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

 
 

When will I be able to make a reservation for the 2025 Camping season?

Reservations for 2025 Camping season will begin on the first business day of the year, Thursday, January 2nd at 8am. All reservations can be made online via the reservation website, no reservations will be taken over the phone. We recommend creating an account on the reservation website and familiarizing yourself with the website before January 2nd.

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 issues with completing your reservation with your credit card, please make sure that your Expiration Date and Security Code are correct. If you have further issues, 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. Exceptions to this rule would be a family with more than six children.

When is the Halloween Harvest Festival in 2025 and how much does it cost?
The Halloween Harvest Festival is held at Pioneer Park Campground on September 26th and 27th and each night of camping cost $50 for these dates.

Do I need a Park pass for my vehicle to enter the park and how much does this cost?
Any vehicle entering Pioneer, Meinert, Twin Lake and Dune Harbor Muskegon County Park is required to have a park pass. A day pass is $7 dollars and a Seasonal Park Pass is $25 dollars (The season is the calendar year starting January 2025 to the end of December 2025). Please note that we do not receive general tax funds and these Park Passes and camping fees are what funds our Muskegon County Parks. Thank you for your support! 

Where can I purchase a Muskegon County Park Pass?
A Muskegon County Park Day Pass ($7) or Seasonal Park Pass ($25) can be purchased at Pioneer Park from the campground office, Meinert Park from the Campground office or Beach Booth when staffed, and at Twin Lake County Park booth when staffed. Dune Harbor Park sells passes from self-serve kiosks that accept cards or cash, the kiosks will print a receipt for a day pass or annual pass that can be exchanged at a physical location for a seasonal sticker. Park Passes are available for purchase at Norton Shores City Hall (4814 Henry Street Norton Shores, MI 49441) as well as the Muskegon Visitors Center (Train Depot) located downtown Muskegon at 610 W Western Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440. Please note that we do not receive general tax funds and these Park Passes and camping fees are what funds our Muskegon County Parks. Thank you for your support! 

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 10 pm. Only registered campers and their vehicles are permitted to remain on park property past 10 pm. We do not allow extra vehicles to stay in the park overnight and they must be moved out of the park by 10pm. We appreciate your understanding of this policy as parking is limited and park user safety is our priority. 

I would like to extend my stay. How do I do this?
Extensions to a reservation can be made online for reservable campsites. Extensions must be obtained before 10:00 a.m. on the date the camp permit expires or your campsite can be assigned to another camping party. Reservable campsites will automatically go back into the system online after 10am and can be reserved by another party. Non-reservable campsites must be reserved before 10:00 a.m. in person at the campground office.

What is your refund policy?

All Campsite/Lodge/Shelter/Rental Cabin cancellations are 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. Once you have checked into your campsite, no refunds will be given for early departures.
 

How do I reserve an ADA campsite?

To reserve an ADA-accessible campsite, please follow these steps:

  1. Create an Account: First, create an account in our online reservation system.
  2. Contact Us: After creating your account, please contact us to request an ADA-accessible campsite. You can do this by emailing parks@co.muskegon.mi.us or by calling the park office at 231-744-3580. (emailing is preferred.)
  3. Information to Provide: When reaching out, please include your name, type of camping equipment, and desired reservation dates. Please note that sending your information does not guarantee a reservation. All requests are subject to availability.
  4. ADA need: To help ensure that ADA-accessible campsites are available for individuals who genuinely need them, please provide a copy of your valid ADA parking placard or other documentation when requesting an ADA site. This can be sent via email as an attachment to parks@co.muskegon.mi.us .
  5. Accessibility Information: Our ADA-accessible campsites feature the following accommodations:
  • Paved Sites: All ADA-accessible campsites are paved to ensure smooth access.
  • Electric and Water Hookups: Each site includes electric and water hookups for your convenience.
  • Amenities: Campsites have a picnic table and an ADA fire pit for your enjoyment.
  1. Response Time: We will respond to your request as soon as possible to confirm your reservation and provide additional information about the campsite’s accessibility features.
  2. Inclusivity Statement: We are committed to serving individuals of all abilities and ensuring that reservations for ADA-accessible campsites are made without discrimination based on disability.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!

Reserving an ADA-Accessible Campsite for the 2025 Camping Season

Reservations for the 2025 camping season will be accepted starting at 8 AM on Thursday, January 2, 2025. To ensure a smooth reservation process, please follow these guidelines:

  1. Email Reservations: We strongly encourage you to email us at parks@co.muskegon.mi.us with your requested reservation dates starting at 9 AM on January 2, 2025. Due to the expected high call volume, email is the preferred method to ensure your request is received without delay.
  2. Reservation Order: Reservations will be processed in the order they are received starting at 8 AM on January 2, 2025. Please note that emails sent before this time will not be processed.
  3. Accessibility for All: We are committed to making the reservation process accessible to everyone. If you require assistance or have any questions regarding the reservation process, please don’t hesitate to let us know. You can email us or call 231-744-3580, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
  4. Confirmation of Reservation: After you submit your request, we will respond as soon as possible to confirm your reservation and provide additional details about the campsite’s accessibility features.

 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. Motor Vehicle Permits are $7.00 for a day pass, or $25.00 for an Annual Pass. 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)

Our Campgrounds are closed Oct-May 1st

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

Muskegon County Parks and Facilities are self-sustaining and funded with camping fees, motor vehicle permit fees, facility fees and grant funding resources.

 Thank you for supporting the Parks!

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. Camper pass must be displayed on each vehicle associated with the campsite.
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.(An exception to this rule would be a family that has more than 6 children.)
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 green “Make Reservation” icon.

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.