Top Michigan Family-Friendly Campgrounds
The Great Lakes area has so much to offer from gorgeous beaches, forested trails, lighthouses, and charming beach towns to explore. Narrowing down what campgrounds to add to your bucket list can be quite overwhelming. These campgrounds are consistently rated the best in the state. We’ve camped for the last 12 years and want to share some of our favorite Michigan campgrounds for families. These private and national park campgrounds have tons of amenities from pools and playgrounds to activity programming that will keep kids busy and families will love.
Now if you prefer a slower paced setting when camping, you may prefer to check out these Top 10 Michigan State Park Campgrounds for Kids.
Kid-Friendly Campground Must Have List
Okay, okay… I know what you’re thinking. What campground isn’t kid-friendly? Well, when we chose this specific list of kid-friendly campgrounds some items we appreciated include:
*Accessible beach and swimming area
*Modern playground
*Onsite activities
*Nearby attractions and restaurants for the family
Tri Pond Family Camp Resort | Allegan
This family owned and operated campground is between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. It provides a much needed vacation spot with activities for the whole family. There is a lodge that serves ice cream, a new modern playground, splash pad and a climbing wall. With options for both modern sites to fully furnished cottages, hurry and book your next family vacation at Triponds. ($45 +)
Dunes Harbor | Mears
Dunes Harbor Club House, Silver Lake
Dunes Harbor is a beautifully maintained Michigan campground near Silver Lake that is perfect for families, as well as, larger groups. The majority of campsites offer water views and access to Lake Holiday so bring your kayaks and paddleboards. It has a variety of summer activities and amenities including; a pool, splash pad, horseback riding, and a climbing wall. Ideal for campers wanting to visit nearby Silver Lake Sand Dunes OVR park and Little Sable Point Lighthouse. Check out all the details, pictures, and full review of Dunes Harbor Campground.
Timber Ridge | Traverse City
This resort style campground in Traverse City will soon become a favorite for your family. You’ll feel like you’re at summer camp again. Challenge each other in a giant game of dodge ball or jump on the water trampoline. There are so many activities to keep the kids busy, with a swimming pool, a bike park, splash pad, and daily activity programming. A variety of sites are available from basic to full hook ups, prices range from $40-$90 a night. This amazing location is perfect for exploring all that the Traverse City area has to offer! More details here.
Mackinaw Mill Creek | Mackinaw City
Sunrise at Mackinaw Mill Creek State Park
Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground has a prime location, only a short 15 minute drive to visit Mackinaw Island and Mackinaw City. Our favorite part of this campground is the community fire pits, where you can watch sunrises in the morning and fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the summer. This campground is massive with a multitude of options for campsites, from tent sites to full hook up and cabins, there is a spot for everyone. Cabins range from rugged to luxury. Plus an outdoor pool and playgrounds are fun for kids. Make sure to bring your bikes to get around this family- friendly campground. Free shuttles to Mackinaw City are also an awesome feature they provide for campers.
Don’t miss out on stargazing at Headlands Dark Sky Park and adventuring at the Outdoor Discovery Park. Numerous free and paid activities to do in Mackinaw City. Here you can check out the full review of Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground.
Platte River Campground | Honor
Climb Sleeping Bear Dunes
Located along the Platte River, this National Park Service campground is within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Empire, Michigan. Platter River Campground is peaceful and located within a heavily wooded area. It offers a broad range of camping options from RV sites with electric, beautiful tent sites and even walk-in sites. Plus, there are tons of options for nearby outdoor activities and excellent location for accessing trails. The beautiful beach is a mile away on an easy hiking trail, so bring your wagons or bikes. One of the few NPS campgrounds to offer large, well-spaced sites, electric service, bathhouses with clean, modern toilets and free individual hot shower rooms.
Port Huron Campground Jellystone| Carsonsville
Head to the thumb to experience all that Port Huron Campground has to offer. This campground is a Candyland for kids with a splash water zone, blob, fishing pond, kayaking and putt putt golf. It’s the perfect setting for people who love staying busy with activities. Offering a range of sites from cabins, RV sites to tent sites, they can accommodate any size group. Need additional details click here. ($50-75 /night)
Whiskey Creek Campground | Custer
Fans of dirt-biking and four wheeling will love this family campground. Bring your off road vehicles and explore the many trails. With an indoor pool this is a great place for cooler weather camping.
Dirt Biking at Whiskey Creek Campground
Tons of amenities including a store with delicious ice-cream, multiple playgrounds, a bounce pillow, a sandy beach area and a 24 hole disc golf course. They have rustic sites available ($35.00/night) to full hook ups ($60.00/night), plus WIFI access and laundry. Check out this Trip Guide to Whiskey Creek or follow this link to make your reservations here.
With so many Michigan campgrounds to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect spot that checks all the boxes for your next family vacation.
So did your favorite campground make the list? We’re interested to know what campground would you add?
Want an easy way to learn about new campgrounds, follow Discovering Anew’s Facebook Page for tons of campground reviews, hikes, and outdoor activity suggestions in Michigan and beyond. Happy Camping!
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