Road Trips Starting from Grand Rapids, MI
Best National Parks Near Grand Rapids, MI
Located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan in Indiana, Indiana Dunes National Park is the perfect getaway regardless of the time of year. About 122 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, this national park offers stunning views of Lake Michigan along with 15 miles of beaches. During the spring and summer months, hiking is a popular activity as wildflowers line the more than 50 miles of trails throughout the park. Bird lovers can enjoy the annual Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, which happens every third weekend in May.
If you are willing to cross the border into Canada, Point Pelee National Park is another terrific national park to visit. Located approximately 200 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, this national park sits on a peninsula in southern Ontario that juts out into Lake Erie. With over seven miles of hiking trails, there is sure to be one that matches your level of experience. Visitors can also enjoy canoeing and kayaking through the wetland and smaller ponds that are in the park. There are also several bike trails, including the Centennial Hike and Bike Trail, which is 3.7 miles long and travels between the park entrance and the visitor center.
The 33,000-acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is in Ohio, about 305 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, is known for its scenic waterfalls, historic trails and unique railroad. Bring your own kayak, and paddle along the Cuyahoga River, or cast a line from the shore, and try your hand at catching bass, bluegill and crappie. The 20-mile-long Towpath Trail gives visitors an up-close look at the Ohio & Erie Canalway, the same path that mules walked to tow canal boats. Bird-watching is another popular activity within the park as it is possible to view more than 200 species throughout the year.
Popular State Parks Near Grand Rapids, MI
About 35 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, Holland State Park features sugar sand beaches, breathtaking sunsets and the famous “Big Red” lighthouse. Located on Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan, this state park offers ample fishing opportunities as well as many picnic locations. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Lake Michigan's shoreline, such as several waterfowl species and crashing waves. Hiking is available along the Holland-Dune Trail, an out-and-back path that takes you to the top of the Mount Pisgah sand dune.
Located 48 miles northwest of Grand Rapids, Muskegon State Park, offers two miles of sand beach on Lake Michigan as well as 1,233 acres of land for other activities such as hiking, biking, fishing and snowshoeing. The park's main attraction is the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, which has an Olympic-designed luge track, an ice-skating trail, a sledding hill, cross-country ski trails, a zip line, a summer luge track, an archery range and more. Six different hiking trails offer the opportunity to explore more than 12 miles of wilderness overlooking Lake Muskegon and Lake Michigan.
Sleepy Hollow State Park is about 80 miles east of Grand Rapids and offers a year-round opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Covering more than 2,600 acres of land, this state park is the perfect place to enjoy paddle sports, swimming, fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The Sleepy Hollow hiking trail is 16 miles in length and takes you through prairie grasses, hardwood forest and pine trees while providing numerous views of Lake Ovid. There are also 6.5 miles of trails for horse riding during the warmer months and dog sledding during the winter.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Grand Rapids, MI
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is 161 miles north of Grand Rapids. This national site is known for its huge scalable sand dunes as well as the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail that winds through the forest. Several RV-friendly campgrounds are scattered throughout the park.
Located 169 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, Pullman National Monument is the main feature of this national historic park in Illinois. It was designated as a national park in 2015 and tells the story of one of the first planned industrial communities in the United States. RV parking can be a challenge here as the site sits in an urban environment. Also, there is no camping at the park, so you will need to find a nearby campground if you are looking to stay overnight.
While the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a longer drive at 280 miles to the west, it offers a unique experience unlike any other near Grand Rapids. This 1,200-mile-long trail extends through the state of Wisconsin and traces the edge of the last continental glacier. When you travel along the trail, you will see a variety of landscapes, including forests, prairies and wetlands, while viewing the natural beauty and geology of the state. While there are remote camping opportunities along the hiking trail, you will need to stay at a nearby campground if you are traveling in an RV. There are ample camping opportunities throughout Wisconsin near the trail that can accommodate any size RV.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Just 35 miles west of Grand Rapids, Grand Haven RV Resort and Campground is the perfect camping location if you want to stay near Lake Michigan. This pet-friendly RV campground offers many activities, such as fishing and kayaking, as well as bike rentals. The campground also features showers, a fitness center, Wi-Fi and electric hookups. Nightly rates range from $61 to $81 depending on where you stay within the campground. All sites are 70 feet long, making them perfect for any size RV.
Bazan Baldwin Oaks Family Campground is located just 15 miles southwest of Grand Rapids, and this family-friendly campground features a heated pool, pickleball courts, a game room, playgrounds, a laundromat, hayrides and nearby shopping. Campsites are available with sun or shade and feature a fire pit, picnic table, and water and electric hookups. The rates vary between $55 and $60 per night depending on whether you need 30-amp or 50-amp hookups.
The year-round Woodchip Campground can be found 12 miles south of Grand Rapids and offers nightly or weekly rates. Standard sites start at $55 and include water and 30-amp electric hookups and go up to $60 if you need a 50-amp site. Premium sites include a sewer hookup and range from $65 to $70 per night. The campground is pet-friendly and can accommodate RVs up to 43 feet in length.
RV Dump Stations Near Grand Rapids, MI
Camping World of Grand Rapids is one of the best RV dump stations in the area as it is just 10 miles south of Grand Rapids. The station is open year-round during business hours and is located behind the Camping World shop in the RV lot. There is a $4 fee, and access is back-in only.
Woodchip Campground offers a convenient dump station, and there is no fee if you are an overnight guest at the campground. If you are not a registered guest, you can dump your tanks for a fee of $20 if paying with cash or $22 if using a credit card. You need to contact the office to make arrangements if you are not a guest.
If you are staying south of Grand Rapids, you will find a dump station about 20 miles to the southwest at Hungry Horse Campground. This dump station is free to use for registered guests. It is open from May through October and offers potable and rinse water.
