Trailway Campground, Montague, MI

About

Michigan, with its stunning Great Lakes shoreline, vast forests, and charming small towns, offers an incredible array of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Among the many ways to experience the state's natural beauty, camping stands out as a quintessential Michigan activity. Whether you prefer the rustic appeal of a tent under the stars or the comfort of an RV with all the amenities, Michigan's campgrounds cater to a wide range of preferences. For those seeking an ideal blend of nature, recreation, and local charm, Trailway Campground in Montague, Michigan, presents itself as a truly exceptional destination.

A campground serves as a temporary haven for travelers and adventurers, providing designated sites for tents, recreational vehicles (RVs), or cabins. These spaces often come equipped with various hookups and access to shared facilities, allowing campers to enjoy the outdoors while still having essential comforts. The beauty of a well-situated campground like Trailway is its ability to connect visitors with the natural environment while also offering convenient access to local attractions and services. For Michigan locals, discovering a campground like this means finding a perfect weekend getaway or a longer vacation spot without having to travel too far from home, allowing for more time to relax and explore the beauty of their own state.

Trailway Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's an experience rooted in the heart of Montague. As evidenced by glowing reviews from past visitors, it’s a spot that consistently leaves a positive impression, often described as a "wonderful little campground" and a "hidden gem." This reputation isn't accidental; it's built on a foundation of excellent location, well-maintained facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere. For those who typically gravitate towards state parks, Trailway offers a compelling alternative with its unique urban-nature blend. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Trailway Campground, helping Michigan residents understand why it's a sought-after destination for their next outdoor adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Trailway Campground boasts an enviable location at 4540 Dowling St, Montague, MI 49437, USA. What makes this address particularly appealing is its direct proximity to the vibrant downtown area of Montague. This means campers have the rare luxury of being immersed in a natural setting while also being just a short walk or bike ride from local shops, restaurants, and breweries. The campground is nestled next to the White River and across from the picturesque White Lake, offering beautiful waterfront views and opportunities for various water activities.

One of the most significant advantages of Trailway Campground's location for Michigan locals is its unparalleled accessibility. The Hart-Montague State Park Bike Trail, a 22-mile paved pathway, runs right alongside the campground, providing an immediate connection to miles of scenic biking and walking opportunities. This trail is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Furthermore, being located on Business 31 between Whitehall and Montague, the campground is easily reachable for those traveling from various parts of West Michigan and beyond. While offering a "taste of country in the downtown," it also provides a convenient base for exploring broader regional attractions. For instance, Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park is just seven miles away, and the beautiful Lake Michigan beaches are a mere ten miles, making it an ideal hub for a diverse vacation. This strategic location truly sets Trailway Campground apart, offering the best of both worlds: natural tranquility and urban convenience.

Services Offered

Full hookup RV sites with water, electric (30/50 amp), sewer, and cable TV.
Water and electric hookups available for designated tent sites (limited availability, typically for bicyclists without vehicles and with prior approval).
Clean, modern restrooms with hot showers.
High-speed wireless internet (Wi-Fi) at sites for registered campers.
Picnic tables and cement patios at all RV sites.
Communal campfire pit with provided wood (no individual campfires at sites).
Dumping station (free for campers).
Daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal rates available.
Pet-friendly (pets must be leashed, not left unattended, and not allowed in restrooms).
Extra vehicle parking available at the rear of the campground (for a fee, arrangements to be made with management).
Two public boat launches nearby.

Features / Highlights

Prime downtown Montague location, walking distance to shops, restaurants, and breweries.
Adjacent to the scenic White Lake and White River, offering beautiful views and water access.
Direct access to the 22-mile paved Hart-Montague State Park Bike Trail.
Consistently well-maintained grounds, described as "immaculate" by campers.
Friendly and inviting atmosphere among campers.
Close proximity to the World's Largest Weathervane.
Shady, grassy sites with gravel pads.
Conveniently located near grocery stores (e.g., Montague Foods) and ice cream shops (e.g., Twisters Ice Cream).
Easy access to area festivals and events, such as "Cruz'in" Antique Car Show and Montague Pumpkinfest.
Close to other attractions including Michigan Adventure Amusement Park and Lake Michigan beaches.

Promotions or Special Offers

Trailway Campground is a highly sought-after destination, and as the reviews indicate, reservations can be difficult to secure, often requiring booking well in advance due to its "hidden gem" status and consistent popularity. Given this high demand, it is uncommon for the campground to run specific public promotions or special offers, as their sites frequently remain booked. However, they do offer a range of daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal rates, which can provide cost savings for extended stays. Prospective campers are strongly advised to contact the campground directly to inquire about current availability, specific pricing for their desired length of stay, and any booking requirements. Remember that a deposit of half the total camping fee is typically required within 7 days of making a reservation, and management reserves the right to assign or change sites for optimal efficiency. Early booking is always recommended for this popular Michigan campground.

Contact Information

To learn more about Trailway Campground, check availability, or make a reservation, please use the following contact details:

Address: 4540 Dowling St, Montague, MI 49437, USA

Phone: (231) 894-4903

Mobile Phone: +1 231-894-4903

Given the campground's popularity, it is highly recommended to call or email well in advance of your desired camping dates, especially for peak season bookings. Direct communication ensures you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding site availability, rates, and any specific policies.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michigan locals, Trailway Campground in Montague is an exceptionally suitable destination, offering a unique blend of convenience, natural beauty, and community charm that few other campgrounds can match. Its prime location, nestled directly within the vibrant downtown of Montague while also bordering the White River and the Hart-Montague Bike Trail, provides an unparalleled experience. This means residents can enjoy the peace and quiet of a natural setting, engage in outdoor activities like biking, fishing, and boating, and simultaneously access local amenities such as quaint shops, diverse restaurants, and popular breweries—all within walking or biking distance. This eliminates the need for extensive travel during a vacation, making it a perfect spot for weekend getaways or longer family trips without the hassle of long drives.

The consistent positive feedback from visitors, highlighting the immaculate grounds, warm atmosphere among campers, and the efficiency of the management team, speaks volumes about the quality of the camping experience. While the sites might not be the biggest, as some reviews suggest, the trade-off for such a desirable location and the abundance of nearby activities is well worth it. For those who love the Michigan outdoors but also appreciate the convenience of modern amenities and local culture, Trailway Campground truly offers the best of both worlds. It allows Michigan residents to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of their home state, fostering a sense of local pride and creating lasting memories right in their own backyard. Its popularity as a "hidden gem" among locals is a testament to its value and suitability as a premier camping destination in Michigan.

Reviews

This campground is located in a great area right downtown Montague. It is next to the lake, a bike trail, river with fishing and The best part is the local restaurants, shops, and breweries as well. The campsite aren’t the biggest but good luck getting a reservation. They rarely have opening. So book early this is a hidden gem!!

Sep 27, 2023 · Kris Posty

Wonderful little campground! The grounds were immaculate and other campers were consistently warm and inviting. The adjacent bike trail is beautiful and goes for miles, plus they have some fun coffee shops and breweries within walking distance. We typically stay in state parks but loved this little gem! Nice job management team!

Aug 07, 2020 · Janet N

We stayed here for a week while meeting up with relatives who were vacationing in Grand Haven. The campground is owned by the city of Montague but has the look and feel of a small private campground. We made our reservation via email and then paid half of what we owed for our stay online, paying the rest of it when we arrived. We were given a campground map with WiFi connection info and the bathroom codes at check-in, and were offered a cable box (which we declined). The front half the campground is mostly back-in sites occupied by long-term residents. The back half of the campground begins on the other side of a short, one-lane bridge with wooden beams supported by steel girders underneath. It's strong enough to handle heavier rigs like ours, but you want you make sure your approach to the bridge is relatively straight if your rig is long. The sites in the back half are a mix of pull-throughs and back-ins. All of the sites have gravel pads and grass lawns, and most have a concrete patio with a picnic table. Most sites have a least one shade-providing tree, but sites 43 and 44 do not. Our FHU site (43) was level and was more than long enough to fit our 37-foot fifth wheel and 21-foot truck. But if you have a long RV like ours, you're better off taking the long way around and entering site 43 via a right turn; making the left turn is tricky because it's a sharp turn and the power pole is at the back of the pad. There are bathrooms at the back of the office building, along with a camp sink. There is also a public bathhouse associated with the Hart-Montague Bicycle Trail that is easily accessible from the back of the campground. The dump station and the single large dumpster are along the main road of the campground. There is a section of grass at the back of the campground that serves as a parking lot for towing/towed cars that don't fit into the shorter sites. There is no dog park, but there were plenty of places to walk our dog along the bike trail. When we first arrived (on a Monday), we couldn't get any service on our Verizon Jetpack with MIMO antenna. The signal strength was weak so I tried bumping it up with my cell booster, with no luck. But early the next day (without the booster), I got 60 Mbps down and 8 up, and from that point on we had no problem streaming video except for a few brief slowdowns. The best speed test I ran on my 5G AT&T smartphone showed 94 Mbps down and 16 up. The campground WiFi was pretty good, with 17 Mbps down and 7 up. The real appeal of this campground is the location. It's next door to a large grocery store and an ice cream shop, and within walking distance to multiple bars and restaurants in both Montague and Whitehall. The Hart-Montague Bicycle Trail which borders the campground on two sides is a great way to get around, and you can see a mix of wildlife along the trail in the early morning (mainly waterfowl, rabbits and deer). Despite being close to wetlands, we didn't have any issues with mosquitos during our stay. We would stay here again if we were in the area.

Jun 26, 2023 · Brian Swartzfager

It's very cozy. Definitely a regular campground feel. Not deep in the woods or anything. Excellent customer service and Sufficient restrooms

Jul 08, 2024 · Joe

A hidden gem. The park is well kept and the management was great. Our site was shady and the weather was perfect for mid-August. We saw the best vintage car and truck parade ever while sitting directly in front of our campground. We walked to the grocery store (about 50 feet) and ice cream place (75 feet) from our site. We stayed for a week in our 38 ft. Motorhome. We are looking forward to returning to Michigan and this campground.

Feb 12, 2018 · David Woodruff

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