Pentwater campgrounds are worth staying at during a trip through northern Michigan. The small, quaint town is the perfect place to base yourself to explore beaches, forests, waterways, and more. From beachside to forested campgrounds, Pentwater is a hidden gem.
Keep reading to learn what makes Pentwater, Michigan, a quintessential getaway. Plus, we found five amazing Pentwater campgrounds for you to stay at. So let’s get started!
Pentwater, Michigan is a Quaint Northern Getaway
Pentwater, Mich., sits on Lake Michigan, approximately an hour north of Muskegon. It has a population of just under 800. The town was founded in 1867 by Charles Mears. However, Native Americans gave the town its name-calling it penned-up waters. This is because it has a large lake the connects to lake Michigan, but its entrance was very shallow.
What Is Pentwater Known For?
Pentwater is known for tourism and fishing with its excellent access to lake michigan and white sandy beaches. The surrounding area is also rich with agricultural farms. Local residents often fish in Pentwater Lake or Lake Michigan. The laid-back small beach town is also a draw for artists, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
5 Best Campgrounds in Pentwater, Mich.
Are you ready for an epic trip to Lake Michigan? Pentwater campgrounds get you up close and personal to the lake, its shoreline, marinas, and local activities.
1. Mears State Park Campground
Address: 400 W Lowell St, Pentwater, MI 49449
About: Mears State Park Campground has direct access to Lake Michigan. The paved campsites are all within a short walk to the beach, and some lots have views of the water. They all only have electricity, but there are water stations throughout the park and a dump station.
Amenities: The campground has a large, modern bathhouse with showers. An on-site host has a bulletin board with campground activities and tools to borrow. And the campground is within walking distance of the beach, fishing pier, paddleboard rentals, a boat ramp, marina, and downtown Pentwater.
Morton Trip Rating: 10/10 for being on the beach and within walking distance to downtown Pentwater
Pro Tip: Want to go swimming in Michigan? Check out these Top 10 Beaches in Michigan You Must Visit.
2. Hill & Hollow Campground & RV Park
Address: 8915 N Business 31, Pentwater, MI 49449
About: Hill & Hollow Campground & RV Park is 2 miles north of downtown Pentwater. It has over 200 campsites with a mixture of full hookup sites and water and electricity-only options. They also offer seasonal lots.
Amenities: AJs Family Fun Center is located in the campground. It has Go-Karts, a mini-golf course, and arcade games. The campground also offers various activities and outdoor sports, and it has a camp store. In addition, it has a bathroom and showers.
Morton Trip Rating: 10/10 for its amenities and resort vibes
3. Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake
Address: 7070 S Lakeshore Dr, Pentwater, MI 49449
About: Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake is a quiet, small lakefront property. It’s nestled between Bass Lake and Lake Michigan, with a lot of shade throughout the campground. The campsites have full hookups with a picnic table, fire ring, and cable television. In addition, they have a few water and electricity only sites and rustic tent sites.
Amenities: This Pentwater campground has a boat dock on Bass Lake and canoe and kayak rentals. It also has a mini-golf course, WiFi, complimentary coffee on the weekends, a playground, and a group fire pit. There are also a bathhouse and a dog park.
Morton Trip Rating: 9/10 for the boat dock and cable TV
4. Lake Michigan Camp & Retreat
Address: 5807 Ridge Rd, Pentwater, MI 49449
About: Lake Michigan Camp & Retreat is a family campground. It offers a variety of family-friendly activities. It has water and electricity-only campsites, and the maximum RV site is 35 ft. The campground is a half-mile from a beach on Lake Michigan.
Amenities: The campground has a pavilion with an attached kitchen for group use. It also has a large gathering area for campfires and group events. In addition, it has bathrooms, showers, a dump station, and family cabins.
Morton Trip Rating: 7/10 for its proximity to Lake Michigan and family activities
5. The Woodland Shores
Address: 4370 N Ridge Rd, Mears, MI 49436
About: The Woodland Shores is 8 miles south of downtown Pentwater. It’s a large Pentwater campground that’s across the street from Lake Michigan. However, it has a private beach on the lake for campers to use. Campsites are full hookups, and there are nightly and seasonal booking options.
Amenities: The campground has a large pool, clubhouse, and outdoor sports. You can also access several trails from the property. And it’s only 3 miles away from Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Morton Trip Rating: 8/10 for its pool and private beach on Lake Michigan
Pro Tip: If you’d rather sleep in the sand while in Michigan, check out these 10 Great Places to Go Beach Camping in Michigan.
What Is There to Do in Pentwater?
Pentwater has a downtown shopping and restaurant district. It’s small but easy to spend an entire day walking through shops, art galleries, sipping coffee at the waterfront park, and more. The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year.
Is It Worth Staying at Pentwater Campgrounds?
Pentwater campgrounds are worth staying for a weekend or more. You may end up liking the area so much that you’ll stay for a week or even the entire summer. Lake Michigan has a way of drawing visitors in, and they come back year after year. If you like outdoor recreation and water sports, you’ll particularly like this beach town.
Be sure to book campgrounds in Michigan in advance. Openings from June to September tend to fill as soon as booking windows open.
Is Pentwater on your travel list? If so, we would love to hear about your experience. Leave us a comment below or tag us in some of your photos!
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