Newaygo State Park — Attraction in Big Prairie Township

I checked into Newago State Park tonight and bought 3 bundles of wood. This was my first, and last, time to go to this park.

I am avid camper and I camp all summer. I love the state parks in Michigan and I've been to many of them. I am rarely less than completely satisfied.

I am not a camper who tends to make reservations, but it was necessary for this trip because the campgrounds were filling up fast. Since I pre-registered, I read all the warnings on each campground website. There were no warnings for this campground

I cannot believe there was no mention of the Gypsy Moth "caterpillars" on the website. When arrived I was shocked to see the insects were there by the hundreds. I cannot say I love bugs, but they do not tend to bother me, it's part of camping. I decided I would go inside my van and wait until the bugs went to sleep. As dusk approached, the numbers did not subside, so I decided to call the office. The person who answered had no useful information about tlheir invasive insects.

I couldn't even take my pups for a walk because the insects buried themselves into their fur, crawled up my pantlegs, fell into my hair, and crawled up my arm. That was more than I could tolerate.

I decided to leave and take my chances in finding an available campground. I asked for a refund for the site. I was told that was possible. I asked for a refund for the three bundles of wood I had bought not even 3 hours ago. I was told to bring it to the office. I told the the young lady at the office I was not putting the wood (and the bugs) into my van. That was the whole point. I would leave the bundies, still corded, at my site . When I left, I stopped at the office. No, I didn't get a refund.

If I had put the wood into my van, I would have had bugs AND no refund. My three hour stay cost me $32. I found a private mom and pop campground for $35. At least there were no Gypsy Moths.

With the exception of just one other MI state park, this was the worst experience I have had camping in Michigan.

I consider myself to be a reasonable person and to pay for the goods and services I receove. . However, I also expect to be informed if there are problems and, if I still decide to pay for the service, that's my decision. Had I known there was an invasive bug problem I would have driven to my next campgroynd in Illinois and not stopped over at Newago (a campground I've wanted to check out for several years).

I could have given a zero rating, I would have done so.

I should also state, money is not the issue though a refund would have been the right thing do. It is a matter of principle,. This park has a severe issue that needs to remedied and, I'm sorry, using Covid as an excuse for not spraying just doesn't fly with me. If the park rangers know these nasty critters invade the campground from #date to #date, then spray the area or don't olen. These insects are potentially toxic to my dogs, do I'm.gkad I they destruo.trees and foliage. They need to be exterminated.

To say I am disappointed is an...

Imagine paying $20 a night for a campground advertised as being rustic(no amenities) and then giving the state park 3 stars for being exactly that.

I suggest reviewing the google photos before booking, you are obviously here leaving a review. Why not look up what you are about to buy? Like whether or not you need a recreational passport to access the park(you do) and how that works(by the plate, every vehicle entering needs one)

Is it the state parks fault you didn’t do any research at all?

Park is usually booked full on weekends with families. The Dragon trail intersects the park. It is not only a mountain biking trail. Beach is about 20ft wide. Not much they can do considering the location. If you want to just use a beach you would go to Operators park if you researched at all. Boat launch is in constant use, but never really a wait to drop in. The park has issues with people being loud past quiet hours and before quiet hours end, not much they can do but ask they people to be quiet. The parks closed after 10pm, which means campers have to stay in the campground, you need to use the paths if you want to get to the other campground not the road. I assume because they have other stuff like a beach and disc golf that is open to the public, and does include campers. Some reviews complain about being told to be quiet but most complain about the noise.

Wish Newaygo county would enforce the speed limit on hardy dam pond. Speed boats absolutely roaring till late at night.

If you book online it costs more. Any time I have ever had an issue the staff has been more than considerate in resolving or helping me. That’s why they are there. Don’t struggle, ask for help.

This park is my absolute favorite. Site 85 when it isn’t busy, staff takes beyond good care of the park compared to others around hardy.

Some amazing rustic camping to be had.

If you think they can just install flushable...

First time here. Stayed in Oak loop, site 37. Sites are very small and pretty close together on this side. I stayed during the week, wouldn't recommend staying on the weekend unless you like boat noise and lots of loud people and loud music. No privacy on this end as the Frisbee course is right in back of us and people were pretty loud.

I made an online reservation and what was supposed to be full shade site, it wasn't full shade. Upon checking in, yellow check in phone was not working. So, I just drove to my site.

No amenities at all and the water pump on this side was not working. No big deal, found one at site 23. Bathrooms could use a cleaning but weren't totally disgusting.

Maybe Poplar side is much better for site space. For 20.00 a night it might be worth it but for the cramped space on this side I'll pay more for a bigger site.

All in All it was very quiet after 10:00 pm with just a few boats still on water. This campground just...