The Salmon Run Campground, located in Grant, Michigan, has a total of 92 spaces available for guest reservation. These spaces include 2 cabins, 5 tent sites, and 85 RV sites. Each of the RV spaces has water and electricity hookups of 20 and 30 amps—with a few additional sites having 50 amps—as well as a fire pit and a picnic table. The RV spaces can be further classified as either "island view" sites—spaces where patrons have direct access to the Muskegon River—or "river view" sites, which have views of the river but not direct access. Melinda, one of the owners of the property, reports that generally, the island view lots are the most popular among visitors. Also found on the grounds of the campground is a camp store that sells snacks, drinks, slushies, ice cream, water shoes, waterproof phone cases, and other similar items. There is also a pool, arcade, and volleyball court.
Situated on 15 acres of land in Grant, Michigan, the Salmon Run Campground features 2 cabins, 5 tent sites, and 85 RV spaces that can be reserved from the end of April to October. The 85 RV sites can be classified as "on the river" sites, "off the river" sites, or "island view" sites. Views of the adjacent Muskegon River can be seen from the river view spaces. The owners note that there is no direct access to the river from these lots, as there are spaces that are classified as being on the river, where patrons can enter the river from their site. Regardless of which classification a site has, each comes with a fire pit and a picnic table for guest usage.
The tent lots, which are referred to as "rustic sites" on the business' website, do not have water or electricity. Two of the five sites are situated on the bank of the river, while the remaining three are located closer to the forested area of the property. Additionally, the two tent lots are designated as group sites, which Melinda, one of the owners, says are relatively popular among visitors. Melinda remarks, "The tent sites are nice because they are very private and secluded."
Two cabins are also found on the grounds, which Melinda describes as "very rustic." Each cabin can sleep five guests and is equipped with air conditioning, a covered porch, and a barbeque grill, as well as a water hookup and power outlet outside. There is also a picnic table and a fire ring at both of the cabins. These accommodations contain two bunk beds, one with a full bed on the bottom.
Salmon Run Campground has a variety of on-site amenities that visitors may enjoy. There is a camp store with items such as snacks, drinks, ice cream, bug spray, and branded memorabilia items. According to Melinda, this facility also has an arcade with "old school" games, such as a pinball and a pool table. An in-ground pool can be found on the premises, which is heated by a solar power heater. Guests can also utilize the shower house, found next to the pool. A volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and barbequing area are available for those staying at the property to use at their leisure.
The owners of Salmon Run Campground also operate Vic's Canoes, which rents kayaks, canoes, tubes, and other equipment to use in the Muskegon River. Patrons can also participate in river trips, where they will be driven upstream and are able to float or paddle down the river. There is a landing at the campground that guests can use to get out of the river and return the rented equipment.
During a stay at Salmon Run Campground, the owners hope that guests are "able to relax, feel safe, and have fun at a family-friendly campground." Melinda, one of the owners, notes that children can ride their bikes on the dirt roads of the establishment, play in the pool, and enjoy nature. She also says that there is a variety of wildlife that occasionally travels through the area, including deer, wild turkeys, and turtles that lay eggs on the banks of the river. To try and create a relaxing and family-friendly atmosphere, Melinda and her husband George strive to preserve the surrounding nature, limit occupancy in the campground, and "keep things clean."
There are a few guidelines in place that intend to maintain a relaxing and safe atmosphere. One such policy that visitors must abide by is the five-mile-per-hour speed limit that is enforced on the premises. A quiet time is also implemented between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., and smoking is prohibited inside the buildings. Pets are permitted to stay at the property provided that they are leashed at all times, and their owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.
Those who have stayed previously at the campground have commented on the cleanliness of the property, the ease of access to the Muskegon River, and the hospitality of the staff on-site. One former guest said, "George and his wife are excellent hosts and are super friendly. Quiet hours start at 11:00 p.m., and they are very friendly about reminding everyone. The river tubing is a must, and there are very clean facilities with pretty good showers, bathrooms, and even a nice pool to cool off in." The seasonally open campground also hosts live music three times each year, in addition to cornhole tournaments on Memorial and Labor Day weekends. Former patrons have commented that the events, kayak rentals, and location of the property are an "added bonus."
The area surrounding Salmon Run Campground has a variety of activities that patrons may enjoy undertaking. Michigan's Adventure is a water and amusement park near the establishment that people can visit. The Manistee National Forest and Muskegon River are also in fairly close proximity. Melinda notes that the city of Newaygo has multiple areas of potential interest. For those who are seeking some of the city's dining options, Melinda recommends that they eat at The Old Iron, The City Limit, or Jimmy's Roadhouse.
The Salmon Run Campground was built in the early 1970s. Initially, the land was used primarily by fishermen as a place that they could pull off without any designated sites and camp while they fish, according to the owner. As time went on, the sites became more defined, and a previous owner purchased the business next to the campground, Vic's Canoes—a canoe and kayak rental.
Melinda and George Baumann purchased the campground in early 2022. They decided to run the business due to its proximity to the river, as well as the layout of the property and the "old-school nature" of the establishment. Melinda says that she enjoys preparing the individual sites, cabins, and spaces for guests prior to their arrival. She hopes to give a positive contribution to patrons' experiences by cleaning, organizing, and maintaining spaces throughout the campground, while George focuses on greeting and chatting with visitors when they arrive. Since the couple purchased the business, they have added property-wide WiFi. They also added two rental campers that are fully furnished. In the future, Melinda and George hope to add more rental campers and create a glamping experience.
8845 Felch Avenue
Grant, Michigan 49327
United States
Campground
Melinda & George Baumann
