoffmaster State Park

This shaded and wooded park feels like camping “up north”. Located in Muskegon, MI it has two options for beaches, the campers beach and public beach. There is excellent hiking throughout the park, as well as, the impressive Gillette Visitor’s Center, which has tons of interactive exhibits and hiking trails. Choose campsites along the creek or ones that back up to the wooded foredunes to give kids plenty to do at your site while you relax. Kids will love playing on the large shaded modern playground. Read here for the full PJ Hoffmaster State Park review.

Van Buren State Park, South Haven

Overlook of the beach in South Haven

Located near the beautiful beach town of South Haven. Van Buren State Park is only a 4.5 mile bike ride to South Haven’s charming downtown. The large public beach is one of the best for children. Your family will love grabbing a tasty treat while you stroll out on the pier to the beautiful lighthouse. The state campground has trails that lead throughout the park and over sand dunes, plus a playground and newly renovated (2022)handicap bathhouse. A prime campground for Fourth of July festivities.

Holland State Park, Holland

Big Red Lighthouse at Holland State Park

Numerous outdoor activities will keep you occupied as you catch a sunset at Ottawa beach with views of the Big Red Lighthouse, enjoy a walk out on the pier, bike to Tunnel Park, climb Mt Pisgah or hike the wooded trails at Holland State Park. It’s only a 10 minute drive from downtown Holland, where you can explore the shops and restaurants. Stop at the nearby Outdoor Discovery Center and Saugatuck Dunes State Park if you have enough time. Read the full review and Trip Guide to Holland State Park.

Eastern Michigan

Port Crescent State Park, Port Austin

Located at the tip of the thumb, this beautiful park is known for its beach campsites and stunning sunsets. With 3 miles of shoreline on Lake Huron the beaches are fabulous. The campground is in close proximity to Port Austin, so a quick run to explore the town and grab food is easy. Lots of trails run throughout the park and across Pinnebog River. The park is also a designated sky park so be prepared to do some stargazing. If you’re up for quite an adventure, kayak to Turnip Rock. Head there during 4th of July for fireworks or the Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival for tons of activities. Here is the full Trip Guide to Camping at Port Crescent State Park.

Northern Michigan

Wilderness State Park

Find your own secret spot at Wilderness State Park

The best of both worlds, Wilderness State Park has a remote location for camping with miles of trails and wildlife, while only being a short 15 minute drive to visit Mackinaw Island and Mackinaw City. Boasting an impressive 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, plus the beauty of Sturgeon Bay, creates some unique spots for anyone adventurous enough to wander off the beaten path. With active programming and camp hosts, kids will love learning about wildlife and completing nature crafts. Offering a multitude of options for campsites, from hike-in tent sites to full hook up, there is a spot for everyone. Don’t miss out on stargazing at Headlands Dark Sky Park and adventuring at the Outdoor Discovery Park. Here you can check out the full Review of Wilderness State Park.

Young State Park, Boyne City

Unique upside down cedar trees at Young State Park

A popular campground for boaters, Young State Park boasts beautiful blue waters of Lake Charlevoix and a large stretch of sandy beach. A designated boat launch area, a lake stocked with fish, and miles of shoreline is ideal for kayakers and paddlers to explore. Located near the towns of Boyne City and Charlevoix, easy day trips for exploring, shopping or dining at local restaurants guarantees this trip will be one you will remember.

UPPER PENINSULA

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Octonagon

View of the rocky shoreline from our campsite at Porcupine Mountains State Park

Every Michigangander should travel over the Mackinac Bridge to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at some point in their lives. There are so many wonderful places to see and explore at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Located on the Western edge of the UP this park is definitely worth the drive to experience this remote area with stunning views right from your campsite. Backpackers and hikers will have miles and miles of trails to pick from, including Lake of the Clouds and Presque Isle Waterfall Loop.

What campgrounds would you add to the list? With over 100 Michigan state parks to choose from, we’re certain that you will find the perfect campground to make memories with your family this year.

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Happy Camping!