About Newaygo State Park
Newaygo State Park is one of Michigan's newer state parks, set on 400 acres overlooking Hardy Dam Pond near the town of Newaygo. The rustic campground is split into two sections — Oak (sites 1–48) and Poplar (sites 49–99) — with large, private sites separated by 20- to 30-foot forested buffers, giving it a more secluded feel than many modern campgrounds twice its size.
There's no electrical service here; instead, campers get vault toilets and a sanitation station with drinking water access. What the park lacks in hookups it makes up for in scenic embankment views over Hardy Dam Pond, a reservoir on the Muskegon River known for its size and quiet, wooded shoreline.
Things to Do
The Poplar Campground has a buoyed swimming area right on the pond, and kayak rentals are available from June through mid-September for exploring the reservoir. A boat launch serves those bringing their own watercraft, and a disc golf course nearby rounds out the park's low-key recreation offerings.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is prime season for swimming and kayaking on Hardy Dam Pond. The campground typically operates April through November, with fall offering quieter, cooler stays.
Reservation Tips
As one of the newer additions to the state park system, Newaygo is still building its reputation and tends to be easier to book than the region's established parks. Reserve through MiDNRReservations.com within the 6-month window, and choose Poplar Campground specifically if the swim beach is a priority.
Getting There
The park is just outside the town of Newaygo, about 30 minutes northeast of Grand Rapids' outer suburbs and a short drive from the broader Muskegon River recreation corridor.