Haymarsh State Game Area Campground, Big Rapids, MI

For Michigan residents seeking a true escape into the wild, where the sounds of nature replace the hustle and bustle of daily life, Haymarsh State Game Area Campground offers an authentic rustic camping experience. Nestled within the vast 6,737 acres of the Haymarsh Lake State Game Area near Big Rapids, this campground is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. If you're looking to disconnect, immerse yourself in nature, and enjoy activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking, all within a beautiful Michigan landscape, then this is a destination worth exploring. It's a place where the simplicity of camping meets the richness of Michigan's diverse ecosystems.

Haymarsh State Game Area Campground is designed for those who appreciate a more primitive camping style, providing essential amenities without the crowds and noise often found in more developed campgrounds. It’s an ideal spot for Michigan locals who cherish quiet evenings by the campfire, mornings spent watching wildlife, and days filled with outdoor adventures. Whether you're an avid hunter, a passionate angler, a dedicated hiker, or simply someone looking to relax in a serene setting, Haymarsh offers the space and natural beauty to fulfill your desires. It truly embodies the spirit of Michigan's natural heritage, providing a gateway to countless hours of outdoor enjoyment for residents right in their backyard.

Haymarsh State Game Area Campground is located at 20500 140th Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA. This address places it squarely within the Haymarsh Lake State Game Area, which encompasses a significant land area in Mecosta County, Michigan. The campground itself is perched on the edge of Haymarsh Lake, a 375-acre impoundment formed from six smaller bodies of water.

For Michigan residents, the campground's accessibility is quite good, despite its rustic nature. Big Rapids is a well-known city in West Central Michigan, easily reachable via major state highways. US-131, a primary north-south artery in Michigan, passes directly through Big Rapids, providing convenient access from Grand Rapids to the south and Cadillac to the north. From Detroit or other eastern parts of Michigan, travelers can typically use US-10 or M-20 to connect to US-131. Once in the Big Rapids area, 140th Avenue provides direct access to the campground. Reviewers mention that it's "off the beaten path, down a couple of well-marked dirt roads," indicating that while it feels secluded, it's not difficult to find. The remoteness contributes to its quiet and relaxing atmosphere, making it a perfect getaway that is still within a reasonable drive for many Michigan locals looking to escape the urban sprawl. The substantial size of the surrounding State Game Area also means that the immediate vicinity of the campground is preserved for natural activities, enhancing the sense of being truly "out in nature."

Haymarsh State Game Area Campground is a rustic camping destination, meaning it provides essential services rather than extensive modern amenities. This caters to campers who prefer a more natural and less developed experience.

Rustic Campsites: The campground offers 19 rustic campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit. These sites are described as nicely spaced and clean, providing a good degree of privacy.
Hand Water Pump: A hand-operated water pump is available in the middle of the campground, providing potable water for campers. This is a vital amenity for rustic camping.
Vault Toilets: Clean pit toilets (also known as vault toilets) are provided, addressing sanitation needs in a rustic setting. Reviews highlight that these are generally well-maintained.
Public Hunting Land Access: Being within a State Game Area, the campground provides direct access to extensive public lands known for hunting opportunities, including deer, waterfowl, and small game.
Boat Launches: There are two boat launches available for accessing Haymarsh Lake, accommodating small boats suitable for fishing and paddling. Note that the lake is better for kayaking than swimming due to lily pads.
Fish Cleaning Station: A dedicated fish cleaning station is available, a convenient amenity for anglers looking to process their catch.
Trash Dumpster: A trash dumpster is provided, allowing campers to dispose of their waste responsibly and helping keep the area clean.
Group Tent Camping Section: While primarily first-come, first-served, there is a group tent camping section that can be arranged by contacting the parks administration office.

Haymarsh State Game Area Campground boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Michigan's outdoor enthusiasts:

Rustic Waterfront Camping: The ability to camp on the edge of Haymarsh Lake provides a serene and picturesque setting. While some areas of the lake have lily pads, it's excellent for activities like kayaking and fishing.
Extensive Trail System: The surrounding Haymarsh Lake State Game Area offers a network of trails, perfect for hiking and exploring. The "Hunter's Path" is a notable 1.5-mile loop trail, offering scenic views and wildlife observation opportunities.
Prime Hunting and Fishing Grounds: The State Game Area is renowned for its diverse hunting opportunities (deer, waterfowl, small game) and excellent fishing in Haymarsh Lake, which is well-stocked with Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Perch, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish.
Peaceful and Relaxing Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently praise the campground for its quiet and relaxing environment, attributed to its rustic nature and nicely spaced sites. This makes it ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Clean and Well-Maintained Basic Facilities: Despite being rustic, the hand water pump and vault toilets are noted for their cleanliness, which significantly enhances the comfort of a primitive camping experience.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The vast State Game Area is home to abundant wildlife, including eagles and loons, providing fantastic opportunities for nature observation and photography.
Hammocking Friendly: The presence of trees with good spacing makes it a comfortable place for hammocking, adding another dimension to relaxation at the campsite.
First-Come, First-Served Basis: For spontaneous adventurers, the "first-come, first-served" policy for individual campsites means no reservations are required, offering flexibility for last-minute trips.

Based on publicly available information, Haymarsh State Game Area Campground operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis for its individual rustic campsites. This means that unlike many campgrounds, there are typically no advance reservations or online booking systems. Payments for camping are accepted at the campground's registration station, usually via cash or check.

Given its rustic nature and management as part of a State Game Area by Mecosta County Parks in conjunction with the DNR, it is unlikely that there are specific, ongoing "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional commercial sense (e.g., discounts, bundled packages). The pricing for rustic campsites in State Game Areas is generally set at a low, flat rate to encourage access to outdoor recreation.

However, the "offer" is inherent in its affordability and accessibility as a public land camping option. For information on utilizing the group camping area, it is advised to contact the Mecosta County Parks administrative office directly, as there might be specific arrangements or a different process for larger groups. Prospective campers should confirm current rates and payment methods upon arrival or by contacting the administrative office.

To obtain more information about Haymarsh State Game Area Campground, current conditions, or to inquire about group camping, please use the following contact details:

Address: 20500 140th Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
Phone (Mecosta County Parks Administrative Office): (231) 832-3246
Mobile Phone (Mecosta County Parks Administrative Office): +1 231-832-3246
Email: You can likely find an email for the Administrative Office through the Mecosta County Parks website, which manages this campground. A general email for the administrative office is usually available on their main contact page.

Since individual campsites are first-come, first-served, direct contact is most useful for general inquiries about the campground's status, specific rules, or details about the group camping section. It's always a good idea to call ahead, especially if traveling a significant distance, to check on any alerts or conditions that might affect your visit.

Haymarsh State Game Area Campground is exceptionally suitable for Michigan locals seeking an authentic and accessible outdoor experience. For residents across the state, particularly those in the lower peninsula, its location near Big Rapids makes it a manageable drive for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. This convenience means less time on the road and more time enjoying Michigan's natural beauty. The campground's rustic nature, coupled with its placement within a vast State Game Area, offers a unique opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in the wilderness without needing to travel to more remote parts of the Upper Peninsula.

The abundance of recreational activities right at the doorstep – from excellent hunting and fishing opportunities in Haymarsh Lake and the surrounding game area, to extensive trails for hiking and paddling on the lake – caters to a wide range of outdoor interests. For Michigan families, the affordable, first-come, first-served rustic camping provides an economical way to enjoy nature. The consistently praised cleanliness of the basic facilities, like the hand pump and pit toilets, ensures a comfortable experience even in a primitive setting. It truly embodies the spirit of Michigan's "Pure Michigan" motto, offering a serene, activity-rich environment that celebrates the state's natural resources. For any Michigan resident looking for a genuine outdoor adventure that prioritizes nature and quiet over luxury amenities, Haymarsh State Game Area Campground is an ideal local gem.