Pioneer Park is Muskegon County’s most popular park, located along Lake Michigan with over 2,000 feet of beach frontage. Nestled among forested sand dunes, the park provides a perfect setting for camping, swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Its convenient location near Michigan’s Adventure, downtown Muskegon, and other area parks makes it an excellent base camp for outdoor exploration.
The park features 235 modern campsites with open and shaded areas, all equipped with water and electric hookups. The campground is open from the first Friday in May through the last Sunday in September. Guests can also rent a cabin for a cozy getaway or reserve the timeless Lodge for larger family gatherings like weddings or grad parties.
Outdoor recreation options include tennis/pickleball courts, softball and basketball fields, volleyball, and a playground. Additional amenities include Lake Michigan overlook decks, stair access to the beach, modern ADA restrooms and showers, a sanitary dumping station, and a campground office offering ranger services, ice, firewood, and tourist information.
Park Hours
May – September: 8 am to 10 pm
October – April: Sunrise to Sunset
Park Fees
A Muskegon County Motor Vehicle Entry Permit or “Park Pass” is required for all vehicles entering Pioneer County Park from May 1st – September 30th.
Day Pass: $7
Seasonal Park Pass: $25
Campsite Fee: $38/day
Passes can be purchased at the following locations:
- Pioneer Park – Campground office
- Norton Shores City Hall
- Muskegon County Visitors Bureau
- Meinert County Park, when staffed.
- Twin Lake County Park, when staffed.
Park Rules
For a complete list of park rules and regulations, please click the button below to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.
Park Accessibility
In addition to our current ADA campsites and restrooms, we are actively raising funds to enhance accessibility at Pioneer Park and have several projects planned. These include building an ADA beach restroom, replacing the stairs to the beach, adding mobility mats to the beach, improving park trails, and creating additional accessible campsites. Call or email our office to reserve an ADA campsite.
Dog Rules
While on County Park Property:
- Dogs must be under the immediate control of a competent person by means of a leash not exceeding six feet in length.
- Dogs are allowed on the North end of Pioneer Park Beach. Please keep your furry friend on a leash and only in the designated dog beach area.
- Dogs must be supervised and kept quiet at all times.
- “Doggie Bags” are provided for your convenience. Animal feces must be picked up and properly disposed of in the trash.
- Animals are not permitted in park buildings unless it is a service dog for individuals with disabilities.
- Animals who are known to be vicious or dangerous to other park visitors and animals are also not allowed.
Services & Facilities
- Tennis/Pickleball
- Softball
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Horseshoes
- Playground
- Overlook Decks
- Stair Access to 2,000 Feet of Sandy Lake Michigan Beach Frontage
- Modern ADA Restrooms and Showers
- ADA Campsites
- Cabin and Lodge rental
- A Sanitary Dumping Station
- Ice and wood sales in the campground office
- Tourist Information
- Ranger Service and Security
Pioneer Park offers 235 modern campsites, with a mix of open and shaded sites, providing a comfortable camping experience for all visitors. Each campsite is equipped with water and electric hookups for added convenience.
Campers have access to modern ADA restrooms and showers, as well as a sanitary dumping station. Firewood and ice are available for purchase at the campground office.
Local area attractions include: Muskegon State Park, Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, Muskegon South Pierhead Lighthouse, Michigan’s Adventure, and Downtown Muskegon dining, shopping, and museums.
First Friday in May – Last Sunday in September
$38 per day
The Pioneer Park Picnic Lodge is a charming and historic venue, perfect for family reunions, weddings, graduation parties, and large gatherings. Built in 1936 with timber harvested by the Works Progress Administration, the lodge features handcrafted wood and stonework, reflecting 1930s craftsmanship.
The lodge offers picnic table seating for up to 150 guests and includes a small indoor kitchen equipped with a stove/oven, two refrigerators, a prep counter, and electrical outlets. While there is no sink, a water spigot is located at the back of the building. Restrooms are available nearby, though they are not ADA-accessible.
Located just a short walk from Lake Michigan Beach, the Pioneer Park Picnic Lodge provides a scenic and rustic setting for memorable gatherings. Alcohol is not allowed in any Muskegon County Park.
Rental Hours & Rates:
8 am to 9 pm
$125 per day
Pioneer Park offers a three-bedroom rental cottage for a cozy retreat near Lake Michigan that accommodates up to six guests. The cottage features a living room, dining area, and a full kitchen equipped with a stove, refrigerator, and basic cooking utensils. Guests can relax by the outdoor fireplace and enjoy the comfort of air conditioning. A full bathroom is also included for convenience.
Guests must bring their own bedding, towels, cleaning supplies, and personal items. Pets, drugs, and alcohol are not permitted in any Muskegon County Park.
Rental Hours & Rates:
$1,000.00/week (Sunday – Sunday rentals, 7-day maximum)
Before Memorial Weekend:
$150.00/day (2-day minimum)
After Labor Day Weekend:
$150.00/day (2-day minimum)
1563 N. Scenic Drive
Muskegon, MI 49445
May – September:
8:00 am to 10:00 pm
October – April:
Sunrise to Sunset
1563 N. Scenic Drive
Muskegon, MI 49445
May – September:
8:00 am to 10:00 pm
October – April:
Sunrise to Sunset