FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Muskegon County Parks

The information below includes our most frequently asked questions. If you do not see the answer to your question, please give us a call at (231) 744-3580 or send us a note.

Read the full Muskegon County Parks Ordinance

The BIG DAY for reservations at Muskegon County Parks is this Monday! You will be able to make all of your reservations for the year starting at 9am on Monday, March 11th. Next year you will be allowed to make all of your reservations on the 1st business day of the year, Thursday January 2nd of 2025.
 
Here are a few “pro tips” to ensure your reservations are made smoothly…
 
1. Log into the website before Monday morning and set up your account. Check out the maps with new pictures and familiarize yourself with the functions of the new site. Here is the link to get you there..
 
2. If the link does not seem to work for you, be sure to clear your cache and browsing history and try again.
 
3. If you already have the website up before 9am, you will need to refresh your browser window after 9am before the website will let you put a site in your cart.
 
4. You will be allowed to make up to 5 camping reservations per transaction. This means you can put one in your cart and it will be saved in your cart and then you may add another and not loose the one in your cart. You will still be charged a reservation fee for each separate camping reservation in your cart. (look for the “Add another reservation” button near the top of the shopping cart)
 
5. Please note that if you are making a reservation for someone else, you will need to know the full occupant name and license plate for each site you are reserving. We are requiring this information as it will speed up the check in process when you are in the campground office- Hooray, this means more fun in the sun!!
 
6. If you are experiencing issues, the easiest way to get help is to email us at parks@co.muskegon.mi.us With the high volume of calls to be expected on Monday morning, you may not be able to get through to us on the phone.

 

When will I be able to make a reservation for the 2024 Camping season?

We are currently moving to a new reservation system, so this year will be a bit different from past years. Starting on March, 4th 2024 the new reservation system will open for guests to make a new account and familiarize themselves with the new system. Then on March, 11th 2024 at 9am you will be able to log into your new account and make all of your reservations for the year.

If you are experiencing issues accessing the new website, you may just need to clear your browser cache. In Chrome, for example, you can go to the menu to “Clear Browsing Data” and then clear the cache. Otherwise, this issue will fix itself – browsers can take up to 24 hours to recognize the new page automatically.

 

 Am I able to reserve my campsite online using my mobile phone?

Yes! Mobile devices are now supported.

I’m having trouble reserving my campsite with my credit card.If you’re having troubles with completing your reservation with your credit card, please make sure that your Expiration Date and Security Code are correct. If you have further troubles, please call us at (231) 744-3580 or send us a note.

How many people are allowed on a single campsite?
A campsite may be occupied with no more than eight persons with no more than four adults.

I would like to bring my dog. Are dogs or other animals allowed?
Animals must be under the immediate control of a competent person by means of a leash not exceeding six feet in length and must be supervised and kept quiet at all times. Animal feces must be picked up and properly deposited in dumpsters. Animals are not permitted in park buildings or park beaches unless otherwise posted.

We have family coming to visit. What are the visitor hours?
All visitors to the campground and day-use facilities must leave before 10pm. Only registered campers and their vehicles are permitted to remain on park property past 10pm.

I would like to extend my stay. How do I do this?
Extensions to the Camp Permit must be obtained before 10:00 a.m. on the date the camp permit expires or your campsite will be assigned to another camping party.

What is your refund policy?
Lodge/Shelter/Rental Cabin cancellations can be made on the reservation website. Cancellations made up to close of business 7 days prior to your scheduled arrival date will incur the $10 cancellation fee. If you cancel 6 days or less prior to the arrival date, you will forfeit the first night’s fee or $75, whichever is the lesser amount. There is a $10 fee assessed for all changes made to your reservation, except for adding nights to the reservation.

Is alcohol allowed at my campsite?
Alcoholic beverages, or drugs, possession or use, shall not be permitted in the campground or any other area of the county park.

How many vehicles can I have at one campsite?
Not more than two motorized vehicles will be permitted on a campsite. Each motor vehicle must be registered on the camp permit and at the park office. Each motor vehicle must properly display a current Muskegon County Parks Motor Vehicle Entry Permit. Additional motor vehicles are not permitted to remain in the park between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

How many tents can be on one campsite?
Not more than one major camping unit: motorhome, travel trailer, popup camper, truck camper, van, etc.; or more than two tents will be permitted on a campsite. One tent will be permitted along with one major camping unit.

What is your credit card policy?
Please see the attached document.

What are the park hours?
Muskegon County Parks are open:
8:00 am to 10:00 pm daily from May 1 to September 30
8:00 am to dark daily from October 1 to April 30
(Blue Lake Park is closed September 15 to May 15)

Are Muskegon County Park Beaches water quality tested?

Muskegon County Parks beaches water quality are tested and monitored by the public health department. Please see the following website for up to date beach water monitoring results, https://www.egle.state.mi.us/beach/SearchResults.aspx?instatepark=False&beachtype=Public

 

Camping Rules for all Muskegon County Parks

These rules have been established by the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners and are provided as information and guidance to help make your camping experience pleasant and enjoyable. These conditions and other county park regulations are posted at various locations in the park and at the park office for your convenience and review.

1. Camping will be permitted only in established and marked campsites or in areas designated by the superintendent.
2. A responsible person of the camping party shall register for the campsite, list the names of all members of the camping party and be responsible for the conduct of all camping party members and visitors to the campsite.
3. A campsite or camping unit may not be sub-leased to another person or party. Unused time remaining on the camp permit may not be transferred to another camping party.
4. Camp permit shall be displayed on the campsite marker post where it can be inspected by the Park Ranger.
5. No persons under the age of 18 will be issued a camping permit to camp unless he or she is accompanied by and under the immediate supervision of a parent or legal guardian.
6. The campsite must be occupied with an accepted camping unit, i.e.: tent, motorhome, travel trailer, popup camper, truck camper, van, etc.
7. Not more than one major camping unit: motorhome, travel trailer, popup camper, truck camper, van, etc.; or more than two tents will be permitted on a campsite. One tent will be permitted along with one major camping unit.
8. A campsite may be occupied with no more than eight persons with no more than four adults.
9. Not more than two motorized vehicles will be permitted on a campsite. Each motor vehicle must be registered on the camp permit and at the park office. Each motor vehicle must properly display a current Muskegon County Parks Motor Vehicle Entry Permit. Additional motor vehicles are not permitted to remain in the park between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
10. Check out time is at 1:00 p.m.
11. Extensions to the Camp Permit must be obtained before 10:00 a.m. on the date the camp permit expires or your campsite will be assigned to another camping party.
12. Visitors are not permitted to drive into or park on the campsite. They must park in the designated visitor’s parking lot or where instructed by the Park Ranger.
13. Park Curfew is 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.. Visitors and their vehicles must leave park property no later than 10:00 p.m.
14.  Evening “Quiet Hours” shall begin at 11:00 p.m. and continue until 8:00 a.m. If talking, laughing, music or any other noise can be heard at another campsite, it is too loud
15. Alcoholic beverages, or drugs, possession or use, shall not be permitted in the campground or any other area of the county park.
16. Animals must be under the immediate control of a competent person by means of a leash not exceeding six feet in length and must be supervised and kept quiet at all times. Animal feces must be picked up and properly deposited in dumpsters.  Animals are not permitted on park beaches or in park buildings unless posted otherwise.
17. Campsites must be kept clean of all litter and trash. Litter, trash and garbage must be properly deposited in appropriate containers and not deposited in fire pits or left out on the campsite.
18. Dishwashing shall not be permitted at water supply outlets, drinking fountains, bathroom faucets or sinks or in showers. Hot or tempered water may not be removed from bathrooms. Washing of vehicles or camping units is not permitted.
19. Discharging of sewage or gray water onto the ground is prohibited. Discharge must be into an approved container with contents not permitted to overflow onto or seep into the ground. Disposal shall be at the sanitary dumping station.
20. Fires will be permitted only in stoves, grills, fire rings or fireplaces. Fire shall not be permitted on the park beach.
21. Non-motorized vehicles or toys such as bicycles, tricycles, skateboards, roller or in-line skates, big wheels, etc. shall not be permitted on sidewalks, boardwalks, decks or in any park building. Such non-motorized vehicles may only be operated on park roadways and are not permitted on park roads between sunset and sunrise.
22. All campers are entitled to general peace, quite and safety. Therefore, all fireworks, bows and arrows, slingshots, chainsaws, loud speakers or public address systems or other such noise making devices are not permitted to be possessed or used on county park property. Radios, televisions, music systems or other such equipment shall not be operated at any time at levels that would disrupt the peace and tranquility of the park.
23. No persons shall be under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants or drugs or engage in any violent, abusive, loud, boisterous, vulgar, lewd, wanton, obscene or otherwise disorderly conduct that would disturb the peace or disturb others.
24. No person shall cut, remove or destroy any tree or bush, alive or dead, or pick, remove or destroy any flower, plant or grass.
25. No person shall deface, disturb, destroy or damage any building, sign, equipment or property upon park property.
All persons using the County Park shall abide by the instructions and/or directions of the Superintendent, Park Ranger or any peace officer. Interpretation of the Muskegon County Rule and Regulations shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent of Parks.

Violation of any one or combination of these Rules and Regulations may result in eviction from the county park or misdemeanor charges.

If you have any questions regarding the Muskegon County Parks and Recreation Rules and Regulations or the Conditions of the Camp Permit, please inquire at the park office.

General Info for All Muskegon County Parks

Park Fees

Muskegon County Board of Commissioners have set fees for activities and facilities to offset costs for operation, maintenance and improvement of the county parks. The Board of Commissioners establishes rates for campsites, lodges, shelters and permits annually.

Motor vehicle permits are required at Pioneer Park and Meinert Part May 1 through September 30 and Twin Lake Park from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day. Permit options are daily and annual permits.

The County Parks accept cash, checks and all major credit cards.

Camping & Facilities Reservations

Reservations for campsites, group camping, rental cabin, picnic lodges and shelters can be made online only by clicking the reservation icon above.

Alcoholic Beverage Ban

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT ALLOWED in any of the Muskegon County Parks.

First Aid

First Aid may be obtained from any park ranger or at the Park Office. In case of an emergency, dial 911. Emergency 911 telephones are located at each campground office.

Regulations

To ensure your visit is a pleasant one, we ask that you abide by our park rules as established by the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners to help preserve the park and ensure the safety of all visitors.

Park & Campground Hours

Muskegon County Parks are open:
8:00 am to 10:00 pm daily from May 1 to September 30
8:00 am to dark daily from October 1 to April 30
(Blue Lake Park is closed September 15 to May 15)

All visitors to the campground and day-use facilities must leave before 10pm. Only registered campers and their vehicles are permitted to remain on park property past 10pm.