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Southwest Michigan's Allegan County is home to Allegan, Michigan, the county seat. "Henry Rowe Schoolcraft coined the name Allegan in 1837 to sound like a Native American word," in accordance with Wikipedia.
The men who saw the potential for industry and transportation driven by the Kalamazoo River and who patented the area that would become Allegan are honored by the names of several of the city's well-known streets.
Built-in 1886 and rebuilt in 1983, this one-lane iron bridge serves as the entrance to the downtown Kalamazoo River waterfront region and is a familiar sight in Allegan iconography.
Their parents brought people to West Michigan in the late seventies, and Allegan, which is known for its rural environment, farmland, forests, and access to gorgeous bodies of water, is home to many outdoor lovers, farmers, as well as artists.
The Griswold Auditorium, the Old Regent Theatre, and the Carnegie-built Allegan District Library are just a few examples of the city's well-known historical district and architecture.
It is home to a flourishing public school system, a county seat for the government, a community hospital, and several companies like Allegan Tubular Products, Perrigo, and Ropes Courses.
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Camping Spots at Allegan Campgrounds
The city of Allegan is a great location for all types of camping excursions. There is an abundance of things to see and do, ranging from thrilling bike rides or treks to discovering the local food and shops.
See fantastic campgrounds close to Allegan that have been rated by travelers just like you.
1. Van Buren State Park Campground
Situated near the edge of Lake Michigan lies Van Buren State Park. High dune formations, a contemporary campground, a mile of sandy beach, wooded trails, and a day-use area may all be found in the park.
There are two clean restrooms, trash disposal, picnic areas, shelter, and picnic tables and grills in the day-use area. There is excellent swimming and sunbathing beach access in Lake Michigan.
The Van Buren State Park Spur Trail, a picturesque 4-mile paved trail into the City of South Haven, is accessible from the park.
Along the journey, travelers can reach the gravel-surfaced Van Buren Trail State Park around 16th Avenue. From there, it's another 12 miles south to the City of Hartford.
2. Beach Campground — Holland State Park
The most well-known features of Holland State Park are its sugar-sand beaches, stunning sunsets, and views of the recognizable "Big Red" lighthouse.
There are two sizable campsites in the park, along with a wheelchair-accessible playground, canoeing and fishing spots, and links to unpaved paths.
On the northern side of the channel that connects Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan, the state park is made up of distinct units dedicated to Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan.
Located one mile east of the park is a boat launch complete with a fish cleaning station.
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3. Dumont Lake Park
This 18.6-acre park is the ideal location for picnics, swimming, boating, and fishing. It is situated on the northeastern border of Dumont Lake.
On gorgeous Dumont Lake, it boasts 550 feet of beach, picnic tables, grills, a covered pavilion, a brand-new playground, and contemporary restrooms.
Across the lake from the picnic area at the end of 33rd Street is another feature of Dumont Lake Park: a boat/watercraft launch station.
All of the park's features are ADA compliant. An ADA-accessible fishing pier is also provided at the boat/watercraft launch site.
See Park and Campground Amenities for further details including electricity, shelters, and operating hours.
4. Parks and Campground Directory
On the beautiful west side of Gun Lake sits the smallest gem in their system of parks. Previously referred to as "East Side Park," this little four-acre park features a covered pavilion, grills, picnic tables, a basketball court, volleyball court, a playground, and well-appointed restrooms.
It also features over 450 feet of shoreline. The majority of these adequate number of facilities are ADA compliant. Additionally, the park features an ADA-accessible dock for boat launches, making it simple and quick to load and unload vessels.
For more details about shelters, power, and operating hours, see Park and Campground Amenities.
5. Hoffmaster State Park Campground
Hoffmaster State Park has 1,200 acres of wooded sand dunes and 3 miles of sandy beach on the eastern border of Lake Michigan. The park bears the name of P.J. Hoffmaster, who is credited with creating the state park system in Michigan.
Situated 40 miles west of Grand Rapids and a short distance south of Muskegon, this park provides an outdoor haven where you may wander along the lakefront while watching hawks and sparrows that are migrating, or swing in your hammock beneath the shade of hardwood and pine forests.
Climbing the twisted wooden stairway to the Dunes Overlook, which offers stunning views of the lake and the intriguing dunes that have formed along the lakefront, is one of the park's must-do activities.
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6. Ely Lake Campground and RV Park
Situated inside the Allegan State Game Area, Ely Lake Campground provides a first-rate, near-town camping experience with a decidedly backcountry vibe.
There are 73 rustic campsites with vault toilets, a swimming beach, and 16 horse camping spaces available at Ely Lake. Additionally, there are DNR Public Access locations to Little Tom Lake and Ely Lake. (Ely has a "no motor" policy, so bring a rowboat or canoe!)
Come out and enjoy some fantastic fall or winter camping—Ely is available all year round! Cross-country skiing and hiking trails abound in Ely.
For more details about shelters, power, and operating hours, see Park and Campground Amenities.
7. Silver Creek Park and Campground
Primarily an equestrian facility, Silver Creek facility offers day-use amenities as well as a rustic camping. With 320 acres, Silver Creek is connected to 30 miles of equestrian trails. Horseback riding is permitted at all 75 of the park's campsites.
Additionally, Silver Creek features 450 feet of frontage on the spring-fed trout stream Silver Creek. In the day use area, picnic tables and grills are also available.
The most lovely and unique feature of Silver Creek Park is its extensive wooded area, which offers a plenty of shade during the hot summer days and amazing fall colors.
There are hand pumps and vault toilets, but no running water or contemporary amenities to fit the rustic scene. Silver Creek Park offers year-round camping, with some amazing options accessible in the fall and winter.
8. Littlejohn Lake Park
Situated about three miles southwest of Allegan on Littlejohn Lake. 113 acres of largely wooded public land make up Littlejohn Park.
The park has been created over around 13 acres, featuring more than 120 picnic tables, grills, a playground, a nature trail, and a huge, electrically powered wooden pavilion that is a popular spot for picnics and family get-togethers.
A lovely swimming beach with an ADA-accessible walkway is also present. In addition, there are two bathroom buildings, a basketball court, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits.
There are also two fenced softball grounds in Littlejohn. It is the ideal location for your get-together! For more details about shelters, power, and operating hours, see Park and Campground Amenities.
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9. Pine Point Campground
Situated inside the Allegan State Game Area, Pine Point Campground features 35 rustic, woodland campsites—12 of which are accessible for equestrian camping—as well as three group sites, vault toilets, and Swan Creek Pond bathing beach.
A DNR Public Access Site is also available for people who enjoy fishing or boating. Pine Point has excellent cross-country skiing and hiking paths, and it is available all year round. Come on out and have some fun!
The availability of all unreserved campsites is based on first come, first served. For bookings, campsites cost $12 per night for a site plus an extra $3 per horse per night (without a season pass), on top of the $5 non-refundable reservation fee per site.
To be confirmed, reservations must be made and paid for at least five days before the scheduled camping date. For the five days leading up to arrival, every campground will show up in the web system as reserved.
10. Fort Custer Recreation Area
A 3,033-acre park, Fort Custer Campground in Fort Custer State Recreation Area, is situated between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo.
There are three lakes in the park, the Kalamazoo River, camping spaces, swimming beaches, boat rentals, over 25 miles of multipurpose pathways, chances for fishing and canoeing, remnant prairie and second growth trees. Mountain bikers, horseback riders, hikers, and dog sledders all enjoy using the route system.
The region was once farmland, but during World War II, the federal government purchased it to build Camp Custer, an induction and military training facility for the US Army. In the year 1971, the State of Michigan received the land as part of President Nixon's Legacy of Parks. At Fort Custer Recreation Area, you will also enjoy adequate supplies of deluxe cabins with very nice exterior appearance.
11. New Richmond Park
In the northwest of the county, at the historic settlement of New Richmond, is where you'll find New Richmond Bridge Park. The 400-foot swing bridge that crosses the Kalamazoo River is the main feature of this historic park.
It has been completely repaired. Built in 1879, this swing bridge was brought back to its former splendor in 2004. It links park land on the north and south banks of the river and is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
A highly functional train bridge that runs parallel to the swing bridge is another intriguing aspect of the park. Actually, between thirty and forty trains pass across this railroad bridge every day!
Constructed in the year 1907, the railroad bridge is a historically significant building that was initially intended to swing at its center span to facilitate riverboat traffic.
Five fishing piers, a half-mile stretch of boardwalk pathways that meander beside the river and into the surrounding wetland regions, numerous informative signage, a newly constructed bathroom building, a small picnic area, and a completely renovated boat/watercraft launch and parking area are all features of New Richmond Bridge Park.
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12. Giles Campground Allegan, Michigan
The Giles Campground is situated close to the hamlet of Chicora in southwest Michigan, halfway between Allegan and South Haven.
Their location is only a short drive from several local attractions. Take advantage of the many local museums, spend your days at a nearby golf club honing your swing, or visit the beaches of Lake Michigan.
Several camping events are held annually at Giles camping, such as an annual fishing competition, a potluck meal, and the best Fourth of July fireworks display on the lake. The campground at Giles welcomes pets.
13. TriPonds Family Camp Resort
TriPonds provides outstanding family camping experiences. Enjoy 90 acres of lovely shade trees, hiking trails, quiet ponds, roomy fields, huge lots, amiable personnel, and spotless quality of facilities with good interior appearance.
TriPonds is a campground run and owned by a family. I hope you can unwind here and get back in touch with loved ones.
These guys provide a variety of camping alternatives, from contemporary campsites to fully equipped cottages. Full hookups available. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings, prices, and availability.