Haymarsh State Game Area Campground Introduce
Are you searching for "camping near me" in the Big Rapids, Michigan area? Haymarsh State Game Area Campground, located at 20500 140th Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307, offers a camping experience within a state game area, suggesting a natural environment focused on wildlife and outdoor recreation. With contact phone numbers (231) 832-3246 and +1 231-832-3246, this campground provides access to the Haymarsh Lake and surrounding area. For local users seeking a camping experience connected to nature, particularly those interested in activities like kayaking, Haymarsh State Game Area Campground is a place to consider, though it's important to note the mixed feedback from recent visitors.
The environment of Haymarsh State Game Area Campground is described by one reviewer as "relaxing" with "nicely spaced clean spots." This suggests that the campground offers a sense of tranquility and that the layout of the campsites provides a degree of privacy. The presence of a lake is also a significant environmental feature, with one review noting it was "ok for kayaking." The surrounding state game area implies a setting rich in natural landscapes and potentially wildlife viewing opportunities. However, another reviewer pointed out the prevalence of lily pads in the lake, which they felt made fishing "near impossible from campsites" and discouraged swimming. This indicates that while the lake is a central feature, its usability for certain activities might be limited. For local users looking for "camping near me" with access to a lake, Haymarsh offers this, but with specific conditions regarding water activities.
In terms of services and features, the campground provides basic amenities such as "picnic tables, fire pits, vault toilets, and hand pump water available." These are standard offerings for many campgrounds, providing the essentials for a comfortable outdoor stay. One reviewer also mentioned "comfy places to hammock," suggesting that the environment is suitable for relaxation in hammocks. However, a more critical review notes that these amenities have remained unchanged for a significant period (27 years), which the reviewer felt did not justify the price increase. This perspective suggests that while the basic services are present, they might be perceived as outdated by some. The same reviewer also mentioned "picnic tables are usually covered with slimy mold," indicating a potential issue with maintenance or environmental conditions affecting the cleanliness of the facilities. Additionally, this reviewer raised concerns about dogs roaming freely, suggesting that while the campground might be considered dog-friendly by some, it could lead to negative experiences with irresponsible pet owners. There is no mention of showers or other more developed amenities. For local users seeking "camping near me," Haymarsh offers basic facilities in a natural setting, but with potential drawbacks regarding lake usability, maintenance, and pet control.
The features of Haymarsh State Game Area Campground include its location within a state game area, providing access to nature and a lake. The availability of spaced-out campsites, picnic tables, fire pits, vault toilets, and hand pump water are standard camping features. The suitability for hammocking is an additional positive aspect mentioned. However, the significant presence of lily pads in the lake affecting fishing and swimming, the potential for mold on picnic tables, and issues with roaming dogs are notable drawbacks highlighted by a reviewer. The price increase without perceived improvements over a long period was also mentioned as a negative feature. For local users considering this for "camping near me," the natural setting and basic amenities are features to weigh against the reported limitations and maintenance concerns.
For local users in the Big Rapids, MI area, Haymarsh State Game Area Campground at 20500 140th Ave offers a nearby camping option within a natural environment. The presence of a lake might be appealing, particularly for kayaking. However, potential campers should be aware of the limitations regarding swimming and fishing due to lily pads, as well as the reported issues with mold on picnic tables and the potential for encounters with unrestrained dogs. The basic amenities provided are typical for a more rustic campground setting. When searching for "camping near me," local users will need to decide if the natural setting and basic facilities outweigh the noted drawbacks.
No specific promotional information is mentioned in the provided reviews. Therefore, details about any discounts, special offers, or changes in pricing or services are not available. The critical review did mention a price increase from $12 to $20 per day over the years, without any corresponding improvements noted by the reviewer. Local users would need to contact the campground directly using the provided phone numbers to inquire about current pricing and any potential promotions.
In summary, Haymarsh State Game Area Campground near Big Rapids, MI, offers a "camping near me" option in a potentially relaxing, naturally spaced environment with a lake suitable for kayaking. Basic amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, vault toilets, and hand pump water are available. However, potential campers should be aware of the reported issues with excessive lily pads hindering fishing and swimming, possible mold on picnic tables, and concerns about roaming dogs. One reviewer also expressed dissatisfaction with a price increase without perceived improvements. For local users considering this campground, it's essential to weigh the appeal of the natural setting and basic facilities against these reported limitations and maintenance concerns.
To get the most up-to-date information on Haymarsh State Game Area Campground, including current pricing, pet policies, and the status of lake conditions and facility maintenance, local users should contact them directly at (231) 832-3246 or +1 231-832-3246. This will allow you to ask specific questions based on your needs and preferences when looking for "camping near me" in the Big Rapids area.
If you are a local user in Big Rapids, MI, seeking a campground with a natural setting and lake access for kayaking, Haymarsh State Game Area Campground is an option to consider. However, be sure to take the feedback from other campers regarding lake usability, maintenance, and pet policies into account when making your decision about your next "camping near me" experience.
Haymarsh State Game Area Campground Photos









Haymarsh State Game Area Campground Location
Haymarsh State Game Area Campground
20500 140th Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
Haymarsh State Game Area Campground20500 140th Ave
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Haymarsh State Game Area Campground Reviews
Relaxing campground with nicely spaced clean spots, picnic tables, fire pits,vault toilets, and hand pump water available. Comfy places to hammock. Lake was ok for kayaking but wouldn’t recommend for swimming as it was full of lily pads.
Jul 15, 2022 · Michelle DennettFishing is near impossible from camp sites as there are too many lily pads, price per day is too high because nothing has changed about the place for the past 27 years! Picnic tables are usually covered with slimy mold. No effort has been made to clear the lily pads to make the place more enjoyable. I personally have had to defend myself from dogs that are allowed to roam freely by unresponible dog owners, prompting me to carry a weapon, usually a stick. Dogs should be prohibited from the the campground. The only thing that changed is the price per day, up from $12 per day to $20 per day, ridiculous!
Sep 16, 2024 · Preston HillNice camping sites and clean grounds but heavily fished over 15 shanties today not much for fish after a whole day dawn to dusk and small ones that were caught but maybe stocking is in the future not sure.
Jan 21, 2024 · Matt ForbesVery nice campground with spacious spots. $20/day here, but with the lake and game area, I feel it's worth every penny. Check out is at 3 pm, which is super convenient. The outhouse is well maintained. I will be back!
May 09, 2022 · Heather SchanerNice small rustic campground with an outhouse and hand pumped water. Sites are spaced out. Proximity to lake and marsh is nice, but leads to bugs depending on the season.
Oct 20, 2019 · Destin Pohl
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